Our verdict
All the drama of Cheddar Gorge without the fudge shops and the traffic. A satisfying haul up through the rocks, best done early.
The wilder, quieter top end of Cheddar Gorge: limestone grassland, scree and woodland climbing away from the show caves and coach parks.
National Nature Reserve at the head of Cheddar Gorge. Open access on foot, keep to the paths.