Cheddar Gorge from Black Rock

This circular walk with ascents and descents explores the famous Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills with great viewpoints from the cliffs!

Technical sheet

4187912
A Cheddar walk posted on 14/10/20 by charentimoy. Last update : 24/03/23
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.96 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 298 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 292 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 248 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 20 m
  • ⚐
    District: Cheddar 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 51.287445° / W 2.744106°

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Cheddar and its reservoir from the cliff
Nyland Hill far away and Cliff road below
Cheddar Reservoir from the cliff
Approaching Cheddar Gorge

Description

Start : Black Rock car park on B3135 (gravel lay-by off road parking at the top of the gorge). (BS40 7XU) Grid ref. ST 482 546

(S/E) From the car park, head to the flat path (East side) for 100 m where you can see "Black Rock National Trust" signpost.

(1) Go through the gate and bear immediately left (North-West) "Gorge walk Cheddar 2.7Km". At the next gate continue to the right (red arrow) and ascend the steps. From now on, you follow the cliffs enjoying the views to Cheddar, the valley and the impressive other side of the gorge. Follow the red arrows for one mile until you go across an open field and go through a low wall.

(2) Past the low wall, turn left (South-West) for a quick way and return if you want to enjoy a nice viewpoint which opens to Cheddar and its reservoir. Retrace your steps along the low wall and take the path which bends left (South-West).

Descend this path in woods for 600 m (be careful, it can muddy and very slippery during wet conditions!) until you reach a gravel track (Cufic Lane). Turn left (South-East) until you join Cliff Road where you bear right (West). Follow the main road (B3135) going past many shops for 600 metres until you reach crossroads with St Andrew's Road and Eldweiss Cafe.

(3) Bear left and ascend Lippiatt Lane for 150 m before you turn left (North) in Lynch Lane. Ascend a few metres until you find a fork with "Lynch Cottage" signpost on your left.

(4) Turn left (North) to the path (public bridleway and gorge walk signs) which goes up in woods leading to the Lookout Tower. Read interesting explanations and head towards a gate on your right. Go through this gate next to the information signpost ignoring the stairs on your left. Continue the main path going through another gate. The path finally leads to the cliffs. The views of the city are even more beautiful from this side of the gorge!

(5) Walk the whole overlooking path along the cliff ignoring a stile on your right. Follow the red arrow path which finally goes down to Black Rock car park on B3135.(S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 176 m - Black Rock car park
  2. 1 : km 0.14 - alt. 186 m - Gate
  3. 2 : km 1.97 - alt. 176 m - Viewpoint
  4. 3 : km 3.32 - alt. 20 m - Crossroads
  5. 4 : km 3.53 - alt. 44 m - Path in woods
  6. 5 : km 5 - alt. 233 m - Path along the cliff
  7. S/E : km 5.96 - alt. 176 m - Black Rock car park

Useful Information

Start & parking : Black Rock car park on B3135 (gravel lay-by off road parking at the top of the gorge). (BS40 7XU) Grid ref. ST 482 546

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 1 review

Clarity of route description
3 / 5
Clarity of route map
3 / 5
Walk interest
5 / 5
Atlas1
Atlas1

No we have no Ideas to increase clarity as it is down to the number of signs along the route. There are long spaces with no signs which could be lead to going in the wrong direction. We had a GPS so this wasn't a problem.

Delphinium
Delphinium

Hi Atlad1,

Thank you for taking the time to give feedback on this walk! 🙌🏼 Glad you enjoyed it. As the "Clarity of route description" and the "Clarity of route map" seem to be average and this a participative concept, could you please suggest any improvement so we can adjust for other walkers to enjoy?

Enjoy your walks 🙌🏼

Atlas1
Atlas1

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : 22/03/23
Clarity of route description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

An interesting walk that can be quite busy. Some up hill and down hill parts are challenging. There are muddy sections but not off putting. The views are amazing take your camera. It was nice to stop in Cheddar for food and refreshments. We had a very!!! pleasant day with good weather.

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