Climb 2 of 22Somerset, England
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is a deep limestone valley on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The road climbs out of Cheddar village between tall walls of rock. At its deepest, the gorge is 137 m deep.
- km long
- 4.5
- metres up
- 184
- steepest part
- 12%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Cheddar Gorge?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 28 min
- I ride now and then: about 22 min
- I ride most weeks: about 18 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Cheddar Gorge at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Cheddar Gorge is 8 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 2 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
The climb starts in the village of Cheddar and follows the B3135, known as Cliff Road, up through the gorge. The steepest part comes early, among the cliffs. The slope then eases as you come out onto the top of the Mendips.
The gorge is known for its show caves, Gough's Cave and the smaller Cox's Cave. The Tour of Britain raced up the gorge on stage 6 in 2011.
Riding it for real
Next to the road, a path of 274 steps called Jacob's Ladder climbs the side of the gorge. A lookout tower at the top gives a view over the whole area.
Questions about riding Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is a deep limestone valley on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The road climbs out of Cheddar village between tall walls of rock. At its deepest, the gorge is 137 m deep.
Where does the Cheddar Gorge climb start?
It starts in Cheddar village. From there the B3135 climbs up through the gorge to the top of the Mendip Hills.
Has the Tour of Britain been up Cheddar Gorge?
Yes. Stage 6 of the 2011 Tour of Britain climbed the gorge.
Which part of Cheddar Gorge is the steepest?
The steepest part is near the bottom, between the cliffs. The last part of the climb is much gentler.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
