Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve
Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve
Hiking
4.9
(75)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 24, 2021
Hiking
June 14, 2024
Hiking
April 27, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve
4.8
(39)
91
hikers
Embark on a difficult 12.1-mile (19.5 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 1702 feet (519 metres) of elevation over approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes. This challenging loop from Burrington Ham takes you across varied terrain, from rare limestone grasslands to open moorland and woodlands. You will traverse mostly accessible paths, hiking paths, footpaths, and some street sections, with rocky outcrops and loose ground, especially around Beacon Batch. Expect breathtaking panoramic views from high points like Beacon Batch, the highest peak in the Mendips, stretching across the Bristol Channel into Wales.
This trail requires very good fitness and sure-footedness, as it involves moderate to steep climbs and uneven ground. Certain sections, such as the Black Rock Steep Rocky Path, can be particularly challenging, especially after rain or when descending. The route begins from Burrington Ham, which offers 360-degree views and is often home to wild horses and cattle. Plan your visit to allow ample time for the duration and prepare for diverse conditions underfoot.
The route is rich in natural and historical significance, passing through several protected areas. You will experience Cheddar Gorge, England's largest gorge and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geology and archaeology. The trail also visits Velvet Bottom, a nature reserve with unique dry river valley characteristics, and Black Down, the largest area of open heathland in the Mendips, known for its valuable wildlife habitats and ancient archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds at Beacon Batch.
4.4
(9)
75
hikers
12.0km
03:15
170m
170m
Embark on a moderate 7.4-mile (12.0 km) hike through the Mendip Hills, gaining 560 feet (171 metres) of elevation over approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. This loop from Black Gate takes you through the varied landscapes of Velvet Bottom and up to Beacon Batch. You will experience woodlands, open moorland, and pastures, with the path in Velvet Bottom traversing a dry river valley. As you ascend towards Beacon Batch, the terrain becomes more challenging, leading to the highest point in the Mendips.
When planning your visit, be aware that paths in Velvet Bottom can be wet and muddy, especially after rain. The ascent to Beacon Batch also involves some short climbs and potentially loose terrain and rocks. The Mendip Trail sections can be very muddy in wet conditions, so appropriate footwear is essential. This route is generally considered moderate, requiring good fitness, but it offers easily accessible paths for most hikers.
This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Velvet Bottom, now a nature reserve, reveals a landscape shaped by extensive lead mining from Roman times through the Victorian era, with visible remains of dams and buddle pits. From Beacon Batch, the highest point in the Mendip Hills at 325 meters (1066 feet), you can enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views that can stretch to the Bristol Channel and South Wales on clear days. The area is also rich in wildlife and home to Bronze Age round barrows.
4.8
(31)
153
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 230 m
Weather
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Wednesday 10 June
16°C
9°C
57 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 32.0 km/h
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