Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Adventures

The Mendip Hills AONB covers approximately 198 square kilometers in the southwestern English county of Somerset. Characterized by dramatic limestone ridges, rolling grasslands, and deep limestone gorges, the Mendips offer diverse habitats supporting rare flora and fauna, including several protected species such as greater horseshoe bats and cirl buntings. The area also contains significant geological features, including extensive subterranean cave networks like Cheddar Gorge, one of the UK’s most famous natural landmarks. Human presence dates back to prehistoric times, with Neolithic flint mines, Bronze Age burial mounds, and Roman settlements found throughout the hills. Today, the Mendip Hills serve as a popular destination for walkers, cavers, rock climbers, and cyclists, with a range of trails crossing the hills, including the Mendip Way long-distance footpath. Key landmarks include the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, the historic village of Priddy, and the Beacon Batch stone circle. The AONB provides scenic views across the Somerset Levels and toward the Bristol Channel, making it a favored area for nature photography and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands, limestone grasslands, and varied wetlands while enjoying quiet rural villages and historic sites. The combination of geological interest, biodiversity, and recreational offerings makes the Mendip Hills AONB a valued landscape for conservation and outdoor enthusiasts alike.