A Cheddar Circular Hike, Part IX,'A Stile With Magnificent Views'by Sheila Aug 24th 2021
Channel: semw52
Date: 08/09/2021

The final video of this particular walk----After leaving Black Rock I ascend a steep and stony pathway up the south side of the Gorge---up thru the trees --some with 'Ash-Die back disease'--I stop to take some photos of the wild Cheddar goats that luv this place for its lush vegetation---I see  the most people I have seen all day because most are on the 3 mile Gorge walk which I have  partially joined to make my ascent--------this Gorge walk is often busy in the Summer and during the Summer Holidays --most families will manage this route but  still need to come prepared for hills and the need for water especially on hot  summer days------no places up here for refreshments---and I have seen people struggling in the heat because they imagine an easy 3 mile walk--well it can be  if you come prepared---also people wearing flip-flops----need good footwear here--rough terrain and slippery in places..........Anyway folks  once at the top I decide not to descend back to Cheddar via the Gorge route but take a more peaceful walk with equally magnificent views of the Vale of Avalon------a much quieter route  and a bit off track to escape the masses------the Gorge is so much quieter for me in the colder months----I reach a lovely old stile where I sit for a while and absorb the beauty and have a snack before setting off down a steep hill with fantastic views--Glastonbury Tor, Nyland Mound, the Cheddar & Axbridge Reservoir, Brent Knoll, Crook Peak and  I say bye to the Aerials now in the distance...I wander gently down and back to Cheddar for the bus.....BUT I will be back very soon walking partially in the reverse direction back to Velvet Bottom to video the Nature Trail------------in between I have also done several other hikes--over on the Quantock Hills--a big 8 hour hike and some more local exploration nearer home as well in the Hutton and Locking areas.......So get ready or have a break...............................