B3135-Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain's most scenic drives
Located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, the B3135 road running through Cheddar Gorge is one of the best roads in the world and certainly an enjoyable road to drive.
Where is the B3135-Cheddar Gorge?
The road (also known as Cliff Road) is located in a picturesque corner of Somerset, along Cheddar Gorge, the largest gorge in the United Kingdom in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Carved out by glacial meltwater during the last Ice Age, the limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge form England's deepest natural canyon. At almost 400 feet deep and 3 miles long, this is England’s largest gorge, in places towering 138m above the twisting B3135.
How long is Cheddar Gorge road?
It is 14 miles (23km) long and features 22 bends. It links Cheddar, a large village and civil parish in the Sedgemoor district of the English county of Somerset, and Ashwick, a village in the Mendip district of Somerset.
How long does it take to drive B3135 road through Cheddar Gorge?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 30 and 40 minutes. At times the road can get very busy, so watch out for buses, tourists, farm vehicles, and sheep.
Can I drive through Cheddar Gorge?
B3135-Cliff Road is one of Somerset’s most spectacular roads. The winding country road includes cliff faces rising on either side of the road and twists and turns due to the gorge dictating the route. The road remains tight as it frees itself from the claustrophobic clutches of the gorge, but you can relax a little as you enter the mid-section of this journey. The route can be split into three main sections. The first section is the most demanding but offers stunning scenery, with cliff faces rising on either side of the road and twists and turns aplenty due to the gorge dictating the route. Take care cornering, as the placement of your car is vital: think agility, not power. After four miles or so, you’ll exit the gorge and begin the second section. Trees take the place of rocks, and the tight turns relax into sweeping bends. The final section focuses on long straights and gentle changes in gradient, giving drivers the chance to take in more of the view. The road has been featured in the Tour of Britain race. It’s pretty steep and has a maximum gradient of 16%. It can be closed anytime after heavy rains and severe flooding.
Is B3135 road worth it?
Along the way, you can explore one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks. If you’re ever in this part of the country, it would be a shame to miss out on this amazing drive. In 2018, it was named the best driving road in the UK. The gorge attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, so it can be a busy route, especially with tourists and cyclists. According to Mike Brewer (Wheeler Dealers’ Discovery Channel), it’s one of the best roads in England. The B3135 is a tasty road in more ways than one.