Spectacular Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a 360 acre piece of land that is also home to  Britain’s biggest gorge. Dramatic cliffs rise 450 square feet above the sea and there are many deep caverns on the site. It is a designated national Nature Reserve in the U.K..  The caves are located just southeast of Bristol and Bath in South West Wales.  It is an enchanting historical area surrounded by old forests that were used for hunting by the Saxon Kings.

The gorge was original formed by torrents of water fro the melting glaciers at the end of each Ice Age. The melting water cut through the limestone to create the gorgeous geographical features.  Many of the caves were inhabited by prehistoric man.  The area is also home to mill ponds that used to power the production of grain and gunpowder plants.

This natural attraction is home to two of the most spectacular caves in the world including Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. This is where the skeleton of the U.K.’s oldest man was found. Sometimes he is called the Cheddar Man. This is a place with many stalactites and stalagmites and of many secret caves.  A particularly tall part o the caves is called St.  Paul’s Cathedral.  One of the most interesting thing about these caves is that they are still, in these times, used a places where cheddar cheese is matured.  The cheese in sold in a nearby shop called the Cargo Cult shop.

Cox’s Cave is a shimmering place with many mirror pools and fountains.  This is a very colorful place with all kinds of music created from the dripping water.

Outside there are a couple of paths that take you along some paths with stunning views of the ocean and limestone cliffs. These cliffs also have grassy parts upon which live some very rare animals. A herd of rare British Primitive goats roam these lambs and so do Dormice, Great Crested Newts and Horseshoe bats.  These animals are so rare not that the Gorge is a special area of conversation for them.  Cheddar Gorge officers to help them survive often put out nesting boxes for dormouse and bats.

This can be a very slippery and muddy place to visit so be sure to wear the appropriate walking boots so you do not slip and fall or get too dirty.  It’s worth it to see the finest views in Somerset.