The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Cheddar Reservoir

There are over 100 easy family-friendly hiking trails around Cheddar Reservoir, with a total of 258 routes available for various skill levels. This guide focuses on those best suited for families.

Yes, the popular circular path directly around Cheddar Reservoir is largely flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs. It offers continuous water views and is an excellent option for families with young children or those needing accessible routes.

Family hikes around Cheddar Reservoir primarily feature flat, well-maintained paths, especially around the reservoir itself. For those venturing slightly further, you might encounter gentle inclines and varied surfaces as you explore the lower parts of the Mendip Hills, offering a mix of open views and wooded sections.

Many trails around Cheddar Reservoir are dog-friendly, especially the circular path around the reservoir. However, please be mindful that the earth banks are often grazed by sheep, so dogs should be kept on a lead in these areas. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Beyond the expansive views of the reservoir itself, you can enjoy glimpses of the dramatic Cheddar Gorge in the distance. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its wintering waterfowl and diverse birdlife, making it great for birdwatching. From higher points, you can often see across the Somerset Levels.

Free parking is available at both the Cheddar and Axbridge ends of the reservoir, providing convenient access points for starting your family adventure.

Absolutely! The most prominent family-friendly circular route is the path directly around Cheddar Reservoir. For a slightly longer option, consider the Cheddar Reservoir loop from Axbridge, which is an easy 4.8 km hike.

Many family-friendly walks around Cheddar Reservoir range from 3 to 8 kilometers (2 to 5 miles) in length. An easy 3 km walk, like the one around the reservoir, typically takes about an hour, while longer routes such as the Cliff Street Car Park – Edelweiss Café loop from Axbridge (7.2 km) might take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, the nearby village of Cheddar offers various refreshment options, including establishments like The White Hart and the Lion Rock Tea Rooms. There are also amenities such as a skatepark, pump track, and playground near the reservoir, perfect for families.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessible, flat paths around the reservoir, the beautiful water views, and the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing.

Yes, if your family is up for a bit more of a challenge, routes like the View of the Somerset Levels – Shute Shelve Tunnel loop from Axbridge offer moderate difficulty with more elevation gain and expansive views over the Somerset Levels. This route is about 8 km long.

Cheddar Reservoir is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is great for longer days. Winter can be lovely for birdwatching, but paths might be muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.