Cheddar Gorge


Useful Information

Location: Near Cheddar.
(51.285804, -2.757216)
Open: no restrictions.
[2021]
Fee: free.
[2021]
Classification: GorgeGorge
Light: n/a
Dimension:  
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: yes
Bibliography:  
Address: Cheddar Gorge.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

Cheddar Gorge is the most prominent gorge in Great Britain, located in the Mendip Hills. Limestone cliffs reach up 150 m from the valley floor and the road leading down the valley is steep, narrow and winding. It has many caves and other karst features. The caves are located at the lower end of the gorge, near the town of Cheddar. The name Cheddar stands for cheese, and the gorge is the place where it is produced. There are numerous caves along the gorge, some of which are show caves, others are used for storing and maturing cheese. And finally there a more caves which may be visited during a stroll through the gorge.

Tis is a steep valley, not the ravine type of gorge, and it is wide enough for a road. A highway is built through the whole length of the gorge. But this required most of the space in the gorge, and so there are very few possibilities to stop and park. At the lower end there are parking lots for the show caves, which are located right at the lower entrance to the gorge. We recommend walking the gorge starting from the caves, between one and two hours are enough to explore the most impressive corners of the gorge and have a look into some caves along the road. Take a torch with you for the caves.