1. Beacon Batch & Cheddar Gorge from Lillypool Farm
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: 18km | Elevation: 626m ascent | Calories: 1006 kcal
A long, rewarding walk taking in some of the best terrain to be found in the Mendip Hills. Starting at Lillypool Farm and passing through Rowberrow woods, Blackdown, Long wood, Black Rock, Cheddar Gorge. This walk takes you up to the highest point on the Mendips (Beacon Batch at 325m elevation) right down to Cheddar in the foothills (35m elevation) and back up to Lillypool Farm (160m elevation). Prepare for aching calves afterwards!
2. Crooks Peak from Lillypool Farm
Difficulty: Moderate| Distance: 15km | Elevation: 496m ascent | Calories: 832 kcal
A nice walk along the top of the Mendips over Shute Shelve Hill, through Kings Wood, over Wavering Down and on to Crooks Peak at the Westernmost tip of the hills. From Wavering Down onwards you will be rewarded with near 360° panoramic views of the Somerset Levels, Bristol Channel and Wales. From Crooks Peak, you can either choose to return the same way, or descend to the bottom of the hills and make your way back via the villages of Compton Bishop and Cross.
3. Shute Shelve Hill and Callow Rock from Lillypool Farm
Difficulty: Easy| Distance: 6km | Elevation: 191m ascent | Calories: 332 kcal
Nice little loop from Lillpool Farm taking in Callow Rock Quarry, Cheddar Woods, and Shute Shelve Hill with spectacular views out over Cheddar Resevoir and the Somerset Levels.
4. Rowberrow Woods, Dolebury Warren & Black Down from Lillypool Farm
Difficulty: Medium| Distance: 15km | Elevation: 386m ascent | Calories: 782 kcal
Fairly long walk out from Lillypool Farm, through Shipham to Rowberrow woods (and the option for a stop at The Swan). Then on over the Iron Age hill fort at Dolebury Warren and along the side of Black Down before cutting back through Rowberrow back to Lillypool.
5. Cheddar Forecliffs from Lillypool Farm
Difficulty: Easy| Distance: 6km | Elevation: 242m ascent | Calories: 330 kcal
Nice loop through The Perch nature reserve and out onto the Cheddar Forecliffs, with amazing views over the Somerset Levels.
6. Burrington Ham, Beacon Batch, Rowberrow Woods & Dolebury Warren
Difficulty: Medium| Distance: 13km | Elevation: 402m ascent | Calories: 712 kcal
Taking in some of the best scenery in the Mendips, this circular walk starts from Goatchurch Cavern car park and heads out over Burrington Ham, with views out over Burrington Combe, then over Blackdown up to Beacon Batch (The highest point on the Mendips) before descending through Rowberrow Woods and out onto Dolebury Warren.
7. Cheddar Gorge Complex
Difficulty: Medium| Distance: 12km | Elevation: 428m ascent | Calories: 690 kcal
Start either at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge, or at the top at Charterhouse (for free parking) and walk the entire length of the Cheddar Complex through Velvet Bottom, Ubley Warren, Black Rock and Cheddar Gorge.
8. Draycott Sleights & Stoke Camp
Difficulty: Easy| Distance: 4km | Elevation: 133m ascent | Calories: 192 kcal
Nice loop with fantastic views across the levels to Exmoor, taking in Draycott Sleights and Stoke Camp (can be extended by walking on up to Westbury Beacon). These reserves, high on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills are best know for their butterflies with species including small blue, chalkhill blue, brown argus and grayling.
9. Stockhill Woods & Priddy Pools
Difficulty: Easy| Distance: 7km | Elevation: 80m ascent | Calories: 327 kcal
A loop through Stockhill woods, which is home to a range of birds including crossbills, nightjars and long-eared owls; then out past the idyllic Priddy Pools.
10. Ebbor Gorge
Difficulty: Easy| Distance: 3km | Elevation: 127m ascent | Calories: 172 kcal
This loop is just one of a range of different circuits you can do around the beautiful Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve. The gorge is particularly spectacular in spring and early summer when woodland flowers carpet the ground.
