Cheddar Gorge, Somerset (ancient caves & limestone cliffs)
Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge (a narrow valley between steep hills) in the Mendip Hills, known for its 400ft limestone cliffs and deep caves. Formed by meltwater floods millions of years ago, it’s a popular hub for hikers and rock climbers.
It’s home to around 100 endangered cave-dwelling Lesser Horseshoe bats.
This area is buzzing with life from soaring skylarks overhead to the quirky black oil beetle (its protruding tummy being described as looking like ‘someone whose waistcoat won’t button up!)
The caves have stunning stalactite formations, and a 274-step challenging climb to Jacob’s Ladder and Lookout Tower, which gives panoramic views across the Somerset Levels (wetlands rich in wildlife).
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
There is also a dramatic 3 mile circular trail offering great views, from the National Trust parking area. The actual village of Cheddar is at the base of the gorge, known for quaint tea rooms and of course cheese.
Also located in Somerset is Kinda Co, a vegan cheesemaker, who offers a Farmhouse version (similar in taste and texture to cheddar). This cheese is expensive, but boy is it good!
Cheddar Man (England’s oldest skeleton)
Cheddar Gorge was where England’s oldest ever skeleton was discovered a few years back. His body was found in a cave, and what was discovered revealed a whole new history of early Britain, and also gave the racists, something to think about!
Cheddar Man turned up in 1903, during work in the cave rather than in a neat research project. It’s strange that this date has not been much reported, as it’s been known then for over 120 years the information that was discovered.
What surprised most was that Cheddar Man had black skin and blue eyes (a bit like CSI actor Gary Dourdan). So it does indeed suggest that we have African ancestry. DNA ties him to western European ancestry, likely hunter-gatherers after the Ice Age.
Two other local boys with blue eyes (with blonde hair) from the village of Cheddar were Matt & Luke Goss (from 90s pop band Bros).
