Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

Two years ago today, my little family boarded our Malaysian Airlines flight in Perth WA,
ready to begin our new lives in England. Tucked into our hand luggage was a list written
by a Welsh family friend of 'must do's' while we lived in the UK. 
We ticked a few things off the list, but found ourselves living in Germany before we
managed to get to Cheddar Gorge.

On our recent trip back to England, we finally managed to give Cheddar Gorge a big tick!

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

Cheddar is a village in Somerset, and was famous for 'Cheddar' cheese as far back as 1170AD! 

Cheddar, Somerset UK

Of course we had to stop for a 'cheesy' lunch in a local cafe, most dishes featured cheddar.
I also had a very delicious local cider to wash it down.

Cheddar Cider, Somerset UK

It is a lovely village to walk around and well set up for tourists.

Cheddar, Somerset UK

We walked the 274 steps to the lookout tower to work off our cheddar filled lunch.
There are signs at landings on the climb up with information on how the 
landscape was formed millions of years ago.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

To imagine how it was, in this same spot, so many millions of years ago is staggering.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

As well as being educational, they also gave you a chance to catch your breath.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

I was happy to see people far younger and fitter then me stopping to 'read the signs'

The Lookout Tower, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

Another 48 steps and you are at the top of The Lookout Tower,
with sweeping views over the countryside.

View from the Lookout Tower, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

The village of Cheddar.

Cheddar, Somerset UK

The spectacular Cheddar Gorge.
Carved out of the limestone by water from melting glaciers during the last Ice Age
creating the 400 feet deep and three mile long gorge we see today.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

From the Lookout Tower, we headed through the gate and did the Gorge Walk, 
a three mile meander through the stunning countryside.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

There is much to do, nature to soak up, majestic cliffs to walk or climb around.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset UK

We had a lovely few hours at Cheddar Gorge, family time spent in the largest
gorge in England. We only had time for the walk...and lunch, so haven't been to the caves yet.
Some fantastic spots to stop for a picnic on the walks it is well worth a visit.

Glad to have finally made it and ticked Cheddar Gorge off our list!


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