{"id":25548,"date":"2023-04-20T07:44:59","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T05:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=142868"},"modified":"2023-04-20T08:35:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T06:35:39","slug":"ebbor-gorge-mendips-hills-circular-walk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/ebbor-gorge-mendips-hills-circular-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Ebbor Gorge, Mendips Hills circular walk"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just down the road from Cheddar Gorge is a quiet yet equally impressive wooded valley, Ebbor Gorge. Starting at Wookey Hole, this route climbs high above the Somerset Levels before dropping through the gorge’s lush woodland. <\/p>

By Dixe Wills\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 20 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Though just five miles from Cheddar Gorge<\/a>, the sylvan and striking Ebbor Gorge is far less busy. Formed of limestone, it\u2019s pocked with caves, some of which were used as dwellings by our prehistoric ancestors.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, the lush ancient woods are a designated National Nature Reserve. Those with children who need bribing to go on walks can promise them a visit to Wookey Hole Caves<\/a> afterwards.<\/p>\n

Somerset walks<\/h4>\n

Follow the coast path along Exmoor\u2019s north cliffs, hike alongside rumbling rivers and explore historic houses and beautiful gardens with our selection of great Somerset walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>

\""Exmoor\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

Ebbor Gorge walk<\/h2>\n

2.3 miles\/3.7km | 1.5 hours | moderate | 210m ascent<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Start<\/h4>\n

Starting on Wookey Hole High Street, head up School Hill, passing between a \u2018no through road\u2019 sign and a splendid little shelter. When the road bends to the right, go through a metal gate on your left, following a Monarch\u2019s Way sign.<\/p>\n

Climb the grassy hill on a footpath, crossing stiles and ignoring a left-hand path immediately before the hill becomes steeper.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
View of Glastonbury Tor from above Ebbor Gorge\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

2. Glastonbury Tor views<\/h4>\n

Just before reaching the top, in front of a stile inscribed with the words \u2018Smile on you crazy diamond\u2019, turn left on a crossing path, entering a new field.<\/p>\n

Keep the wall to your right through this field and the next, taking in views of Wells and Glastonbury Tor, topped by its famous tower.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
In spring, the woods in Ebbor Gorge are filled with bluebells\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

3. West Mendip Way<\/h4>\n

As you reach the end of the second field, bear left, keeping inside it. You\u2019ve now joined the West Mendip Way. This path bends right and dives into the woods of the gorge, heading straight over where a path crosses it.<\/p>\n

Those interested in climbing down though the heart of the gorge can instead turn right here, veering left after 100m to descend the gorge on a steep path. Note that this alternative route is steep and hands are required. The path runs parallel to the described route (below), rejoining it \u2013 and the West Mendip Way \u2013 half a mile down the valley.<\/em><\/p>\n

In spring, whichever route you choose, the woods here come alive with bluebells<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Feeling adventurous? Take a diversion and scramble down the Ebbor Gorge gully\/Credit: Charles Drown, Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

4. Kennel Batch<\/h4>\n

Just after the footpath turns sharp left, take a path on the right to emerge at a small grassy viewpoint.<\/p>\n

After enjoying the panoramas across the Somerset Levels, retrace your steps to the main path and turn right along it. Follow this path to descend the gorge until you reach a road called Kennel Batch.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
View of Ebbor Gorge from the path\/Credit: Des Blenkinsopp, Geograph<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

5. High Street<\/h4>\n

Turn left along the road, still on the West Mendip Way. After 300m, follow the road left ignoring Titlands Lane to the right. You are now on the High Street. Walk 300m along the High Street to return to the start at School Hill.<\/p>\n

Cheddar Gorge walk<\/h4>\n

Stunning show caves, rare plantlife and a street of tempting sweet shops and ice cream parlours make this 3.5-mile Cheddar Gorge walk<\/a> irresistible.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>

\""Cheddar\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

Ebbor Gorge map<\/h2>\n

OS Maps: Ebbor Gorge walking route<\/a><\/p>\n

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Useful information<\/h3>\n

Starting point<\/h4>\n

The junction of Wookey Hole High Street and School Hill. If visiting Wookey Hole caves afterwards, park in their free car park. Otherwise, it\u2019s best to arrive by the\u00a067 bus from nearby Wells. For a longer walk, you can take the West Mendip Way from Wells to the start (about 2 miles).<\/p>\n

Terrain<\/h4>\n

The path begins with a bracing climb and can get muddy in the woods in wet weather. Follow Monarch\u2019s Way signs up the hill, and the West Mendip Way down through Ebbor Gorge and back to the start.<\/p>\n

Map<\/h4>\n

OS Explorer 141<\/p>\n

Eat\/drink<\/h4>\n

Try the Wookey Hole\u00a0Ice Cream Parlour or\u00a0the restaurant and\u00a0beer garden of the Wookey Hole Inn<\/a>. Stay The Wookey Hole Inn\u00a0has a selection of spacious rooms, while Wells (2 miles) has a\u00a0wide variety of accommodation.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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