Cheddar Gorge
The drive along the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is a must-do if you like seeing impressive cliffs and rock formations as you drive. Unfortunately, the amazing scenery that attracts so many people there is in some way spoiled by the sheer volumes of people, and the car parks that are scattered throughout the gorge. Have a look at the pictures and you'll see what I mean...
The gorge runs along an east-west axis from the small town of Cheddar, which lends its name to the very popular cheese which originated in this area. But don't be mistaken into thinking that the stuff you can buy in Sainsbury's or Tesco has ever been anywhere near Cheddar. Unlike many other European foods, which enjoy a protected name (Champagne, Parma Ham etc.), Cheddar has no such protection, and the stuff sold in the supermarket bears no resemblance to the hand made cheese you can buy in the shop in Cheddar.
Anyway, you can find Cheddar on a map here.
The photos are in no particular order. We parked in the third parking area in the gorge as you come out of the town (although it could have been the fourth). In theory, there was a charge for parking here, but you had to pay the attendant, but he was too busy collecting money from those who were trying to park in the first couple of parking areas, and he didn't go anywhere near where we parked.
The first picture is taken looking west (down hill) from where we parked and the second is taken (I think) from the same area looking east.
The next two pictures are taken from further up the gorge - hence there are less cars here.
OK, we're heading west again, coming towards the area we parked in.
Cheddar Gorge 1
Cheddar Gorge 2
Cheddar Gorge 3
Copyright © 2005 Simon Davies