Ebbor Gorge is another of Somerset’s hidden gems. When most people think about gorges in this neck of the woods, Cheddar Gorge is probably the one that springs to mind. Ebbor Gorge doesn’t offer guided tours, have a gift shop or a tea room. And that is part of its unique charm.
In 1952, Ebbor Gorge was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The discovery of bones, tools and flint arrow heads has provided proof of human occupation by Neolithic Man. (Some of the flint tools are held in the Wells and Mendip Museum.) Pottery remains from the Bronze Age have also been unearthed. It’s amazing to think that some of the caves here were occupied by humans thousands of years ago.
EBBOR GORGE – A nature reserve
The Gorge was donated to the National Trust in the 1960s and is well managed and maintained by Natural England as a nature reserve. It provides a habitat for all sorts of fauna and flora.
Ebbor Gorge parking
Located just a few miles from The Cross at Croscombe, Ebbor Gorge has a handy free car park. (This is locked overnight, so don’t stay out too late!) It’s not a bad size, so you would be unlucky to find it full.
From the car park, there are a couple of well marked trails that lead to the edge of the gorge. Some are easier to navigate than others.
One of the paths to Ebbor Gorge
Ebbor Gorge’s circular walk
In one direction there is a steep path through the rock – ideal if you are with children (and/or grown-ups) who enjoy a good scrabble, not so good if you have a pushchair.
However, in the other direction is a more moderately paced incline through beautiful woodland. This woodland is a fantastic environment for rare butterflies and bats. There are small streams for young ones to splash in. Do keep an eye out for a wicker animal or two!
If you aren’t constrained by age or paraphernalia then the Ebbor Gorge circular walk is a good one.
Take in the views
The views from the clearing at the edge of the gorge across to the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury Tor are fantastic. Geologists can marvel at how the steep ravine cuts into 350 million year old Carboniferous Limestone (yes, I did look that bit up). There are no barriers or fences at the perimeter, so do take care. The flat stones dotted around up here make ideal picnic spots from which to soak up the views and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Up above the trees at Ebbor Gorge
Ebbor Gorge is one of those great places which are free to visit and appeal to people of all ages. It definitely makes it into my top 10 ‘Places to go in Somerset‘. Do go and explore the trail – it’s simply gorge-ous.