England’s largest limestone gorge, Cheddar Gorge delivers a short but spectacular climb between sheer cliffs and prehistoric caves, in the Somerset countryside southwest of Bristol.
The route
From Cheddar village, the road climbs for 4.6 km through the gorge up to the Mendip Hills plateau, gaining 194 m at an average of 4.2%. The profile is uneven: a very steep opening hairpin, around 24% over a short distance, gives way to a gradient that eases progressively as the road rises between the rock walls.
How to approach the ride
The opening hairpin demands a real burst of effort, best tackled in a suitably easy gear. The rest of the climb is more manageable, allowing for recovery before reaching the plateau. The road, narrow and winding, can see car and tour-bus traffic in high season.
When to go
March to November: the gorge’s low elevation allows for a long season, but it’s worth avoiding busy summer weekends to keep traffic to a minimum.
Good to know
Cheddar village, at the foot of the gorge, has cafés and shops, plus the chance to visit the famous Cheddar Caves. At the top, the Mendip Hills plateau offers a striking contrast with the enclosed cliffs crossed just minutes earlier.
