Things to see and do in the Mendip Hills

The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset — The view from Gorge Walk at Cheddar Gorge | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Explore the Mendip Hills and the wildlife within. Visit Ebbor Gorge, the perfect place to bring the whole family, or head to Burrow Mump for scenic views across Somerset.

Crook Peak

The distinctive summit of Crook Peak is synonymous with the Mendip Hills - its limestone grassland is a distinctive characteristic of this landscape.

A brilliant place to start exploring the Mendips, begin at King’s Wood car park just off the A38, about a mile south of Winscombe.

Crook Peak has been important as a landmark and boundary from very early times, and the origins of the name are unclear although it is believed that ‘Crook’ comes from the Old English ‘Cruc’ meaning ‘peak.'

Ebbor Gorge

Set within the ancient limestone Mendip Hills, Ebbor Gorge is a designated National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England. Here you’ll find woodland, rocks and caves. There are small streams perfect for paddling and fallen trees to clamber over.

Fill a day wildlife spotting, exploring the woodland, playing in streams and climbing up the rocky path to the Gorge. The car park is free but please note that it is locked at dusk and managed by Natural England.

Nearest postcode: BA5 1AY.

Butterflies and birdlife

Birdlife is diverse in King's Wood: look out for nuthatches, willow warblers and green woodpeckers during your visit. In the limestone grassland areas on Wavering Down, keep your eyes peeled for the skylarks, meadow pipits and stonechats.

When walking the slopes of Crook Peak, Wavering Down and Cross Plain, you pass through woodland, scrub, grassland and heath. This variety of habitat means a huge diversity of butterflies can be encountered.

From the dappled orange wings of the silver-washed fritillary to the mottled monochrome of a marbled white, to the beautiful painted ladies determinedly powering along the ridge. Each habitat creates their own community of wildlife species and the opportunity to thrive.