Callow Hill

Callow Hill

by Jeff Bevan · Published 19th May 2023 · Updated 28th May 2023

Wild Garlic – Cheddar Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2777

Callow Hill sits on the southern side of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. I started a walk in Axbridge near Cheddar, and immediately climbed the steep hill up through the woods.

This is not the Cheddar Wood owned by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. That is closed to the public, and we most all respect that. Especially, now given how much the county is suffering from Ash Dieback.

Wild Garlic – Cheddar Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2762

The wild garlic looked good but on close inspection was well passed its best. I must return earlier in the spring next year.

As you leave the wood the hill starts to level out. You enter an open access area at Fry’s Hill. There was still a few bluebells (and white bells) remaining. But even high up in the hills these were also passed their best.

Bluebells – Cheddar Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2810

However, you cannot walk far without noticing an enormous hole in the ground. This is the huge Callow Hill limestone quarry.

Callow Hill Limestone Quarry – Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_4054

It is a working quarry, and it was interesting to stay and watch. Disappointingly, there was no blasting while I was there.

Callow Hill Limestone Quarry – Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2833

In stark contrast next to the quarry is this beautiful field of buttercups.

Buttercup Field – Callow Hill, Nr Cheddar, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_4069

Home to some of the first common blue butterflies of the season.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) – Fry’s Hill, Mendips, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3070

And finally…

Having walked full circle I dropped back down the hill through a mix of field edges and woodland trails. There, I stumbled across this old speckled wood butterfly taking a rest in an equally old wild garlic leaf.