Moving to Somerset in 2009 from Wales was a significant change for me. While the proximity to London and the end of long train journeys were welcome, I missed the landscape I had left behind. My new home in Somerset was initially defined by two things: the Glastonbury festival and Cheddar Gorge, which felt more like a tourist trap than a place to explore. However, I soon discovered the hidden beauty of the Mendip Hills, a vast area of craggy outcrops, dry-stone walls, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. This landscape, though less dramatic than the one I had known, became a constant source of comfort, particularly during the winter months. It offers a sense of tranquillity and accessibility that makes it ideal for family walks.
The Mendips’ gentle hills are perfect for a proper outing without the difficulty of more challenging terrain. My children, James and Rosa, and I began exploring the area regularly, and it became a tradition that continues to this day. For James, who is autistic, the outdoors offers a sensory exhilaration that he finds deeply fulfilling. His love for walking, especially downhill sections, has been a defining part of our family adventures. We’ve traversed the Mendips from top to bottom, discovering places like Priddy, with its ancient burial mounds, and Ebbor Gorge, a quiet gap in the hills far from the roads.
Our favourite walks are in the uplands of Wavering Down and Crook Peak, a five-mile loop that begins and ends in the village of Cross, just a short distance from Cheddar. This was the first serious hill walk we did together, a milestone that led to longer hikes and multi-day trails over the years. I vividly remember our first walk here when James was eight and Rosa was six. The day was sunny and clear, and we stopped for sandwiches in a biting crosswind, the view stretching all the way to Wales.
The walk begins with a steady climb through woodland and up a slope to the trig point, where the first panoramic views open up. To the south, the Somerset Levels stretch out, with Cheddar Reservoir nestled in the hillside. To the north, Weston-super-Mare and the Bristol Channel come into view. The ridge continues with gentle undulations, leading to a long descent where James would sprint downhill with joy. Along the way, we often pause to sit on a stone bench created by local artist Barry Cooper in memory of Herbert Peart. The bench, made from a single slab of stone, has become an iconic part of the landscape, offering a moment of reflection and appreciation for the simple pleasures of the hills.
As we continue to Crook Peak, the summit offers a rocky outcrop with views of the sea and the distant M5 motorway. Some might find the sound of traffic disruptive, but I find it adds to the sense of being far removed from the everyday world. The walk then takes us down into the village of Compton Bishop, where we often stop to enjoy a moment of quiet in the peaceful surroundings. The route back leads us directly beneath the ridge we’ve just walked, and within half an hour, we’re back in Cross.
This walk has become a cherished tradition for our family. It’s a place where we feel connected to the land, to each other, and to the simple joy of being outdoors. The Mendips, with their quiet beauty and gentle hills, offer a sense of magic that stays with us long after we leave.
