In March, when we were looking for new Somerset walking routes, we decided to try walking Ebbor Gorge.
Just five or so miles away from Cheddar Gorge which we walked at the end of last summer, we were dubious that walking Ebbor Gorge could be anything like as spectacular. But the images online showed it to have at least one ‘adventure’ section which looked like it might be fun to ascend.
The Route
The Ebbor Gorge circuit itself is only about 2.5 kilometres with an ascent and descent of 114 metres, not enough to justify the 44-mile journey. So we decided to use a Komoot route which took in Ebbor Gorge, the village of Priddy, and Deer Leap Nature Reserve, a total circuit of 11km with an ascent and descent of 320m.
From my research and experience, I knew that when walking Ebbor Gorge it would be better to climb the narrow, rocky ‘adventure’ section of the gorge rather than descend it, particularly as it had been such a rainy month. The only problem was, it was unclear in which direction we needed to do the circuit (clockwise or anticlockwise) in order to ensure we ascended rather than descended.
Luckily, setting off from the Ebbor Gorge car park, and stepping over a stone threshold to descend into the gorge, is the most obvious, and correct way to do it. The only people doing the circuit that morning, our descent into the limestone gorge through ash and oak woodland was delightful, even on a wet and chilly March morning. I imagine that later in spring, these woods would host swathes of bluebells and in autumn, would be rich mushroom hunting grounds.
We soon reached the steepest ascent which threads its way up a rockface, getting narrower the higher it climbs. I had to use my hands to grab the rocks above for most of the scramble but it wasn’t difficult and was great fun. It felt as if we were entering a lost world. As suspected, I would not have wanted to descend those slippery rocks.
Priddy
Once we reached the top of the steep gully, we left the gorge and, joining the West Mendip Way, continued to ascend the Mendip Hills. Levelling out, we walked into the pretty village of Priddy which occupies a small hollow near the summit of the Mendips. Priddy dates back to the Neolithic era as evidenced by its stone circle which appears to be contemporary with Stonehenge.
The village held an annual sheep fair from 1348 when it was relocated here from Wells due to the Black Death, right up until 2013. In the middle of the village green are a stack of sheep pens which were kept there from year to year and which, from a distance, look like a hut. The pens were set alight in April 2013 but happily, were rebuilt by volunteers just three months later.
The Return
Leaving the village, the route crossed Deer Leap Nature Reserve where widescreen views opened up over the Somerset Levels towards the Bristol Channel. A steep descent to the outskirts of Westbury-sub-Mendip was followed by a hefty ascent of the other side of the valley which took us to Deer Leap viewpoint.
Sweeping views over to Glastonbury Tor and the Quantocks provided reward for the climb. Visibility wasn’t the best but I imagine on a clear day it would be spectacular. The route returned through woodland to the car park at Ebbor Gorge.
All in all, walking Ebbor Gorge was well worth doing and the setting would provide different interest depending on the season but unless you live near it, we’d suggest expanding the walk and/or adding a visit to Wookey Hole which is virtually next door.
