National Trust - Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve — Attraction in St Cuthbert Out

A walk for the more physically fit and experienced rambler. Not suitable for very small children or people with mobility issues. Dog friendly but must be kept on leads to protect wildlife and for their own safety. Initially the steps down into the woodland are quite steep in areas and can be slippery when wet. At the bottom you will be met by a beautiful broad leaf woodland with a small stream running trough it and lots of wild plants, ferns, berry and animals to spot. We found a wicker sculpture of a bear, but there may be more in other areas of the trails. The walk up trough the gorge is very steep and rocky, walking shoes are a must, and care should be taken as it is uneven and unstable in many places. Once at the top there is a beautiful viewing point over the gorge, making the climb up worth while. Plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view, take photos, catch your breath. (be careful as there are no barriers). The trail back to the carpark loops back down to the woods and up the other side to the carpark. At he top there is a picnic area and some benches to rest on. Also a viewing area back over to the gorge. The carpark is free with a height restriction of 7ft. Next to the car park there is another grassed area to sit and relax plus an information area telling you all about the history of the gorge. On the maps there are a few trails that are coloured, you will notice through the walk, trees are marked with colours to keep you on the right track. No toilets nearby. No place for buying refreshments so take your own. We really enjoyed this trail and will definitely revisit again. Tip: take a camera...

DON’T ATTEMPT THIS IF YOU NEED A WALKING STICK - SCRAMBLE REQUIRED

Ended up here by chance after skipping Cheddar Gorge because it was too busy on a bank holiday.

Really lovely! Had no idea there was a viewpoint or a scramble, so that was a nice surprise!

Couple of things to note -

There was no water/stream. It was a sunny 20c day in May, so it had dried up to mud (mentioning in case you are hoping to take your dog for a paddle as we were).

The trail begins by the information sign - you have to climb over the grey stone stile/wall there (caused some confusion for everyone, including us 😂).

The “rocky path up” is actually a light but steep scramble - also a really fun surprise. Don’t try the red (full/long) trail if you have mobility issues / use a walking stick. A lady ahead of us was struggling and got stuck on the scramble up. There is a blue/accessible trail - try that...

Amazing place, beautiful views and an adventurous climb. Highly recommended for anyone that does NOT have moany children. If you do, definitely take them as this will be an experience you will never forget. To this day, I can still hear the terrible sobs and moans as we ascended up the gorge, on the lord-of-the-rings-esque scenery "ITS TOO HIGH UP DADDY", "I CANT GO ON ANY FURTHER" and "WAIT FOR ME DADDY". Tears streaming down his face as he got to the top, the trickles stopped until he looked down again and screamed. The waterworks started heavier this time. Overall, a very positive experience, I highly enjoyed and so did the dogs, my wife and the child in the sling strapped to my chest, not the five year old. Will visit again, maybe as a punishment...