Lodge Hill

Three hundred feet above the Mendip Hills, this modest peak delivers surprisingly expansive views across the Somerset Levels without the crowds that plague nearby Cheddar Gorge. The summit walk takes about twenty minutes from the nearest parking spot, following well-marked bridleways through mixed woodland before opening onto grassland at the top.

Walkers will find Lodge Hill most rewarding on clear days when you can spot Glastonbury Tor to the south and the Bristol Channel stretching west. It's particularly lovely in early morning when mist clings to the levels below. Families with older children should manage the gentle gradient easily enough, though toddlers might struggle with the final rocky section.

The hill forms part of a longer ridge walk that serious hikers can extend towards Wells or back into Cheddar village. Most casual visitors spend about an hour here - half walking up, half admiring the panorama and catching their breath.

For those staying at nearby parks like Bucklegrove Holiday Park or Wells Touring Park, Lodge Hill makes a decent morning excursion before tackling the more touristy attractions around Cheddar. The parking situation can be tricky during peak summer months, so arriving early pays dividends. It's free to climb, naturally, and always accessible unless severe weather makes the paths treacherous.