Discover the heights of the famous Cheddar Gorge and the beautiful North Somerset Coast . This walking break takes in the Gorges’ spectacular limestone cliffs, views over Glastonbury Tor, the Mendip Hills plus a delightful hike from the stunning Brean Down Peninsular back to Weston-Super-Mare along the popular Brean Down Way.
Grade – Easy to Medium
Extras
Check-in to hotel, meet our tour leader, fellow Solos guests for the welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal.
After breakfast we take our bus to Cheddar where we commence the main Gorge walk and experience the Cheddar Gorge in all its spectacular glory. Our route of varied terrain takes us up over 100m to the top of the gorge where we walk along open and grassy paths with stunning views over the gorge with its crags and rocks formed millions of years ago. From here we will also be treated to fabulous views over Glastonbury Tor and the Mendip Hills enjoying the natural habitat, home to goats, soay sheep, and falcons. We then descend to Cheddar village for a well- earned rest and refreshment (at own cost). After lunch we continue with our Blue Badge guide for a two hour circular walk of the beautiful historic village, of Cheddar; internationally famous for its cheese making.
After breakfast we take our bus to Brean and start the days walk from Brean village Hall. Our route takes us along the beach towards Brean Down. Interestingly, Brean Down is the home to rare plants plus feral goats living on the rock faces on the side of the down. We climb the 200 steps up to the National Trust Brean Peninsular where we explore this spectacular natural pier that stretches out into the Bristol Channel. Our route over the Down provides amazing views along the way over the Channel to South Wales and Steep Holm Island. We will see and learn about the history of Brean Fort built in 1870 to protect against French invasion plus we pass a site of a small Roman temple.
We descend down from this beautiful peninsular where we will then stop for lunch at one of the local cafes along the route where sandwiches and light snacks are available. After lunch we take the popular Brean Down Way which opened in 2017, joining Weston-Super-Mare to Brean Sands. The path gives access to walkers and cyclists over the River Axe which was impassable for many years as the sluice gates were closed to the public We then pass through the Bleaden Level nature reserve that has now been screened so that pedestrians and cyclist can pass safely over the river without disturbing the many species of birds that visit the area, including Redshanks making this a lovely walk.
After a leisurely breakfast, its time to check out and perhaps have a final meander around Weston-Super-Mare before heading home
This great, simple and traditional family-run hotel, popular with Solos guests, is situated opposite Weston’s famous Marine Lake and offers panoramic views over Weston Bay and beyond. It is just a few minutes stroll to the town centre where we can enjoy the numerous shops, theatres and attractions. Weston–Super–Mare Railway Station is approximately a 10 minute taxi journey away. There are approximately 20 car parking spaces and these are allocated on a first come first served basis. There is also additional parking on the road and a long stay car park situated 250m away which is £3 per 24 hours.
Enjoy the many facilities on offer including a large dance floor and a nightly entertainment programme in the bar/lounge area with a fully stocked bar. Wifi is available in the bar/lounge area and is provided free of charge
All rooms are equipped with full en-suite facilities, direct dial telephones, flat screen digital television, hairdryer, many rooms have level access from the lift.
Upgrade to Larger Superior Single Room – £35 per stay
Upgrade to Double/Twin Room for Sole Use £172 per stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Weston Super-Mare ( North Somerset) is located off Junction 21 of the M5. Take the A370 into Weston Super-Mare
Our hotel is situated opposite Weston’s famous Marine Lake, a few minutes stroll to the town centre where we can enjoy the numerous shops, theatres and attractions. Weston–Super–Mare Railway Station is approximately a 10 minute taxi journey away. There are approximately 20 car parking spaces and these are allocated on a first come first served basis. There is also additional parking on the road and a long stay car park situated 250m away which is £3 per 24 hours.
Check in from 2.00pm
Check out by 10.00am
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. This trip is classed as Easy to Medium however parts of the Cheddar Gorge itinerary is classed as Medium with steep inclines and Brean Down itself is Medium and includes steep steps . If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Below is a list of the current drinks currently included in the hotel promotion (subject to change)
Carlsberg (Draft) ,Boddingtons (Draft), Thatchers Gold Cider (Draft), Murphys Irish Stout (Draft) Bass (Draft), Medium White Wine (Pump), Red Wine (Pump), Cola (Pump), Diet Cola (Pump), Tonic Water (Pump), Lemonade (pump), Orange Juice (Pump), Lime Cordial (Pump), Slimline Tonic (Bottle), Canada Dry (Bottle), Bitter Lemon (Bottle), Grapefruit Juice (Bottle), Pineapple Juice (Bottle), Tomato Juice (Bottle), Vodka, Whiskey, Gin, Brandy, White Rum, Dark Rum, Sherry, Sweet Martini, Dry Martini, Cinzano, Port.
Other Drinks are available, but these must be purchased as usual. Whilst the hotel endeavours to ensure that all drinks are available, occasionally the hotel may run out of stock and therefore be unable to replace that item.
The free bar is offered from 6pm-10pm each night, the only restriction are as follows;
The hotel requests that guests order and drink one drink at a time
Drinks over dinner will be available from the bar. (no table service available)
Empty glasses should be returned to the bar and exchanged for a new drink
No double spirit measures
No neat spirits
Guest will be issued a voucher that must be shown to the bar staff
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
| April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
| July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
