As an accredited member of the nationwide network Walkers are Welcome, Cheddar provides walks in and around the gorge and the beautiful Mendip Hills to suit every type of walker. Seventeen different walks have been devised by local voluntary group Cheddar Walking, with printed guides stocked by the Cheddar Gorge Visitor Information Centre (VIC), or available to download from the group’s website cheddarwalking.org.uk. To date 10,000 printed sheets have been purchased and almost 150,000 walks downloaded.
Walks range from the 1.5 mile Cufic Loop in the heart of the gorge to the West Mendip Way stretch of 21 miles, from Weston-super-Mare to Cheddar via Shute Shelve in two sections. Many walks are circular, some link to bus routes. There are easy walks suitable for wheelchairs and buggies and more demanding routes like the popular gorge clifftop circuit. There is even a four pubs walk!
Perhaps unsurprisingly the walking guides are the biggest sellers in the Gorge Visitor Information Centre, but the VIC also stocks a comprehensive selection of other guides, maps and information on attractions in Cheddar and the surrounding area.
With Easter the traditional start of the tourist season the visitor centre will be open every day and the volunteers who run the centre are hoping for good numbers of people wanting to explore the area. Of course, not everyone who visits Cheddar is looking for a walk, and there are plenty of other attractions in the gorge to satisfy all tastes, not least the magnificent caves, but for those wanting to stretch their legs walkers most definitely are welcome.
For general information or details of volunteering in the Visitor Information Centre email cheddargorgevic@gamail.com