The Mendips are truly one of England’s most beautiful landmarks, and no holiday in Somerset would be complete without exploring them. Whether it’s hiking The Mendip Way, discovering prehistoric archaeological sites, gawping in wonder at majestic Cheddar Gorge, delving into the Wooky Hole Caves, or meandering amongst the ancient trees of Kings Wood – there’s something for everyone!
A designated National Landscape (formerly AONB), this protected landscape is rich in unique natural features and well worthy of attention. Mainly made of limestone hills with lakes, gorgeous and caves throughout, it’s a perfect spot for outdoorsy types.
Running the length of the hills, from Weston-super-Mare to Frome, lies The Mendip Way - a trail of 50 miles (80 kilometres). A must for walkers, you can pick up the path at points throughout the Mendips, or if you’re particularly passionate about hiking, why not try the whole walk? It takes approximately 3 days. Of course, there are plenty of other less strenuous walks!
If that all seems a bit like hard work, why not head underground and explore the Wooky Hole Caves, complete with resident witch, or Cheddar Gorge, home to the highest inland cliffs? Or if archaeology is more your thing, check out the iron age hillfort of Dolebury Warren. For fishing, Blagdon Lake covers 440 acres and you can fish from the edge or by boat, whilst there are also three Wildlife Trust Reserves; Black Rock, Longwood and Velvet Bottom.
All in all, this is a hugely diverse region with caves, cliffs, lakes, ancient woodland, prehistoric human settlements and astonishing views over The Severn Estuary towards South Wales, and the Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor.
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