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.