Day 23 – Cheddar to Chew Magna

Once again a superb morning; brilliant sunshine at 6am. We had to be up early to try to publish the blog as internet gave up again at about 10pm. Does someone put it on half strength after this time as it was great up 'til then!

Anyway by 9 when we were on top of the cliffs, the clouds had come and rain was threatening. It brightened this afternoon in time for a barbecue.

The Gorge walk is excellent, with steep climbs up and down, but worth it for the views. Few people were walking above the Gorge, they were all eating ice cream below! Very busy - would hate to be here in summer!

Cheddar cheese - couldn't resist - and the Gorge! Both excellent.

Cheddar Gorge

Problem of the day was finding a campsite as The Walker was not entirely sure how far those knees would let him do. Nearest ones were full, so ended up near Bath. Will more than likely have same problem tomorrow as there are few sites in Bristol.

From Bernie:
Today’s walk:  11.0 miles     Cumulative:  302.8 miles

Would have liked to make, at least, the outskirts of Bristol today but, in the end, I was defeated by the farmers of the Chew Valley! Could have been Moan of the Day but it might have turned into Whinge of the Week! Spent well over an hour thrashing around looking for waymarked paths that ended abruptly at dense hedgerows or locked & barbed-wired gates – end of moan: just had an excellent barbecue!

Met up with Les in Chew Magna where, earlier, there’d been a May Fayre.... had a cider in ‘The Pelican’ along with other revellers &, suddenly, it seemed like a good idea to finish for the day!

Highlight of the Day: it would be easy to opt for the spectacular climb above Cheddar Gorge but, for me, even more fascinating was the side valley to Black Rock & then the lovely stroll along Velvet Bottom. At times I felt as if I could have been walking in the Peak District (fast forward a few weeks!) so similar was the scenery – I’m waiting now for an ‘of course!’ from my Consultant Geologist, also Technical Advisor. At the eastern end of these valleys the track cuts through old lead-mining areas, now almost completely reclaimed by nature.

Beer of the Day: tried the local ‘Ashton Press’ Cider but it was a bit sweet for my taste. Sampled first bottle of the ‘Glastonbury Ales’ I bought – ‘Golden Chalice’: rather ordinary, slightly creamy flavour.... not a good day for beer, good job the red wine is reliable!

Chew Valley Lake

Still about 11 miles ahead of schedule so looking forward to our touristy day in Bristol tomorrow without fear of falling behind!