Somerset Walking Break – Wells, Glastonbury & Cheddar Gorge

Meeting Locations & Times

Our three-night walking break is based at:

The Crown at Wells
Market Place
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2RP

You can check into the hotel from 15:00 on Day 1.

Your Large Outdoors guide will meet everyone in the hotel bar at 18:00 for welcome drinks and introductions, followed by dinner together at the hotel.

Travelling by Train

Castle Cary is our designated railway station for this car-free walking break.

We'll provide a collection from Castle Cary railway station on arrival day and a return transfer on the final day.

Please arrange your train journeys around the collection and return times below.

Station Pickups

A complimentary collection from Castle Cary railway station is available at 17:00 on Day 1.

On Day 4, we'll drop guests back at Castle Cary railway station at approximately 16:00.

Station transfers must be booked in advance so we know who to expect.

Travelling by Car & Parking

Guests travelling by car can make their own way to The Crown at Wells.

The hotel is located in the historic centre of Wells, where parking is limited. Public car parks are available nearby, including South Street car park.

Please check local parking arrangements, charges and any overnight restrictions before travelling.

Transport During the Trip

All transport required for our guided walking programme is included.

Our Wells and Ebbor Gorge walk starts and finishes directly from the hotel. On the following days, we'll use our Large Outdoors vehicle to travel to Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge.

There's no need to use your own car during the break.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

There are no ferries or boat transfers required for this trip.

Departure & Return Travel

Our final guided walk takes place at Cheddar Gorge on Day 4.

After the walk, we'll arrange transport back to Wells for guests collecting their cars, along with a return transfer to Castle Cary railway station at approximately 16:00.

Please allow some flexibility when booking onward travel.

Important Travel Information

This is a car-free walking break, with station transfers and transport between our walking locations included.

Please book your Castle Cary railway station collection in advance. Guests making their own way to Wells should arrive in time for the 18:00 welcome meeting.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying at The Crown at Wells, a historic hotel right in the heart of the city, overlooking the Market Place.

The Crown at Wells
Market Place
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2RP

Its central location means Wells Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, independent shops and local cafés are all within easy walking distance.

Accommodation Type

The Crown is a characterful old coaching inn, full of traditional charm and historic features. With its centuries-old architecture, cosy bar and welcoming atmosphere, it's a lovely place to spend a few days exploring Somerset.

The building's age and character mean bedrooms may vary in size, layout and appearance, adding to the individuality of the accommodation.

The hotel also featured in the film Hot Fuzz, a little piece of local film history!

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

We'll be staying in comfortable hotel bedrooms, with bedding and towels provided.

As this is a historic property, individual rooms may differ in layout and character.

Room Options

Depending on availability, the following options may be offered when booking:

• Single Occupancy – A private bedroom for one guest.

• Shared Female Room – Share a bedroom with another female guest, with separate beds.

• Shared Male Room – Share a bedroom with another male guest, with separate beds.

• Twin Room – A bedroom with separate beds for two people booking together.

Please select your preferred room type when booking.

Bathrooms

Bedrooms have private en-suite bathroom facilities.

Bedding & Towels

Bed linen and towels are provided by the hotel, so there's no need to bring your own.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on all three mornings of our walking break.

We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for our guided walks.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are not included.

Please bring or purchase your own lunch, snacks and drinks for each walking day. There are shops and cafés in Wells where you can pick up supplies.

Evening Meals

Our welcome dinner on Day 1 will take place at the hotel.

Evening meals are not included in the trip price. We'll normally arrange optional group dinners during the break, either at the hotel or at one of the nearby pubs and restaurants in Wells.

With the hotel right in the city centre, there are plenty of places to choose from, and you're always welcome to make your own arrangements.

Accommodation & Meals

Included:

• Three nights' accommodation at The Crown at Wells, a historic hotel in the heart of the city.

• Breakfast on all three mornings.

Not included:

• Evening meals, including the welcome dinner on Day 1.

• Packed lunches for the three walking days.

• Drinks and personal snacks.

Guiding & Support

Included:

• Three days of guided walking exploring Wells, Ebbor Gorge, Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge.

• An experienced Large Outdoors walk leader throughout the walking programme.

• A small, friendly group with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

• All walking routes planned and organised for you.

Transport & Transfers

Included:

• Complimentary collection from Castle Cary railway station at 17:00 on Day 1, when booked in advance.

• Return transfer to Castle Cary railway station at approximately 16:00 on Day 4.

• Transport to and from Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge in our Large Outdoors vehicle.

• All transport required as part of the guided walking programme.

Not included:

• Your train journey or other travel to and from Somerset.

• Transport outside the organised trip programme.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not included:

• Hotel or public car parking charges.

• Admission fees for any optional attractions or activities.

• Personal purchases and refreshments.

• Travel insurance.

Walking Grade

This walking break is graded Leisurely, making it suitable for people who enjoy regular countryside walks and are comfortable spending several hours on their feet.

We'll enjoy three varied days of guided walking around Wells, Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge. The emphasis is on exploring the scenery at a steady, sociable pace, with regular stops for photographs, refreshments and enjoying the places we visit.

Terrain & Conditions

Our walks follow a mixture of countryside footpaths, woodland trails, grassy tracks and limestone paths.

Around Ebbor Gorge, there are some uneven and potentially muddy woodland paths, while Glastonbury Tor involves an uphill climb to the summit.

Cheddar Gorge has some steeper climbs and descents, with rocky and uneven sections along the paths above the gorge. We'll take these at a comfortable pace, allowing time for everyone to enjoy the views.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an experienced walker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours walking over varied countryside terrain.

Although the overall grade is Leisurely, there are hills on all three walking days, particularly around Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge.

We walk together as a group, taking regular breaks and allowing time to enjoy the surroundings rather than rushing from one place to the next.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable walking boots or walking shoes with good grip, suitable for uneven, rocky and potentially muddy paths.

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers or leggings.

• Breathable walking tops and a warm fleece or additional layer.

• Walking socks.

• Sun hat or warm hat and gloves, depending on the season.

What to Carry on Walks

• A comfortable day rucksack.

• Water bottle or hydration system, with enough water for each day's walk.

• Packed lunch for all three walking days.

• Snacks to keep you going between breaks.

• Any personal medication you may need.

• Sun cream and sunglasses when appropriate.

• A small personal first aid kit, including blister plasters.

Clothing for Accommodation

Bring comfortable casual clothing for relaxing at the hotel and joining the group for evening meals in Wells.

There's no need for anything formal, and bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.

Trip-Specific Extras

• Walking poles if you normally use them, particularly for the steeper sections around Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge.

• A waterproof rucksack cover or dry bags to protect your belongings.

• A camera or phone for capturing the views from Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.

• A small amount of money or a payment card for lunches, evening meals, refreshments and any optional attractions.

Full Kit List

We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.

View our full walking kit list here →

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Can I join this walking break on my own?

Absolutely! Most people join Large Outdoors on their own, so you'll be in good company. Our groups are small, friendly and sociable, making it easy to get to know everyone over the three nights.

Is this trip suitable for less experienced walkers?

Yes. This walking break is graded Leisurely, and you don't need previous experience of guided walking holidays. You should, however, be comfortable spending several hours walking on countryside paths, including some hills and uneven terrain.

How difficult is the walk at Cheddar Gorge?

Cheddar Gorge has some steeper climbs and descents, along with rocky and uneven paths. We'll take our time, with regular stops to enjoy the views. You'll need reasonable fitness and suitable walking footwear, but the day isn't intended to be a strenuous challenge.

Do I need a car for this walking break?

No. This is a car-free walking break, with all transport during the trip included. We also offer complimentary collections and return transfers from Castle Cary railway station, which must be booked in advance.

Will we have time to explore Glastonbury?

Yes! As well as our guided walk and climb up Glastonbury Tor, we'll allow time to explore the town, browse its independent shops, visit a café and soak up its distinctive atmosphere.

Can I visit the caves at Cheddar Gorge?

Our main activity is the guided walk around Cheddar Gorge, rather than a visit to the caves. Depending on our walking route and timings, there may be some free time in Cheddar, but admission to the caves is not included and a visit cannot be guaranteed.

Will I have to share a bedroom?

Not necessarily. We offer single occupancy rooms as well as shared female and shared male rooms, subject to availability. You can choose your preferred room option when booking.

Are evening meals included?

No. Breakfast is included each morning, but evening meals are at your own expense. We'll enjoy a welcome dinner together at the hotel on the first evening and normally arrange optional group meals during the rest of the break.

Can I skip a walk if I'd prefer a quieter day?

Yes. You're welcome to take some time out and explore Wells independently if you prefer. Just let your walk leader know in advance. Please remember that no refund is available for activities you choose to miss.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We walk in most weather conditions, so please bring waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. If conditions make a particular route unsafe, your Large Outdoors walk leader may adjust the day's plans.

Can I come with a friend or partner?

Of course! You're welcome to book together. Twin rooms may be available for guests travelling together, subject to availability.

Are dogs allowed on this walking break?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dogs on our group walking breaks, with the exception of trained assistance dogs. Please contact us before booking if you'll be travelling with an assistance dog.