29 Sep. - Cheddar

 

Image: A moody start to our walk through (and over) Cheddar Gorge

Through narrow lanes gripped tight by hedgerows to Cheddar Gorge, its start heralded by small limestone outcrops as the road begins to descend.
Then suddenly the ever higher cliffs rise sheer to either side, their protruding fingers pushing the road this way + that.
The vehicle abandoned, we start to climb on foot from near Black Rock, the pebble-strewn path climbing abruptly through woodland until suddenly, cresting the Gorge's southern brow, the low + drizzly cloud is blown rapidly eastward + a vista unfolds like none we've yet seen.
An emerald carpet, crossed by hedgerows, studded with the upwellings of Galstonbury Tor + Brent Knoll, stretching to the Bristol Channel + caressed by bright sunlight as gaps appear in the low + scudding cloud.
It holds your eye, + despite the cutting wind that flattens the tufted grasses, it is hard to look, or walk, away.

Notes: If you love cheese as much as we do, be sure to visit The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. Their Cave Matured Cheddar is frankly astounding. I never knew cheddar could taste so incredible! And if you also like teddy bears as much as we (and our small bear) do, a visit to The Gorge Bear Co. is equally imperative. Our bear was delighted to catch up with all the wonderful Steiff cousins! Oh ... And the Gorge itself is simply beautiful, even in the drizzle and low cloud.