FEATURED road

b3135 cheddar gorge

After mainly driving in and around London/Southeast for some time, I wasn't quite prepared for the scenery that awaited me in the West Country. The whole affair was very Rural Sommerset-chic, and while the roads were great fun, the view out of the windscreen alone was worth the long, early-morning drive. Verdent grass clings to precarious hillsides, which in turn are punctuated with craggy outcrops, and the odd goat grazes here and there.

Some of the roads leading up to Cheddar Gorge are fairly challenging. Driving out of Bath, I joined the A368 for a while. This road has lots of up-and down action, narrow stretches, and blind crests that lead to open views for some quick, committed blasts. It's an attraction in itself. After a while, I started to pick up the sign postings to Cheddar.
 

Final Stretch of road before the gorge
 

Following a quick, winding stretch lined with rocks and shrubbery (the rally phrase "don't cut" kept going through my head) the Gorge suddenly closes in on you. Its walls come right up the road's edge in places, and most are totally sheer. The first time I went through it, I had a very hard time keeping my eyes on the road ahead, such was the incredible scale and imposing nature of the place!

But what a fascinating road - it twists, slithers, and doubles back a fair few times, all the while descending ever further until it reaches the small village of Cheddar at the other end. Many of the corners are very tight (1st and 2nd gear) and in some places the road width looked as though it would barely accommodate two cars.
 

One of many interesting corners
 

It's actually a very short run - you could drive it's whole length in a few frenzied minutes, so I had a bit of fun making several runs in opposing directions. It really is a hoot.

I went at a time of year when tourism and traffic was at a very low level, but I get the sense that an early morning or late night run is probably best, as it's still possible to see people walking/hiking along the verges during light hours, exploring the caves along the length of the gorge.
 

Next time I'll have to sample some
 

Cheddar itself is a very charming village. It is a tiny bit touristy I think, but that hardly dented its appeal. I didn't stop for food or drink while I was there (and in the birthplace of cheddar cheese as well; shame on me) so I can't really recommend a good place to stop. Next time I pass through, I might take the time to park up and soak a bit of it in.

That said, if you're just passing through the Mendip Hills, or travelling toward Devon/Cornwal, the short ribbon of tarmac that goes through Cheddar Gorge rewards with serious corners, elevation changes, and truly incredible scenery.
 

By G Morgan
 

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