This 3.5-mile Cheddar Gorge cliff-top circular walk follows both sides of the gorge, with far-reaching views across the Mendip Hills and Somerset. I walked it clockwise from Cliff Road, crossing the B3135 halfway around before returning towards the lookout tower and Jacob’s Ladder.
The walking itself takes around two hours, although I recommend allowing 2½–3 hours so you can stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the scenery. There are a couple of short, steep woodland climbs, but I would not describe it as a difficult walk in normal conditions.
Cheddar Gorge walk: essential information
| Distance | 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometres |
|---|---|
| Walking time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Time to allow | 2½–3 hours with viewpoint stops |
| Direction | Clockwise |
| Highest point | Approximately 833 feet / 254 metres |
| Difficulty | Moderate, with short steep climbs |
| Terrain | Woodland paths, grass, stone, steps and some loose ground |
| Start | Cliff Road, Cheddar |
| Navigation | Outdooractive route and free GPX download |
| Refreshments | In Cheddar after the walk; none relied upon along the route |
Is the Cheddar Gorge cliff-top walk free?
The public footpaths around the cliff tops can be walked without buying admission to Cheddar Gorge’s paid attractions. When I completed this clockwise route, I was also able to descend through the Jacob’s Ladder side without paying, while people entering from below to climb it required admission.
Access arrangements can change. Do not assume that my experience guarantees free entry through the attraction area on the day you visit. Check the current Cheddar Gorge and Caves information, and be prepared to remain on the public-footpath alternative if the gate or attraction access is restricted.
Parking and where to start
I parked in one of the small roadside areas on Cliff Road, just outside the centre of Cheddar. These spaces are limited, so arriving early is particularly important during weekends and school holidays. Parking restrictions and charges can change, so read the signs where you leave the car rather than relying on old information online.
The approximate starting area is on Cliff Road near the B3135: open the location in Google Maps. If those roadside areas are full, use an authorised car park in Cheddar and join the route from the village. Never block gateways, verges or access points.
Route map, Outdooractive and GPX download
- Follow my Cheddar Gorge circular route on Outdooractive.
- Download the free Cheddar Gorge GPX file for your own navigation device or app.
- If this format is new to you, read my plain-English guide explaining what a GPX file is and how walkers use one.
The existing GPX matches the clockwise route I recommend. There are several paths across the cliff tops, so having the route available offline provides useful reassurance at junctions. A GPX should support—not replace—your awareness of signs, access restrictions and conditions on the day.
Cheddar Gorge cliff-top walk directions
1. Cliff Road to the first woodland climb
From the Cliff Road starting area, walk towards Cheddar. You pass the Museum of Prehistory before crossing the road to reach the narrow stone footpath leading behind the shops and houses. Follow the signs for the gorge walk via the cliff tops.
The route begins with a steep climb through peaceful woodland. It is not a long ascent, but it may feel slippery when leaves, mud or winter moisture cover the path.
2. Follow the western cliff top
At the top, continue on the route shown by the GPX. The paths become more open and the views expand across the Mendips, Somerset and the gorge itself. Much of this section follows an obvious, well-worn path, with a stone wall acting as a useful landmark.
Take care when leaving the main path for a viewpoint. The cliff edges are real and are not a place for taking chances, particularly in wind, mist or wet weather.
3. Descend to and cross the B3135
The trail eventually descends towards the gorge road using wooden steps. The road crossing is the main traffic hazard on this walk. The B3135 can be busy, so keep children and dogs under close control, stop somewhere with a clear view and cross only when it is safe.
4. Climb onto the eastern side
After crossing the road, the route climbs onto the opposite side of the gorge. I took the shorter, steeper option shown on my GPX. The climb is demanding for a brief period but soon eases, after which the gorge remains on your right as you begin the return leg.
The terrain is generally manageable, although mud and wet roots could make the woodland sections slippery in winter. Sheep may be present, so dogs should be kept under effective control and placed on a lead around livestock and near the cliffs.
5. Lookout tower and Jacob’s Ladder
I stopped on the return side to take in the views before continuing towards the lookout tower and Jacob’s Ladder. On a clear day, the outlook stretches across the Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor.
When I walked the route, I reached the lookout tower area from above and descended Jacob’s Ladder into Cheddar. As noted earlier, access and ticket arrangements may change, so check the current position before relying on that descent. The GPX will help you stay with the intended public walking route if an alternative is required.
6. Finish in Cheddar
The route brings you back into Cheddar, where there are cafés, ice-cream shops and other places to eat. We explored the shops and water gardens and stopped for cheese, ice cream and coffee. I would allow extra time after the walk rather than treating the village simply as somewhere to pass through.
If you parked on Cliff Road, finish by walking back through the village and up the road to your starting point.
Difficulty, safety and what to wear
I would rate this as a moderate walk. Its 3.5-mile distance is not intimidating, but the short steep climbs, loose sections and road crossing mean it is more involved than a level countryside stroll.
- Wear walking shoes or boots with reliable grip.
- Expect mud and slippery roots after rain and during winter.
- Keep well back from unprotected cliff edges, especially in wind or poor visibility.
- Take particular care when crossing the busy B3135.
- Carry water because there are no refreshments to rely upon between leaving and returning to Cheddar.
- Keep dogs controlled around sheep, roads and cliff edges.
Conditions can alter the character of the route considerably. Check the weather and local access information before setting out, and turn back if visibility, wind or ground conditions make the cliff tops unsafe.
Places to stay near Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar makes a useful base for exploring the Mendip Hills and wider Somerset. For accommodation nearby, you can browse places to stay through Booking.com. I may receive a commission if you book through that link, at no additional cost to you.