Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_0664

Cheddar Gorge is probably Somerset’s most famous landmark.  A long way down at the bottom of the gorge are the steep horseshoe road bends.  To which there are some well loved old road signs pointing the way.

Sharp Left The Gorge – Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_6891

I followed the footpath to the highest point above the gorge and set up my tripod very close to the edge of the Pinnacles.  These cliffs are vertical for several hundred feet.  Looking over the edge is scary!  Leaning over with my phone at arms length to take the picture of the horseshoe bends was the worst bit.  Back behind my tripod I felt a lot safer.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_0845

The Mendip Hills around the top of the gorge are mainly flat and covered in limestone outcrops.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_0641

The weather was not looking too promising.  But gaps in the clouds allowed the sun to bathe the landscape in pools of light.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9203

On occasion the sun would find a hole in the clouds and shine down on the Somerset Levels and the tops of the Pinnacles.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9279H

Soon the skies cleared and the setting sun shone down the gorge.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9487HP

This time of day is known as Golden Hour and I hope it is obvious why.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9344H

Sheep

The gorge is home to England’s only flock of feral sheep.  These are Soay sheep and are mainly brown or ginger.  They help stop scrub forming and keep the grass nice and short so wild flowers are not shaded out.  I’m not sure if they nibble around each small flower.  They are pretty tame and do not seem to mind having their photograph taken.

Cheddar Gorge Evening – Mendip Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_9495

During Lockdown

The road through the gorge is so much nicer without the traffic.  Imagine if this road was traffic free all the time.

Cheddar Gorge – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_0564

And Finally…

I scrambled up the sides of the gorge to what looked like a good photo opportunity.  It was clear when I got there that I was mistaken!

This is not a photo opportunity – Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, UK. ID JB3_8758