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Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend

A cyclist riding across a grassy landscape
A cyclist takes part in an event at the Top of the Gorge festival | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Discover more about our annual Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend, where the whole family can take part in a range of fun activities.

6-8 June

Top of the Gorge 2025

The Top of the Gorge activity weekend celebrates getting active in the Mendip Hills National Landscape. This year the festival will host the Cheddar Gorge Challenge, Mendip Murmuration, Lakes and Lumps and the Gorge Explorers hiking trail. Camping is available across the whole weekend and a variety of daytime and evening activities for participants and spectators will be running across the three days.

Our team of rangers will be hosting a fireside chat on Friday evening, discussing the topic ‘Saving nature in the South West.' There will be a chance to hear about the National Trust’s conservation projects first hand and ask questions about how it’s all done. 

Throughout the day on Saturday, the National Trust will be hosting a Hell Raiser fundraising challenge, to raise money to replace ‘Hell’s Steps’ in Cheddar Gorge. The event will be a series of physical challenges for both adults and children with the chance to get onto our leaderboard.

Saturday evening will be a chance to listen to a fantastic guest speaker as well as try out our virtual reality headsets for the first time. Stand at the top of Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak and more. You can even visit the beavers in Exmoor. 

These additional activities don’t need to be booked and will be running throughout the weekend for free - we look forward to seeing you there.
The trail running, mountain biking and road cycling events all need to be pre-booked and are being delivered by our wonderful third- party providers, see the links below to book. 

Weekend plan
Friday
2pmCampsite opens
5 - 6pmHappy hour 
6 - 7.30pmFireside Chat: Saving Nature in the South West
Saturday
7.30amLake and Lumps registration Opens
8amMendip Murmuration registration Opens
10amTop of the Gorge Walking Challenge registration Opens
11 - 12pmHell Raiser: Fundraising Challenge (children)
1 - 2pmHappy Hour and music
2 - 4pmHell Raiser: Fundraising Challenge (adults)
5 - 6pmGuest Speaker TBC
6 - 8pmVR headset nature tours
Sunday 
10amRelish Running Races first start times
11 - 12pmHell Raiser: Fundraising Challenge (children)
4pmFestival ends
Long-distance cycling at the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend
Long-distance cycling at the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend | © Great Weston Ride/Darren McKimm

Cycling events

Mendips Lakes and Lumps Ride

Covering a total of 43 miles, this ride is designed to be a physical challenge but is also intended to appeal to as many people as possible.

To book a place on this activity, click here.


Mendip Murmuration

Bikers of a feather flock together, and the Mendip Murmuration mixed-terrain MTB sportive event, hosted by Channel UK Events CIC, is set to prove that. Challenge riders will explore an undulating route around Cheddar’s hills and lanes.

To book a place on this activity, click here.

Runners at the Top of the Gorge festival 2019, Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
There are various running events to take part in or watch | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Challenging trail runs

Jaw-dropping views reward those who take part in the challenging trail runs around Cheddar Gorge. Start off at the hub-site and take part in a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 6km or 3km.

To book a place on this activity, click here

Walkers at the top of a cliff looking down at the view of a town and resevoir
Walkers enjoy the view at Cheddar Gorge | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Top of the Gorge Walking Challenge

Take part in this self-navigated walking challenge taking in the stunning scenery of Cheddar Gorge. Refreshments included.

Camping sign at Top of the Gorge festival 2019, Cheddar, Somerset
Why not pitch your tent and enjoy the whole weekend's activities? | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Camp under the stars at Warren Farm

Spend a night camping in the luscious landscape of Warren Farm after your event. Bookings at the below link.

To book a place on the Warren Farm campsite, click here.

Rocks jutting into the air on a sunny day at Cheddar Gorge

Discover more at Cheddar Gorge

Find out how to get to Cheddar Gorge, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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