The aim of this final blog in my Mendip Way series of posts, is to provide a bunch of hints and tips that will help you have a great experience on this particular long-distance trail.
I wanted to put together all the little bits and bobs I learnt when hiking this trail that you might find useful – things about the route, the overnights, the food, what to wear, what to pack, and more. This will be a super-fast post to read, but I hope you find it helpful.
And please, if you’ve done the trail and have more tips, especially if you hiked it in a much drier season of the year(!), do comment below to share your wisdom – I look forward to reading your additions to my list.
Download file for GPSSee the full route in OS Maps.
Read the official Mendip Way leaflet.
Twenty Mendip Way Hints and Tips
01 Start from Weston-super-Mare
Start your Mendip Way adventure from the pier on Weston-super-Mare seafront instead of at Uphill. The stroll south along the England Coast Path adds just 40-minutes to the Mendip Way and offers a stunning walk along the seafront. With Weston’s excellent transport links and accommodation options, it’s a convenient and picturesque way to kick off your hike.
02 Four Days is Good
Four days is the perfect length of time to truly enjoy the Mendip Way. At 50-miles, and travelling through a number of decent sized towns and villages, it’s perfectly suited for a leisurely long weekend, with manageable daily distances. My days were 15, 14, 9, and 14-miles in turn – that shorter day was the day I hiked through Wells. You could easily go quicker, if that’s your bag, but I think it’s worth taking your time to soak in the scenery.
03 Hike Your Own Hike
Having recommended four days… The Mendip Way is wonderfully versatile – whether you tackle it as a single four-day adventure or dip in for a series of day hikes or weekend getaways. However you choose to hike, the trail’s beauty remains the same and it’s still the Mendip Way. The secret is to always hike your own hike; find your rhythm, pace, and style that makes your journey joyful and rewarding. And if that means doing it solo in the mud of January like me, then good on you!!
04 Print the Leaflet and Carry a Map
While the Mendip Way is well-signposted, a map is always a sensible backup. I used OS Maps on my phone and carried printed copies just in case. Don’t forget to print the Mendip Way leaflet, too – it’s not just great for navigation but also highlights the sights along the route. A Cicerone guidebook would be ideal, but until one is written, the leaflet does a solid job.
05 Hike in Spring or Autumn
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for tackling the Mendip Way. Hiking in January meant battling rain, mud, and overflowing streams – certainly type two fun! In spring, the woodlands would be especially breathtaking, especially during bluebell season, and autumn would bring crisp air and vibrant foliage. I say choose these seasons for the best trail experience.
06 Book Ahead
Booking accommodation in advance is a wise move for the Mendip Way. Even in a quiet month like January, I had to adjust my route to secure a room. During peak hiking and holiday season, this will be even more crucial. I used Booking.com with its free cancellation options – a great way to plan with some added flexibility.
07 Learn the History – and Geology
The Mendip Way is more than just a walking trail – it’s full of fascinating history and stunning geography. Take time to learn about the landmarks and nature you encounter along the way. Don’t be ashamed of asking the internet about things you see along the way. Walking offers a unique perspective to appreciate details up close, so make the most of the slower pace to connect with your surroundings
08 Eat Cake!
While carrying food and water is essential for any hike, the Mendip Way has plenty of charming cafes and pubs along and very close to the trail – perfect for refuelling and sampling local treats. I managed to find cake every lunchtime, except the last day, but afternoon cake in Frome more than made up for it. Daily cake while hiking? Absolutely a must! My cake locations were in Loxton, Cheddar, Wells and Frome – and I’d recommend them all.
09 Pack Light
Packing light is key – it’s only a four-day hike, so you really don’t need much. The lighter your pack, the more comfortable the journey. I’m not ultralight (by any stretch!), but carrying only what I truly need makes my time on the trail much better. Pack smart: enough to feel prepared and safe, and leave the rest at home.
10 Prepare for Rain
Rain is practically a given when hiking in the UK, and the Mendip Way is no exception. Whether it’s winter torrents (!) or surprise summer showers, full waterproof gear is a must. I wore waterproof boots, trousers, jacket, and a baseball cap – head-to-toe protection makes all the difference for staying comfortable on the trail.
11 Boots Aren’t Required – Except in January
Solid, grippy boots are essential if you’re hiking the Mendip Way in January, you’ll need them to tackle the wet and muddy conditions. But for the rest of the year, the trail’s decent terrain and relatively low-level means a good pair of trail shoes should suffice. Just keep an eye on any particularly muddy patches as you go.
12 Practice Leave No Trace
As hikers, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the landscapes we explore. Following leave no trace principles is an easy yet vital way to minimise our impact. Part of this is knowing what to do when nature calls. While the Mendip Way has public loos here and there, it’s wise to be prepared to handle your business in the wild responsibly. Let’s leave the trail as beautiful (and sweet smelling…) as we found it.
13 Take the Detour up Crook Peak
The summit of Crook Peak might not be officially part of the Mendip Way, but it’s just a short detour that’s worth taking. A half-mile additional there-and-back takes you to the top of this rocky hilltop, where there are magnificent views all around. It was a real highlight of the hike for me, don’t be tempted to miss it out when you’ve done all the hard work already.
14 Walk the Other Way Around Loxton
Also, don’t miss the chance to visit the lovely community café in Loxton, which the Mendip Way misses if you follow the trail as marked. Instead, walk around the village anticlockwise instead of clockwise, which will lead you straight past the Frankie Howerd Hub and Café. Stop in for some tea and cake; it’s a delightful treat with no distance added to the route.
15 Cheddar is Not Overrated
Yes, Cheddar Gorge is busy, but it’s a popular spot for a reason. The dramatic cliffs, incredible caves, and vibrant village make it an unmissable feature of the Mendip Way. Take your time to explore this iconic location – it’s well worth the hustle and bustle to experience its unique charm. And you’ll be back out into the quiet and calm in no time.
16 Go to the Viewpoint in Ebbor Gorge
The viewpoint at Ebbor Gorge is – I’m told – an unmissable highlight of the Mendip Way, perfect for soaking in stunning scenery. Unfortunately, I did miss it, and I’m still sad about that! I just didn’t have time because I wanted to be out of the woodland before the sun set. If you have the time, make sure to take this tiny detour which is signposted as you get towards it.
17 Leave Time for Wells and Frome
The Mendip Way passes through the charming city of Wells and finishes in the equally delightful town of Frome. Both are brimming with character and deserve more than just a fleeting visit. Be sure to set aside time to explore – Wells with its stunning cathedral and Frome with its vibrant, creative atmosphere. They are highlights not to be missed.
18 Use Public Transport
Public transport makes tackling the Mendip Way a (relative) breeze. With Weston-super-Mare and Frome both well-served by trains and buses, it’s easy to reach the start and end of the trail. Planning ahead lets you leave the car behind and enjoy a more sustainable and stress-free adventure. Although you’ll know from my day zero post that my journey to and from the trail was a little bit of a pain, but don’t let that put you off!
19 Consider Adding the Saxon King’s Way
If you have an extra day to spare, why not extend your adventure with the Saxon King’s Way? This 14-mile day hike takes you from Frome to Bath, linking the Mendip Way with the Cotswold Way. It’s a fantastic option for adding another memorable chapter to your journey.
20 Plan Your Own Long-Weekend Hike
A long-weekend hike is the perfect way to escape daily life and immerse yourself in the outdoors. Whether you choose the Mendip Way like me, or a trail closer to home, it’s an opportunity to explore somewhere new, somewhere familiar, or somewhere interesting. Pick a manageable route up to around 50-miles, plan out your days, and make time for the things that matter – whether that’s stunning views, local history, or simply the joy of walking. Multi-day hiking offers a sense of adventure and achievement that’s hard to match. Let this be your nudge to start planning your next hiking getaway!! There’s some route suggestions in this post.
Add your own Mendip Way hints and tips in the comments below.
The Full Story
If you want the full story of my Mendip Way hike (and I really hope you do, it’s a nice little adventure story told in a chapter-a-day style – worth your time I reckon), then it’s best to head over to my adventure journal series.
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