Read this little piece of Cheddar Gorge hiking journal to give you a more specific idea of how to prepare for the hike plus beautiful pictures!
In this modern world, we are continuously being fed with bottomless (and fake) info we don’t need, and are forced to make decisions continuously. It’s just way too much.
Shopping is exhausting. Hiking is recharging.
You know there’s only one goal – the peak – which leads you all the way up under a roof of blue sky and fluffy clouds, walking along the path naturally decorated with myriad mountain plants. There are no distractions at all.
A strenuous hike not only rewards a stunning view, but also a sense of accomplishment and achievement. And THAT is the power of nature.
Hiking up Cheddar Gorge has long been on my list since moving to Bristol. Finally, the day has come.
When you look up Cheddar Gorge on Google Maps, you’ll probably find the sightseeing spot, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, which cost more than £20 per person. You need to pay for access to nature? This thinking makes me sick. But luckily, this is not the case.
There is a public footpath that guides you through to the gorge via the clifftop, meaning you can hike Cheddar Gorge for FREE.
This Gorge Walk is 5.5 km long, and it takes around 2 hours to finish the loop.
The starting point is located opposite to the visitor centre. Gradually climbing up through the shades at a moderate steepness for about 20 minutes, soon we arrived at an open area with only greens and a few marshmallow clouds over our heads.
In just 30 minutes, we’d already reached one of the scenic spots in the Cheddar Gorge. It’s off the trail with a gate divided. Probably you’ll see a bunch of people there and your feet naturally follow the crowds and enjoy this stunning view.
After taking numerous photos, we gleefully went back to the trail and hiked along the gorge. On the way, we saw more blooming mountain plants and flowers which slackened our pace in a good way.
Passing the flat area, we started to descend all the way down. To me, it was the hardest part since descending – the pressure on the knees is always more strenuous than ascending.
After descending and crossing the road, we were on the other side of the gorge and ready to climb up again.
A father of a 3-child family stopped us and sought for advice about which side they should take for a walk. At that time, we had just finished one side with a wonderful panoramic view of the Cheddar gorge, so we, of course, recommended them to take that path. And they did.
Then we moved on and hiked to the other side, and THIS view just disagreed with what we told the family.
I summoned the remaining energy to cautiously approach the precipitous gorge cliff, where my heart beat fastened and imaginations went viral that if accident happens – usually nothing – I was gaped by the nature’s creations and asked Curry Boy to capture the moment.
‘Are you satisfied?’ asked Curry Boy.
‘More than satisfied.’
Next time, whenever I hike, I want to bring a bento and enjoy the priceless view.
Because Cheddar village is touristic, and the food is mediocre, like this Greek food.
Cheddar Gorge Hiking Tips
- Toilets: There is a public toilet next to the Moorcraft Sheepskin Products shop. Clean and in good condition. Look out for the signs.
- Footwear. I recommend wearing proper hiking shoes since the paths are not paved and have pointy rocks. At least wear thick soles to ensure the hike is more enjoyable.
More Hikes and Days Out from Bristol
- Wye Valley What to See: Eagles Nest Easy Hike
- Bristol Days Out: Michelin Seafood and a Lake Walk
- Wales Hiking in Abergavenny (plus a Lovely Cafe Recommended)
- Cardiff Day Out: Free Outdoor Museum (and a Lovely Café)
