Organisers: Richie
Where: YHA Cheddar, Hillfield, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3HN
When: 27 September – 29 September 2019 (Fri-Sun)
Cost: £129.00 (includes 2 nights’ accommodation and the guided walks)

Summary

Cheddar Gorge

For this hiking weekend we will depart from London on Friday evening after work and head for Cheddar.  Car sharing will be available for those that need it and options will be announced nearer the time (please indicate this as a requirement when booking your ticket).  You are welcome to make your own way to the accommodation if you prefer.

We will be visiting the spectacular Mendip Hills (AONB: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).  An ideal location for a late summer weekend away, we have accommodation booked at YHA Cheddar.  Nestled in the Mendips, the world famous Cheddar Gorge is just a few minutes’ walk away and is an adventure playground for all.  This large, characterful Victorian house sits in the village below the dramatic gorge that has the highest limestone cliffs in England and makes it the perfect adventure weekend destination for individuals and groups, and is ideal for us.  All bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a towel and toiletries.  The hostel features a comfortable lounge with plenty of sofas and arm chairs, great self-catering facilities and a handy drying room for muddy clothes.  In the kitchen you find fridges, a freezer, a microwave, a cooker, a kettle and toaster, plus lots of pots, pans, cutlery and crockery.  There is an option of a cooked breakfast (incl veggie) at the hostel, otherwise you will need to bring your own food for breakfast and packed lunches.

YHA Cheddar

On Saturday, we walk from the front door of our accommodation and the circular route is based around Cheddar Gorge – at almost 400ft (122m) deep and 3 miles (4.8km) long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sights – our route returns via the village and tourist shops of Cheddar.  The route is approximately 20km.  After the walk we will return to the accommodation for showers, and then most of the group are likely to eat their evening meal at a local pub in the village which will be booked nearer the time – or you can self-cater at the hostel.

Cheddar Gorge

We will choose from 1 of 2 options on Sunday, either: Chew Valley Lake – the largest reservoir in SW UK – a designated a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) with brilliant views and scenery; or the famous Wookey Hole (with its dramatic caves) and Ebbor Gorge (including using part of the West Mendip Way) – these are a designated Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR). These are both approximately 14km – so after the day’s hike, we plan to be back into London at about 7pm on Sunday.

Mendip Hills