Black Rock Nature Reserve

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

Black Rock consists of 183 acres of rough grassland and woodland in a hidden dry limestone valley. The walk is gentle and easy, with clear paths to follow, try to spot the old lime kilns or the abandoned quarry.

There are two circular nature trails to follow in Black Rock Nature Reserve. Both the short trail (1.6 km) and the long trail (2.4 km) are way-marked with numbered stops at points of interest and begin at the reserve entrance. Follow the green marker posts for the short trail and the red marker posts for the long trail. You can easily extend your walk by walking in a circular route through Long Wood, or walk through the linear path of Velvet Bottom Nature Reserve and back again.

Visiting in winter, we luckily did not see any animals in the nature reserve, but we know there are livestock at Black Rock in the warmer months.

If you want a longer walk, you and your pup can walk 2.7km to Cheddar via the Gorge Walk, which is clearly signposted as you enter into the nature reserve.

After you have finished your walk you can pop over to Cheddar, where most of the cafes and pubs are really dog friendly, such as Lion Rock Tea Room (fab for afternoon tea) or The White Hart pub. We would highly recommend Cheddar Paws Bakery, a dog bakery, where your pup can treat themselves to a pupcake, pink doughnut or biscuit. We took Bella there and she loved it!