Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills, Cheddar is the perfect base for exploring local landmarks such as Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole and Ebbor Gorge, not to mention the Mendip Hills themselves. The city of Wells is close by with its historic centre, magnificent cathedral, and the unique moated Bishop’s Palace (not to mention the pub heavily featured in the film Hot Fuzz). The detailed itinerary for this trip is currently being put together by a team of the BWs’ finest, but expect a fun weekend with a good mix of walking and local attractions.
Accommodation
You’re welcome to arrange your own accommodation but if you’re happy to sign up and be allocated rooms, the organiser has found a local holiday park (“Resort and Spa”) that currently could accommodate a large group. The holiday park is a 20 minute walk outside Cheddar. It provides excellent accommodation at a very affordable price and has shared facilities such as a bar and restaurant. If you’re tired after a day’s walking, an hour in the heated indoor pool, sauna or steam room will be a nice way to relax.
How much? Expect to pay around £45–£55 per person per night for a shared room (two people) in a 6 person lodge. All occupants in each lodge will be BWs. Options are available for individual or shared rooms. The organiser will help facilitate putting small groups together for those that would like it. Alternatively if you would prefer to arrange your own accommodation, there is a range of options in and around Cheddar including B&Bs and campsites.
Getting there
Car shares and driving will be the best option. We’ll need cars to get around once we are there, and car pooling should cost less than the train. As with the accommodation, the organiser is happy to try and coordinate that. Alternatively, Reading to Weston Milton takes 2 hours on the train, from where it’s about 10 miles (30 minutes) by car at the end.
I’m interested
If you are interested in this trip, please complete this form by Thursday 24th March. Completing this form will register your interest in the trip, and help the organiser finalise the accommodation and travel arrangements. You’ll have another opportunity to decide whether you will definitely be attending the trip once all the details such as final cost, travel arrangements etc. are confirmed, probably around mid-April. This form is just to express an interest in the trip.
Draft Programme
Friday 1st July – Travel to Cheddar
- Options for visiting Wells or 6–8 mile walk for early arrivals.
- Dinner in the self-catered accommodation.
- Drinks in the evening
Saturday 2nd July – Main walk 1
- Route TBC but a well planned route taking in some of the best local landscape.
- Option for a meal out with the group to a local pub, or cook at the lodge.
Sunday 3rd July – Main walk 2
- Route TBC but a well planned route taking in some of the best local landscape.
- Dinner in the self catered accommodation
- Evening social.
Monday 4th July – Final day
- Options for visiting Wells or a final (shorter) walk.
- Travel home.