Visitors to one of Somerset’s most beautiful tourist attractions will find it easier to explore the area by next summer following upgrades to a popular walking route.

Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in England and is renowned for its limestone cliffs and caves, wide range of wildlife and rare plant species.

The National Trust (which manages the site within the Mendip Hills) has recently completed the first phase of an upgrade to the Gorge Walk, which allows visitors to complete a circuit of the site and take in the remarkable landscape.

The following phases of the upgrade will be staggered over the coming months, with the project expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

The Gorge Walk project was partially funded through a grant from the farming in protected landscapes fund, which supports landowners and farmers seeking to enhance and protect public rights of way within national parks or national landscapes (formerly areas of outstanding natural beauty, or AONBs).

Phase one of the Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge after the recent upgrade (Photo: Heidelberg Materials)
Phase one of the Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge after the recent upgrade (Photo: Heidelberg Materials) (Phase one of the Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge after the recent upgrade (Photo: Heidelberg Materials))

The first phase covers the footpath leading north from the B3135 near the Black Rock car park, which had significantly deteriorated in recent years, resulting in a harder trip for visitors – especially those with mobility issues.

To assist with the project, local employer Heidelberg Materials donated 60 tonnes of aggregate (made from crushed stone, sand and gravel) to form the new foundation for the path.

The material came from the Batts Combe Quarry off Warrens Hill, less than a mile north-west of the gorge.

Lilly Dawson, project manager at the National Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Heidelberg Materials for their generous donation of stone and for working with us and our contractors so flexibly.

“Thanks to them, the path was restored with the most local stone available, which ensured the changes blended well with the character of this well-known landscape.”

With the first phase now complete, the contractors can turn their attention to the lengthy path along the northern side of the gorge, much of which follows the West Mendip Way long distance footpath.

Simon Parkes, unit manager at Batts Combe Quarry, said: “We are delighted to provide ongoing support for this project with the National Trust.

“The updated pathway will benefit both the locals and visitors to Cheddar Gorge and we are looking forward to seeing the completed project.”

The remaining phases of the project are expected to be finished in their entirety by the summer of 2025.