Walking Route - Mendip Hills,
Somerset
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Cheddar > Charterhouse >
Beacon Batch > Cheddar
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Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2
Km)
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Height Gain: 1475 ft (449
m)
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One of the better kept secrets of the British
countryside, the Mendip Hills are a warmer West Country
alternative to the Peak District complete with drystone
walls, caves and spectacular gorges.
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Maps: OS Explorer 141
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 2
Technicality: 1
Photo Grade: 4
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Start Point: ST
466 538
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Overview: One of the better kept secrets of the British
countryside, Somerset's Mendip Hills are a warmer and less strenuous
alternative to the Peak District complete with drystone walls, caves
and spectacular gorges.
This walk takes in the famous Cheddar Gorge and Beacon Batch, the
highest point in the Mendips.
Section 1: Cheddar to Charterhouse
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Distance: 2.75 miles (4.4km)
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Height Gain: 1013ft ( 308m)
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Average Time: 1 hour 35 mins
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From the car park at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge cross the
road to join the long ascent of the east side of the gorge. The path
runs alongside the edge initially, before it gets pushed right by
trees.
After three-quarters of a mile the path levels out before dropping
steeply to join the road near the top of the gorge. Cross the road
and take the path opposite, through the trees, climbing steadily past
Black
Rock.
Shortly after emerging from the trees turn right at a junction,
then immediately left where the path splits to enter Velvet
Bottom. This narrow channel takes you directly to Charterhouse,
where you'll find an Information Centre about the Mendip Hills
AONB.
Section 2: Charterhouse to Beacon Batch
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Distance: 1.9 miles (3.1km)
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Height Gain: 370ft (113m)
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Turn right along the road, then left at a small crossroads a few
yards further on. After quarter of a mile take the road on the left
that climbs steadily to the transmission masts.
Beyond the masts a path crosses the limestone plateau to Beacon
Batch, less than 50 ft higher but with superb views.
Section 3: Beacon Batch to Cheddar
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Distance: 3.5 miles (5.7km)
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Height Gain: 91ft (28m)
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Average Time: 1 hour 25 mins
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The summit of Beacon Batch radiates paths in all directions. Head
south west as youu descend, using the bottom corner of the trees on
your right as a guide.
As you approach the trees drop down to the road at Tynings
Farm, and turn left. A quarter mile of road walking leads to a
track on the right to Gorsey Bigbury and Piney Sleigh Farm.
Beyond the farm the track reduces to a path, heading south west to
a junction. Take the left branch to descend the west side of Cheddar
Gorge. At the foot of the hill turn left, then left again to return
to your starting point.
Ray Britton
