Mendip Way
A self-guided walking holiday from the Bristol Channel in the West and eastwards along the Mendip Hills.
The Mendips is a ridge of low, flat-topped limestone hills stretching eastwards from the Bristol Channel , that rise abruptly from the flat expanses of the Somerset Levels. The landscape, which has changed little in centuries, is an enchanting mix of broad-backed hills of open grassland with far-reaching views, pastures enclosed by drystone walls, dew ponds, ancient woodland, rocky outcrops, combes, caves, sink holes and spectacular deep gorges.
The Mendip Way traverses the entire length of the Mendip Hills from the old Roman port of Uphill near Weston-super-Mare to the historic market town of Frome. It encounters Wookey Hole, one of Britain's most impressive caves that is steeped in history and legend; takes in the spectacular deep gash of Cheddar Gorge; visits Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve, a lovely wooded valley with evidence of inhabitation going back to Neolithic times; passes through many villages of great charm and antiquity; visits the historic market towns of Shepton Mallet and Frome; and explores Wells, England's smallest and most beautiful city. In addition to its cathedral, which is one of the finest in Britain, other buildings of interest in Wells include the moated Bishop's Palace, the Market Place and Vicars' Close, claimed to be the most complete medieval street in Europe .
Other sites of historical interest along the trail include Neolithic earthworks, Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill forts, medieval monuments and lead mining remains dating from Roman to Victorian times.
Holiday Highlights
- Walking over the undulating hills of the Mendip Way escarpment and admiring the wonderful vistas along the way.
- Discovering the enthralling caves at Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole.
- Visiting the fascinating old market towns of Shepton Mallet and Frome.
Mendip Way
Uphill to Frome along the beautiful pastoral landscape of the Mendip Hills.
| Total Distance | 50 miles (80 km) |
| Start and Finish | Uphill to Frome |
| Availability | All Year |
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MW1 | 4 nights, 3 days walking | £280 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| MW2 | 5 nights, 4 days walking | £360 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| MW3 | 6 nights, 5 days walking | £420 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £14 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
Don’t have the time for the complete walk?
We also offer the Mendip Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.
- Mendip Way - West Section, from Uphill/Weston-super-Mare to Wells
- Mendip Way - East Section, from Wells to Frome
Mendip Way - West
Uphill to Wells through the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
| Total Distance | 30 miles (48 km) |
| Start and Finish | Uphill to Wells |
| Availability | All Year |
The West section of the Mendip Way starts in the coastal village of Uphill and crosses through spectacular scenery as it follows the southern edge of the Mendip escarpment to Wells.
At the southern edge of Weston-super-Mare, the village of Uphill rests at the mouth of the River Axe and marks the start of the Mendip Way. The trail first negotiates Bleaden Hill, Compton Hill and Hale Coomb and Wavering Down on its way to Shipham, one of the highest points in the Mendip Hills. From here, there are fantastic views over Weston-super-Mare and the Bristol Channel.
Leaving Shipham, the trail proceeds through the Black Rock Nature Reserve and encounters the dramatic limestone gorge of Cheddar Gorge, where there is much to be explored. Britain’s biggest gorge is teeming with things to see and do, from roaming through the prehistoric stalactite caves at Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave and uncovering the mystery of the Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest complete skeleton.
Leaving the exceptional views of Cheddar Gorge behind, the trail reaches Draycott, before the final route through the stunning Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve and a visit to the mysterious caves at Wookey Hole, where pagan legends can be uncovered. Soon, the trail arrives in Wells, England’s smallest city as well as Somerset’s only city. Here, the magnificent Wells Cathedral is an impressive sight as you complete your walk.
Holiday Highlights
- Discovering the wonders of Cheddar Gorge, Britain’s largest gorge.
- Admiring the breath taking views as you walk through the beautiful Black Rock Nature Reserve.
- Visiting the lovely Somerset villages of Uphill, Shipham and Piddy.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MWW1 | 3 nights, 2 days walking | £220 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| MWW2 | 4 nights, 3 days walking | £280 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £14 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
Mendip Way - East
A walk from Wells along the Mendip Hills and ancient valleys and gorges to the ancient town of Frome in the East.
| Total Distance | 20 miles (32 km) |
| Start and Finish | Wells to Frome |
| Availability | All Year |
The East section of the Mendip Way starts in the tiny city of Wells and continues through the beautiful countryside of the Mendip Hills to the ancient town of Frome.
Leaving the beautiful Cathedral at Wells behind, the trail passes Bishop’s Palace, where the 16th century house and gardens offer a stunning diversion from the trail. From here, the route leads through beautiful woodland owned by the National Trust and arrives in Shepton Mallet an old market town where there are traces of prehistoric settlements.
Crossing the old Roman road of The Fosse Way, the trail continues to the highest point of the trail at Cranmore Tower, where there are spectacular views over the landscape of East Somerset. The route then continues through more pretty woodland, including Asham Wood and reaches its end at Frome, where the historic market town provides the perfect place to rest your feet.
Holiday Highlights
- Exploring the wonderful collection of historic houses in Wells, including Bishop’s Palace and Vicar’s Close.
- Reaching the highest point on the Mendip Way at Cranmore Tower.
- Experiencing the peace and tranquillity of ancient woodlands on route to Frome.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MWE1 | 3 nights, 2 days walking | £220 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £14 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
