Van Miles

Sometimes you don’t need a long weekend to enjoy somewhere special. Cheddar Gorge was simply an overnight stop for me while travelling on to my next destination, but it turned out to be one of those places that’s well worth adding to any campervan itinerary.

I stayed overnight in the car park behind the Riverside Inn, which was ideal for a quick stopover. It was surprisingly peaceful throughout the night, despite being so close to the village, and having a good pub just a few steps away made it even better. After a day on the road, I enjoyed an evening meal in the Riverside Inn, where the food was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

The following morning, I set off to explore one of England’s most famous natural landmarks – Cheddar Gorge. The walk begins in the village before climbing steeply up onto the cliffs that tower above the road below. The first section is certainly the hardest, with a sustained uphill climb that soon gets the heart pumping, but as the views begin to open up, you quickly forget about the effort.

Standing at the top of the gorge, you get spectacular views across the dramatic limestone cliffs, the village of Cheddar and the rolling Somerset countryside beyond. It’s easy to see why this is one of the country’s most photographed landscapes. The path continues across the clifftops, where there are plenty of opportunities to stop, take photographs and simply enjoy the scenery before making your way back down into the village.

The route is uneven in places with rocky sections, so a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear are recommended. If you don’t mind a steep climb, it’s a rewarding walk that offers some incredible viewpoints from start to finish.

After returning to the village, there was still time to wander through the shops and cafés before continuing my journey. Although my visit lasted less than 24 hours, it never felt rushed. It was the perfect combination of a peaceful overnight stop, good food and an unforgettable walk.

If you’re travelling through Somerset in a campervan, Cheddar Gorge makes an excellent place to break up a longer journey. Even if you only have one night to spare, you’ll leave with some fantastic memories and some of the best scenery England has to offer.

I would happily stop here again, perhaps next time staying a little longer to explore more of the surrounding countryside.