Cheddar Gorge

I've always wanted to visit Cheddar Gorge, so as we were, kinda, passing on the way home from Cornwall to Cumbria, we thought we should pop in.

Not sure what I expected, but not quite what it was.  I thought it was just caves to be honest, but the gorge itself was breathtakingly beautiful.

And inside the caves was just as exciting.  I was trying out loads of different flash settings, but many of my pictures turned out pants - lesson learnt there then!

I totally love the colours and formations in some of the rock faces.

In one part there was these little Goblin things, that were only shown up now and again with lighting, otherwise they couldn't be seen.  My darling Hubster had spotted them before me and sneaked up behind me and did a Golum impression ("Filthy little Bobbitses") in my ear.  I jumped a mile, swore loudly and profusely, then sulked with him for ages.

We visited the two caves, I have to say though I REALLY wanted to see more Stalactites and Stalagmites than was there, and I REALLY wanted my photos to pick out all the wonderful colours in the caves.  But both disappointed.

Then it was time for the Jacobs Ladder walk - a 274 step (YES, STEPS) up the side of the gorge.

My thoughts were, I'm gonna have a heart attack, I'm gonna pant and puff like the fat bird that I am, I'm gonna kick any children that try to run past me, I'm gonna cry!

Deep breath.... and GO !

The view from 28 steps.

The view from 79 steps.

The view from 137 steps.

The view forward at 200 steps.

The view from 274 steps - only another 46 to go!

The view from the top of the tower, towards Cheddar Reservoir.

See, I did it!  My knees shook all the way back down and for an hour afterwards  :)  AND, to add insult to injury, I blooming well nettled myself.  I have not been nettled for about 30 years and boy, it stung.

For more of my Cheddar Gorge & Cave photos please click HERE.