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Beat Cheddar Gorge

Take on dramatic cliffs, breathtaking scenery and an epic hiking adventure through iconic Cheddar Gorge.
10 Jul 2027
Cheddar Gorge, UK, BS27 3RP
Beat the Trails
14+
Entry fee: 10 miles £23 | 20 miles £32
Fundraising pledge £207
Sign up now
Beat the Trails event

Will you take on one of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks?

Take on a 10‑ or 20‑mile hiking challenge through the dramatic landscapes of the Mendip Hills. Beat Cheddar Gorge invites you to explore towering limestone cliffs, rolling Somerset countryside, peaceful woodland trails and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, all while supporting Marie Curie. Whether you sign up to stride solo or with friends and family, this event will be an unforgettable experience. We'll be with you every step of the way, offering tailored training plans in the lead up to the hike and waiting for you with a glass of bubbly and medal at the finish line. Beat the Trails for Marie Curie and help people get the best care possible, to the end.

About the route

  1. Mendip Foothills start: This route joins the west Mendip way towards the iconic Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in the UK.
  2. The Great Gorge: You'll ascend up, through the middle of the gorge on Cliff Road.
  3. Gorge'ous views: From the top of the gorge, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor, the Bristol Channel and even across to Wales.
  4. Velvet Bottom: Weaving through, enjoy far‑reaching Somerset views and discover the tranquil beauty of Velvet Bottom, one of the Mendips’ hidden gems.
  5. Best of the Mendips: Enjoy the open expanse of Black Down before you head into the peaceful woodland of Rowberrow Warren. You’ll conquer Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendips at 325m, then follow the stunning Butcombe Trail and Velvet Bottom back towards the gorge.
The route is fully signed and our support teams can help keep you on track. The routes are subject to permission and changes. In the unlikely event of any changes, we'll be sure to let all participants know of any updates to the route.
Sign up now
Beat the Trail participants on the trek

Route starting and finishing point

Cheddar Carboot and Market
Winchester Farm
Draycott Road
Cheddar BS27 3RP
View larger map

See the full routes

Take a look at the full routes.

Route difficulty

The rugged stone covered sharp ascents and descents up, along and down the Gorge will provide a challenge (but spectacular views as a reward), but more gentle undulating walking in between these sections allow recovery. In general, the routes would be classed as a challenging yet very achievable level for participants arriving trained and prepared to walk these distances, gradients and types of terrain.

Difficulty rating:

  • 10 miles: 5/10
  • 20 miles: 6/10
(1 Being equal to walking a flat riverside walk, 10 being equal to climbing a UK mountain).

Terrain

The terrain consists of well-maintained pavement footpaths, tarmacked road, riverside trails, open field paths and rugged stone covered walking trails. Please note under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
Sign up now
Beat the Trail participant with walking poles

Route options and profiles

10-mile route

A great choice for first‑time hikers, the 10‑mile Cheddar Gorge route offers a steady but rewarding climb through dramatic limestone scenery, typically taking 3 to 6 hours.
Beat The Trails elevation imagery Cheddar Gorge short route

20-mile route

Designed for confident trekkers, the 20‑mile Cheddar Gorge route delivers a tougher, full‑day challenge across rugged terrain and sweeping gorge views, usually completed in 5 to 11 hours.
Beat The Trails elevation imagery Cheddar Gorge long route

What you can expect

Beat the Trails participants with coffee and pastries

Enjoy free refreshments

Get a free hot drink and pastry before the big trek, and visit refreshment stations along the route.
Beat the Trails merchandise

Merchandise

Pick up Beat the Cheddar Gorge merchandise to celebrate your victory.

Get professional photos

Head to the media wall to capture special moments with a photographer.
Beat the Trails participants with medals

Receive your medal

Cross the finish line, collect your well‑earned medal and celebrate your achievement with a refreshing glass of fizz.

Beat the Trails in action

1/8

How we support you

Fundraising pack and support

Get tips and support to help you with your fundraising.

Beat the Trails hub

Your online hub full with everything you need for the big day. With kit lists, training tips and your event day guide, we've got you covered.

Community

Your community fundraisers are on hand to support you with your fundraising.

Exclusive incentives

You'll get rewards to celebrate all your fundraising wins along the way.

How your fundraising helps

The nurses are currently based in 23 GP practices in the area, with a further eight practices set to join the scheme in the coming months.

£32

could help fund an hour of hospice bereavement counselling.

£60

could help pay for a uniform for a Marie Curie Nurse.

£207

could help fund nine hours of overnight nursing care.
Sam and Harry on the sofa

£530

could help fund our Companions service to support a family at home for a year.

We’re here for you

If you have any questions, we'd be happy to help. Call us on 0800 716 146 or email events@mariecurie.org.uk. You can also check out our FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions.

We’re here for you

If you have any questions, we'd be happy to help. Call us on 0800 716 146 or email events@mariecurie.org.uk. You can also check out our FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions.
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©2026 Marie Curie. Registered Charity, England and Wales (207994), Scotland (SC038731). Registered company limited by guarantee, England & Wales (507597). Registered Office: One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7BW
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