Hill Walking over The Mendips - various trails available. Maps with points of interest available on request. A very nice walk from The Mendip Gate ending up at the award winning Crown Inn recommended.

Dolebury Hillfort grid ref:450590









Iron age hillfort of great interest for its grassland, limestone heath vegetation and ancient field systems. The limestone grassland comes alive with wildflowers and butterflies in spring and summer but this is a good place for a dramatic walk at any time of year. Access directly from The Mendip Gate at Churchill.

Black Rock Reserve grid ref: 474545
Coppiced woodland reserve including old quarry. Links to Velvet Bottom Reserve. On West Mendip Way.

Cheddar Gorge grid ref: 467539
Dramatic limestone gorge with TIC, shops, pubs, tearooms, toilets etc situated at the bottom. Public footpath around the top of the Gorge that can be joined at Black Rock at top of Gorge, Lion Rock or Lippiat Lane.

Kings Wood grid ref: 422561
Ancient woodland with ground flora. Access to Wavering Down and Crooks Peak. On route of West Mendip Way, adjacent to Strawberry Line.

Crook Peak grid ref: 392550
Distinctive peak, (628ft). Not a notable ancient site, though it does have some ancient burial tumuli located on it. Open grassland site with areas of gorse and scrub.
West Mendip Way passes over the peak. Spectacular views towards Exmoor.
Car park with picnic tables on Webbington Road.

   



http://www.samaritansway-southwest.org.uk/
This is one of the longest walks in Somerset, 100 miles (160km) from Bristol to Lynton. A wonderful way marked walk linking the Cotswolds, the Mendips, the Polden Hills, the Quantocks, the Brendons, Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Coast.

It starts at Clifton Suspension Bridge on the spectacular Avon Gorge and continues across the Chew Valley with its peaceful lakes, over the Mendip Hills to Cheddar Gorge, along the Somerset Levels to historic Glastonbury and on to the Quantock Hills with a scenic ridge walk passing through the villages around the Brendon Hills. The route then crosses Exmoor to Doone Valley and Badgworthy Water, follows the East Lyn River and climbs Myrtleberry Cleaves to Lynton.


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Bristol's lively City Centre is approximately 12 miles. Bristol evokes memories of Isambard Kingdom Brunel who created many of his masterpieces here. It is alive with places to absorb the influence that sea trading has had on the city over the years. Explore the historic SS Great Britain or John Cabot's Matthew in Bristol Harbour. With a huge choice of shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, theatres, and many attractions including Bristol Zoo, @Bristol Exploratory and Wildscreen, you will have to come back! 

 

Bristol also enjoys The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, just north, next to jct.17 of the M5.
The Mall is a stunning shopping centre with 130 top name stores, 15 cafes and restaurants sandwiched between the largest Marks and Spencer in the South West and John Lewis, stocking half a million different lines. It boasts 7000 free parking spaces and a bus stop right outside John Lewis. 0117 9030303

Cabot Circus has arrived! A must for serious shoppers. http://www.cabotcircus.com Cinema Deluxe and many restaurants including http://www.brasserieblanc.com/locations/bristol.html

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Churchill hosts Somerset's Dry Ski Slope, approx. 2 miles from The Mendip Gate b and b, 7 miles from Bristol airport. Set in a scenic woodland setting on the edge of the glorious Mendip Hills, the Avon Ski Centre is reminiscent of a genuine alpine resort, where you can escape the bustle of city life. It provides the perfect environment in which to learn to ski.

Experienced skiers and snowboarders will find that the challenging 165 metre main dry slope, complete with bends, moguls and jumps, holds just as much excitement when brushing up old skills or perfecting technique or simply having fun. The Avon Ski Centre also provides one of the country's best floodlit skiing facilities.
An experience not to be missed.

Aprés Ski - After the fun of the slopes why not stay on a high and carve a turn into the friendly “Boots Bar” to soak up the warm vibrant atmosphere unique to “aprés ski”. 

                      

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Cheddar Caves and Gorge are approx. 4 miles providing shopping and leisure activities for all ages. Cheddar is Britain's biggest Gorge and the gateway to The Mendip Hills, a natural wilderness in the heart of Somerset. Explore the two beautiful Stalagmite Showcaves and the Crystal Quest dark-wall fantasy adventure. This is also home to Britain's oldest skeleton. A vigorous walk will take you up Jacob's ladder and the Lookout Tower before a splendid round-trip clifftop walk with picnic sites. The West Mendip Way passes through Cheddar so it is worth a visit during your walk.
http://www.cheddarcaves.co.uk

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The Ancient City of Wells http://www.wellstourism.com

The city takes it's name from the freshwater springs in the grounds
of the fabulous Bishop's Palace near the East end of the Cathedral. Wells in Somerset is an unspoilt market town of outstanding beauty, located in rolling countryside, at the foot of the Mendip Hills. Visited for the beauty of its setting, and for its extraordinary heritage of historic buildings, water features, gardens and open spaces. Wells has a largely unspoiled medieval urban landscape, and is a precious treasure to be cherished and cared for by visitors and residents alike.

Steeped in history, it is England's smallest city, and one of the most beautiful. Although much of the glory of Wells lies in the past, it is very much a city of the present day, a busy market town, and an educational and commercial centre.
Wells Cathedral is the first English-built and designed example in the Gothic style, dating back to 1180. Its famous features include the spectacular West Front which looks over the Cathedral Green, unique scissor arches in the Nave, a panorama of The Last Judgement, the Chapter House and the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock.

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Wookey Hole Caves are approx. 10 miles.
Home of the legendary Witch of Wookey
A 40 minute guided tour of the caves is followed by a visit to the last commercial handmade papermill in England. http://www.wookey.co.uk

Enjoy a fantastic meal at The Wookey Hole Inn. Highly recommended.
http://www.wookeyholeinn.com

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Trout Fishing is available at Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes

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Golf at The Mendip Spring Golf Club, Honeyhall Lane, Congresbury, Somerset

BS49 5JT Tel: 01934 852322 Fax: 01934 853021
http://www.mendipspringgolfclub.com
Sec/Manager: Mr. A. Melhuish
Professionals: Robert Moss and John Blackburn
Directions: From the A38 in Churchill, follow to B3133 (Lower Langford) and after 1 mile turn left into Brinsea Batch. After ½ mile turn right into Honeyhall Lane and the entrance is on the right hand side.
Visitors: Welcome: Contact club in advance.
Societies: Welcome: Contact club in advance.
Facilities: Putting Green, Chipping Green, Club Hire, Trolley Hire, Buggy Hire, Bar, Restaurant, Driving Range

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Longleat Safari Park - approx. 40mins. http://www.longleat.co.uk

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Clarks Village Outlet Centre - approx. 40 mins http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk

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