4.5
(2598)
20,323
hikers
450
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Priddy offer access to the distinctive landscapes of the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset. The region is characterized by limestone hills, plateaus, and valleys, with a unique karst topography featuring swallets and extensive cave systems. Hikers can explore areas shaped by historical lead mining, such as the Priddy Mineries, which now support diverse flora and fauna. Ancient monuments, including the Priddy Circles and Bronze Age barrows, are also notable features along many routes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.8
(31)
153
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(15)
82
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
8.81km
02:31
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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High elevation Hill mixed terrain of mud stones, an enjoyable scramble at times.
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Mountain goats located across Cheddar Gorge. These are feral goats, roam freely and play a role in managing the landscape.
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Cheddar Gorge is home to a notable population of feral goats, which are a significant part of its unique ecosystem. These goats are free-roaming and play a crucial role in the gorge's conservation efforts. The goats were deliberately introduced to Cheddar Gorge in the 1990s (and alongside some Soay sheep) to help manage the landscape. Before their introduction, sheep grazing had declined, leading to scrub and trees encroaching on the rare, flower-rich limestone grasslands. The goats act as natural "graziers," keeping aggressive scrub in check and preventing it from smothering the rare plant species that thrive there, such as the famous Cheddar Pink.
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https://youtube.com/@hoofhike 👈 see details Absolutely fantastic walk definitely “must visit “
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Check full video 👉https://youtube.com/@hoofhike
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Lovely open area of nature reserve, great for exploring
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There are over 400 hiking trails around Priddy that are accessible from bus stations, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels.
Yes, Priddy offers many easy hikes accessible by bus. For example, the Beacon Batch summit trig point – Goatchurch Cavern loop from Aveline's Hole is an easy 6.5 km route that takes you through varied terrain. Another great option is the View Over the Severn Estuary – Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Aveline's Hole, a shorter 5.8 km easy hike.
Absolutely. Priddy is home to over 200 moderate hikes accessible by bus. A notable route is the View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop from Aveline's Hole, a 16 km trail offering stunning vistas. Another excellent moderate option is the Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Aveline's Hole, covering about 8.8 km.
Many of the trails accessible from Priddy bus stations are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. Examples include the Beacon Batch summit trig point – Goatchurch Cavern loop from Aveline's Hole and the Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Aveline's Hole.
The trails around Priddy, nestled in the Mendip Hills, offer a diverse range of natural features. You'll encounter limestone hills, plateaus, and unique karst topography with swallets (sinkholes). The Priddy Pools and Priddy Mineries Nature Reserve are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, rich in wildlife and distinctive habitats.
Yes, Priddy is rich in history. You can explore ancient monuments like the Priddy Circles, Neolithic ritual enclosures, and the Priddy Nine Barrows, Bronze Age burial mounds. The landscape also bears the marks of centuries of lead mining, particularly visible in the Priddy Mineries.
Many of the easier and moderate routes are suitable for families, especially those looking for a day out in nature. The shorter loop trails, like the View Over the Severn Estuary – Beacon Batch summit trig point loop from Aveline's Hole, are great for families with children, offering manageable distances and interesting sights.
Many trails in the Mendip Hills are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Be mindful of local signage and ensure your dog is under control. The open access areas like Black Down are generally good for dog walking.
Several trails offer fantastic viewpoints. The View of Cheddar Gorge – Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve loop from Aveline's Hole provides spectacular views of Cheddar Gorge. Additionally, Black Down, the highest point in the Mendips, offers expansive views across the landscape and is accessible via various routes. You can also find viewpoints like Bourton Combe Bridleway and Dundry Singletrack Descent nearby.
The hiking trails around Priddy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.59 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the sense of tranquility, and the well-maintained paths that lead through historical sites and natural beauty.
Yes, Priddy is famous for its extensive cave systems due to its limestone geology. While many caves require specialist equipment, you can find highlights like Goatchurch Cavern and Ebbor Gorge, which offer glimpses into this subterranean world. The area is also home to notable swallets like St Cuthbert's Swallet.
Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for hiking around Priddy. The weather is usually mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with spring blooms or autumn colors. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but trails can be busier. Winter walks are possible, but some paths might be muddy or slippery, especially in higher elevations.
The Priddy Mineries Nature Reserve is the best place to explore the region's lead mining history. The landscape itself, with its 'gruffy' terrain of old mine shafts and spoil heaps, tells the story of centuries of mining. Information boards are often present in these designated areas to provide context on the industrial past and its impact on the unique flora.


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