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Cheddar Gorge & the Mendip Hills  Walking Weekend

Explore the Mendips on guided walks, enjoy home-cooked meals, and make new friends as you discover the stunning landscapes of Cheddar Gorge, Ebbor Gorge, and beyond.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 30
Level: Leisurely & Active walks on offer
Age: Over 18s only
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a nutshell:

  • Explore the Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge on two relaxed, guided walks with a qualified walk leader.

  • Relax in the hostel in the evening and enjoy this stunning part of the countryside while we prepare the food.

  • Meet a friendly group of fellow walkers and outdoors-lovers.

  • Look out for the rare wildlife of the Mendips, see ancient sites that date back thousands of years, and imagine the cataclysm that created Cheddar gorge.

 

Book today…

Rolling hills, dramatic gorges and lovely walks in cider country.

Join us for a memorable walking weekend in the picturesque Mendips, where stunning landscapes, guided walks, and the company of new friends create the perfect escape. Settle into the tranquil surroundings of our hostel as you prepare to explore the best of the area, from the dramatic cliffs of Cheddar Gorge to the peaceful woodlands of Ebbor Gorge. Whether you choose a challenging hike or a more leisurely stroll, our experienced guides will ensure you enjoy the beauty and history of this unique region.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and share stories with fellow walkers. With plenty of time to relax in the evenings, whether sampling local cider or visiting a nearby pub, this weekend promises a refreshing and social experience in one of England’s most scenic areas.

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • Arrive at the hostel from 5pm, where your Large Outdoors host will greet you and help you settle in. As you unwind from your journey, you can relax in the lounge with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Dinner will be served at 8pm, marking the official start of the weekend.

    After dinner, we'll go over the plans for the next day and update you on the weather forecast. If you’re up for it, this evening could be the perfect opportunity to check out a local pub and get a taste of the area’s atmosphere.

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare your packed lunches from our great selection of ingredients. We’ll be heading out on our day walks, with the aim of splitting the group into two—offering a longer and a shorter walk option. If this isn’t feasible, we’ll choose a route that everyone can enjoy together.

    Possible Routes:

    • Cheddar Gorge via Black Down: A full-day circular walk that showcases the best of the area, including Black Down, Cheddar Wood, and the famous Cheddar Gorge. We’ll approach the gorge from the top, descending to finish the walk in Cheddar. Expect some ups and downs, but overall, it’s a steady and rewarding walk.

    • Cheddar Gorge Circuit: A shorter, yet equally stunning route. After a necessary steep climb to reach the hills from Cheddar, we’ll take our time to soak in the breathtaking views before descending the gorge. We’ll finish with plenty of time to relax at a local tea room.

    Once back at the hostel, you’ll have time to freshen up and share stories from the day over a drink or two. Perhaps this is the perfect moment to sample some local cider and fully embrace the weekend vibe!

  • After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and check out of the hostel. We’ll head out for a gentle Sunday walk, aiming for a route that lasts around 3 hours, before wrapping up the weekend with a visit to a local spot for lunch. You’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for the beautiful walks in this part of the country.

    Possible Walks:

    • Ebbor Gorge: Explore the wooded nature reserve of Ebbor Gorge, with its ancient tumuli and historical sites. The climb through the gorge is uphill, but the level ground at the top offers stunning views that make the effort worthwhile.

    • Wookey Hole: For those who prefer a different kind of adventure, Wookey Hole is nearby. Spend your morning exploring the famous show-caves and other attractions, then join us for lunch to cap off a great weekend.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm

    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Cheddar YHA
    Hillfield
    Cheddar
    BS27 3HN

    Parking: Parking is available at the hostel.

    Public Transport:

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Our accommodation for this trip is YHA Cheddar Hostel, a large and characterful Victorian house. It has a bright dining room with a conservatory style roof to let in natural light, a comfortable lounge, great facilities, and Wi-Fi.

    Accommodation Address:
    Cheddar YHA
    Hillfield
    Cheddar
    BS27 3HN

    what3words: drop.makeovers.ranges

    Rooms in the hostel are shared (male and female separate), with some private twin rooms available.

    For this trip, we also have use of an adjacent guesthouse with single and double rooms available. Numbers for these rooms are limited, so please book sooner rather than later if a single or double room is your preference.

    We’ll all relax and eat together at the hostel, and set out from here on our lovely day walks.

    All bedding is provided, but you will need to bring your own towel and toiletries.

  • Included:

    • 2 days of guided day walks in the Mendips area with our fully qualified professional leaders.

    • 2 nights hostel accommodation.

    • Welcome meal on the Friday plus evening meal on Saturday.

    • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

    • A packed lunch for Saturday's Walk.

    • Tea, coffee, and soft drinks at the hostel.

    • A Large Outdoors host to welcome you and organise the weekend.

    • Pre-weekend support from the Large Outdoors admin team.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the venue.

    • Alcohol to be consumed at the hostel - if you’d like a drink with dinner, please feel free to bring a bottle!

    • Any additional excursions or activities that incur a cost.

    • What level of fitness is needed?
      This trip is rated ‘Leisurely to Active’. There’ll be a choice of routes each day to suit your comfort and energy levels, but all routes should be manageable.

    • Can I attend on my own?
      Absolutely! Many of our attendees are solo travellers.

    • When should I arrive?
      You are welcome to arrive from 5pm onwards on Friday evening. Your host will be at the venue ready to greet you, and dinner will be served at 8pm. If you intend to arrive after 10pm, please let us know.

    • I’d prefer vegetarian or vegan meals - can this be arranged?
      Yes, absolutely! We will always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, but please note this must be requested well ahead of the trip - the remote location of our accommodation means we can’t pop out to buy additional ingredients. Complete the dietary section during the booking process and if your dietary needs change ahead of the trip please email the office and we’ll update your booking.

    • I’d prefer gluten-free meals - can this be arranged?
      We will provide meals using gluten-free ingredients, but due to the shared nature of the kitchen we cannot provide strictly gluten-free meals. Please let us know you’d like gluten-free ingredients ahead of time by completing the dietary section during the booking process.

    • I am allergic to a specific ingredient - can you provide meals for me
      Due to the shared nature of the kitchen we are unable to provide meals suitable for those suffering from many allergies. Please contact the office before booking to discuss your requirements.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
      We do not provide transportation during this trip. You will need to make your way to and from the hostel, and on Saturday we’ll aim to set off walking from the door of the hostel. On Sunday, where a short drive to the starting point is required, you will need to drive yourself but we encourage car sharing.

    • Can I bring my dog?
      Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for registered assistance dogs.

  • A range of hills running east-west across north Somerset, the Mendips have been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) due to its unique wildlife and geology. Made up of limestone, they contain impressive cave systems including at Wookey Hole and in Cheddar Gorge, and host special ecosystems. You’ll find peregrine falcons, rare butterflies, and a plethora of other wildlife in the woodlands and grassy hilltops. One of the caves was the site where the oldest complete human skeleton was found, dating back 9000 years, and since then there has been evidence of constant use, including in the Iron Age and by the Romans. The hills give excellent views north to Bristol and Bath, south to the Somerset Levels and west to the Severn Estuary. They are a popular location for walkers, hosting two long-distance trails as well as numerous other footpaths. Cheddar Gorge itself is a famous spot for rock climbing.Description text goes here

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.