subject: The Mendips of Somerset [print this page] The Mendips of Somerset The Mendips of Somerset
The Mendip Hills stretch across Somerset, from Weston-super-Mare to Frome, some 25 miles to the south-east. They rise from a low-lying plain, which gives the illusion that they are higher than they actually are. The highest point, Black Down, is only about 1000 ft above sea level.
The central Mendips is a high, barren region of isolated fields and rickety stone walls. The hills lower as one travels to the east, sloping gently into lowlands. The Mendips western reaches consist of hillier landscapes like those of Sandord, Banwell and Bleadon Hill.
Despite the incursions of housing developments on the fringes of the Mendips, the heights and byways remain remote and still. This is countryside well suited to long walks and relaxing, leisurely drives. A plethora of hamlets, little villages and natural attractions can be scattered throughout the region. Here is a selection of some of the best.
Axbridge
This ancient town is built around a large square, with a number of old streets that run off into town. The High Street features a number of historic buildings, such as King John's Hunting Lodge; a timber-framed Elizabethan building which houses a museum. Good walking is to be had about a mile north where, just beyond Rose Walk, a footpath leads across Callow Hill and back to the outskirts of Axbridge.
Burrington Combe
Burrington Combe, in effect a smaller version of Cheddar, is approached along a dramatic gorge. In spring and summer, the nearby village's cottage gardens are bright with flowers. There is a selection of caves in the gorge, which were occupied during prehistoric times. A huge hollow yew tree, around 24ft in circumference, sits in Burrington churchyard.
Charterhouse
An isolated village located on the Mendip heights, close to the remains of Roman lead mines. A nearby track leads to this former mining area, 1023 ft above sea level. Two miles to the west, another track footpath heads north and across the summit of Black Down, from which the Welsh hills can be seen across the Severn Estuary.
Cheddar
This small village sits at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge. There are more than 400 holes and caves in the surrounding area. The Cheddar Caves Museum houses a collection of Stone Age tools and weapons. Cheddar cheese originated here over 300 years ago and is now produced in more countries in the world than any other cheese.
Croscombe
A small village with two handsome Tudor Manor houses. Just north of the village, a track leads into the surrounding dense woods. Maesbury Castle, a large prehistoric earthwork, can be found about a mile away and consists of two banks separated by a broad ditch.
Downside
This village is renowned for its nearby Roman Catholic Abbey and school. The Abbey dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and is chiefly the work of Thomas Garner and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, architect of Liverpool Cathedral.
East Harptree
The ruins of Richmont Castle are situated about a quarter of a mile south-east. The castle was besieged in the 12th century when King Stephen captured it from Sir William de Harptree, during the Civil War. It was then demolished during the reign of Henry VIII. Sir John's tomb can be seen in the Norman porch of the church.
Shepton Mallet
The town was an important centre for the wool trade in the Middle Ages, but since then the cheese industry has taken over. Attractions include The Church of St Peter and Paul, with its magnificent panelled roof and the warren of narrow lanes that descend the hill to the north-west of Shepton's market place.
Wells
A town with a narrow, winding main street. The cathedral dominates the skyline and has one of the finest fonts in Britain, at one time embellished with almost 400 statues of saints, angels and prophets. Construction of the cathedral was completed by the 14th century, almost 200 years after it was begun. Its majestic north porch, inverted arches and Lady Chapel are among some of the highlights. The nearby Vicar's Close, a street of 14th century houses is also worth seeing.
Wookey
The famous Wookey Hole caves are about two miles north-east. One of the best known features of the caves is 'the Witch of Wookey', a huge stalagmite. The legend that a witch once lived in the caves was corroborated in 1912, when excavations revealed a woman's skeleton buried deep in the floor, next to a dagger, a round stalagmite and a sacrificial knife. Finds from the caves are exhibited in Wells Museum.
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