Satellite map of Cheddar Gorge

England · United Kingdom

Cheddar Gorge

B3135Cheddar to Charterhouse

Distance2.5 mi4.0 km
Drive time5 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 5 of 10
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Britain’s grandest limestone gorge, the B3135 winding beneath 137-metre cliffs.

The B3135 threads the floor of Cheddar Gorge, where weathered limestone walls rise sheer on either side, one of the deepest gorges in Britain. It is a short, theatrical drive, climbing in tight curves from the village onto the Mendip plateau. Pedestrians, cyclists and the famous wild goats share the narrow road, and rockfall is a genuine hazard, so keep it slow and look up often.

Britain’s biggest gorge, the cliffs rising sheer on either side. Short, sharp and spectacular.

Why we picked it

Scenery

Gorge

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

In these guides

Where it runs2.5 mi · point to point

CheddarStart · England
CharterhouseEnd · England

Character

Corners12bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient16%≈ 1-in-6
Climb200 mtotal ascent
Summit218.4 mhighest point of the line · 717 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 1
0.61.31.9 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%33.3 – 218.4 m
summit · 218.4 m 50100150200 m 0.01.32.5 mi

Points of interest3 stops

  • Cheddar Gorge viewpointLimestone cliffs rising some 137 metres.
    2.5 mi in
  • Castle RockViewpoint
    0.5 mi in
  • Cheddar Gorge & CavesLandmark
    at the start

Hazards

  • Rockfall area
  • Narrow through the cliffs
  • Pedestrians, cyclists and wild goats

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Cheddar Gorge: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Cheddar Gorge?
Cheddar Gorge runs 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and takes about 5 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Cheddar Gorge to drive?
We rate it moderate: 12 corners, a maximum gradient of 16%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Cheddar Gorge?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

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