Black Rock Nature Reserve

Black Rock Nature Reserve is one of three Somerset Wildlife Trust reserves that make up the Cheddar Complex, alongside Velvet Bottom and Long Wood.

Covering 183 acres, Black Rock sits within a hidden dry limestone valley and is made up of rough grassland and woodland. The walking here is gentle and straightforward, with clear paths winding through the reserve. Keep an eye out for old lime kilns and the remains of an abandoned quarry as you explore.

There are two waymarked circular trails starting from the reserve entrance. The shorter route is 1.6km and follows green marker posts, while the longer 2.4km trail is marked in red. Both include numbered points of interest along the way. You can easily extend your walk by continuing into Long Wood or walking the linear route through Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve and back again.

When we visited in winter, we didn’t encounter any livestock, though grazing animals are present during the warmer months, so dogs may need to be kept under closer control at certain times of year.

For a longer adventure, you can continue 2.7km into Cheddar via the Gorge Walk, which is clearly signposted from the reserve.

After your walk, Cheddar is a great place to stop for refreshments, with many dog-friendly cafés and pubs. Lion Rock Tea Room is perfect for afternoon tea, and The White Hart is a popular pub stop.