The Mendip Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From 'top of the world', huge panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and Somerset levels, to stunning vistas through deep, forested combes. From the Chew Valley Lakes and natural nature reserves to the heritage and culture of the Cathedral City of Wells and the mysterious Glastonbury Tor and Abbey. Home to numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), and bordering some of Britain’s most important wetlands, The Mendip Hills has something for everyone, and awaits your discovery…

This unique landscape contains some of the oldest hills in Britain, formed at the same time as the Alps in Europe. It is one of Britain's richest and most fascinating sites of pre-history and archaeology. The Mendip Hills contain signs of some of the earliest human occupation in Britain, and are home to Neolithic henge monuments, Bronze-age barrows, Iron Age hill forts & evidence of extensive Roman occupation. Its network of hedgerows and dry stone walls are indicative of the eighteenth century fields of the Parliamentary Inclosures. There are many sites of special scientific interest (SSSI's), designated for their rare and important flora as well as the unique geology of the area, Cheddar Gorge and Caves being of particular note.

The highest point on the Mendips, Beacon Batch on the top of Blackdown, can give a feeling of true wilderness and isolation without ever being too far from civilisation. Wildlife abounds, watch as Kestrels dive into the heather to catch their prey and Buzzards circle high overhead on thermal air currents. From our base at The Cottage, Blackdown provides an ever-present back-drop, swathed in purple heather in the spring, and sometimes snow-capped in winter. Deer and wild ponies are silhouetted against wonderful summer sunsets…

Blackdown, the highest hill on the Mendips is a short distance from our base. This landmark affords remarkable 360 degree views across the Severn Estuary, and both Severn Bridges to Wales, across the Somerset Levels and Moors to the Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills, Chew Valley & Blagdon lakes and Cheddar Gorge.

Typical Routes

The information below gives you some idea of what you can do and see in a day, although precise routes are subject to change due to weather / access, etc. Due to the unique situation of The Cottage, many walks are straight from the door.

Blackdown & Dolberrow

Travel from our base via an ancient pathway to the trig point which marks the highest point of Blackdown Hill, and panoramic views, at over 1000 ft above sea level; Observe the recently introduced new conservation and management programme of Burrington Combe and Commons (left, with Blackdown in the distance and below with Dolberrow Warren Iron Age Hill fort in the distance); See a number of 2nd World War features including beacons and bunkers; Note interesting prehistoric archaeological features at Tynings Farm & Trekking Centre which is in Countryside Stewardship Scheme; Enjoy the unique features of several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along the way; Visit the Dolberrow Warren Iron Age Hill Fort; Take the Ham Link through Burrington Village to Burrington Ham Commons and back to base via the Limestone Link National Trail.

Charterhouse & Cheddar

Take an ancient cattle/sheep drove (which is also part of the Limestone Link) to Charterhouse Roman Lead Mine, Fort, Village and Amphitheatre; Go through Velvet Bottom SSSI Valley to the top of Cheddar Gorge, observe the industrial heritage and current conservation issues; At the top of Cheddar Gorge, take in stunning views into the Gorge itself, and speculate on its formation and history, use and its influence on human settlement; Walk past Batts Coombe Quarry, part of some of the biggest limestone quarrying in the country; Return via Blackdown to base.

Wells & Glastonbury

The City of Wells is home to one of the loveliest English Cathedrals, featuring the finest medieval statuary in the country (603 figures of kings, princes and nobles). There are numerous other historical buildings, including the Bishop's Palace, which is still home to the Bishop of Bath & Wells. Wells also has a bustling market, normally held every Wednesday and Saturday, and numerous lovely shops. Reputedly the site of the first Christian Church in England, Glastonbury is a place of pilgrimage for people of many faiths. Take a steady walk to the top of Glastonbury Tor, where spectacular panoramic views can be found. If time permits, you can also visit the ruined Abbey.

Somerset Levels & Moors

This remarkable area has international status as one of the most important wetlands of its type in the world. Almost half of the Levels & Moors is designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and parts of the wetland are designated a 'Ramsar' site of international importance, and a Special Protection Area, to ensure 'wise' or 'sustainable' use. Several DEFRA initiatives specifically encourage farmers to 'wise use', such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESA). Wise use of a wetland results in richness of flowers and wildlife.

Chew Valley & Blagdon Lakes

The delights of the Chew Valley can be enjoyed with the beautiful lakes right on our doorstep. Pictured at the tope of this page is Blagdon church on the edge of Blagdon's world-class fishing lake (right). Walking down into Blagdon, from our vantage point at The Cottage, provides a stunning panoramic view of the lake and village below. Continuing on, Chew Valley Lake is the largest artificial freshwater lake in South West England, and is renowned for internationally important numbers of wildfowl. In addition, it is the location of a submerged Roman Villa – the old Roman road just continues into the lake, mysteriously!