Axbwel two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A lovely route taking in picturesque Axbridge and Wells and the joys of Cheddar and Wookey Hole. The star, of course, is the wonderful south Mendip scarp, with fantastic views over the Somerset Levels, as well as gliders, butterflies and beautiful grassland flora to be had. The route largely follows the West Mendip Way which is signposted well, lots of old school stone stiles and a steep but staircased section up the Ebor Gorge.

I love walking in this area, and much of this Slow Way is a classic limestone Mendip hill walk with a big climb and descent of the southern scarp and some fabulous views. This rejigged version also includes a ramble around the ramparts of Axbridge’s curious round reservoir which is a great addition to its general enjoyableness, so thanks to those frisky cows on Axbwel One (they were comatose with the heat under the shade of a tree when I last went by) and the previous reviewer’s creative re-route.

Highly recommended and the decent, reliable 126 bus service between Axbridge and Wells makes it a very practicable day hike.

Expect steep climbs (including lots of big steps a metre and a half apart on many stretches of the path up/down Ebbor gorge), livestock in the fields, plenty of stiles and a couple of top quality nature reserves good for butterfly watching in the season. I might add a bit more info later but I’ve run out of time for now.

I walked this route in two halves over two days. First, I walked from Axbridge to Cheddar, then I took the bus to Wells. The next day, I walked Wells to Cheddar. There's a lot about this route I liked quite a lot.

The stretch from Axbridge to Cheddar along the reservoir is gorgeous. The approach into Cheddar, similarly, is easy and pleasant, albeit a bit long and monotonous. From Cheddar, if you're feeling up to it, the iconic Cheddar Gorge is perfect for exploring!

The route between Cheddar and Wells is awesome. It's a steep incline on both ends, with a long flat stretch on a high plateau in the middle. The views, when you get them, are fantastic. This part of the route follows almost the West Mendip Way almost 100% of the time, so the route was well-maintained and easy to follow. (I will say that the stiles on the WMW were so goofy and ridiculously hard to climb over! They were just huge stones without steps. I'm young and spry so didn't mind, but watch out for this!).

When I walked in mid-May, I encountered a few fields with cows. None of the cows paid me any attention.

The Wells Cathedral was a great end point, one of the most beautiful I've seen in the UK!

I also stopped off at the Wookey Hole caves on the way. It was kitschy, but fun and actually impressive. I was pleased.

Long story short, this route is so jam-packed with things to do you can't possibly be bored. It's a great route!.

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