Wells & the Mendip Hills Walking Weekend

Meeting Locations & Times

Our walking weekend is based at:

Premier Inn Wells
Rowdens Road
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1UA

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

Your Large Outdoors guide will meet everyone at the hotel at 18:00 for introductions and a chat about the weekend ahead, before heading out for an optional group dinner.

Travelling by Train

Wells does not have a railway station. The nearest mainline stations include Castle Cary and Bristol Temple Meads, with onward travel to Wells available by local bus or taxi.

Please check public transport connections before booking your journey.

Station Pickups

We do not offer railway station collections on this weekend. Guests travelling by train will need to arrange their own onward transport to Wells.

Travelling by Car & Parking

Parking is available at the Premier Inn Wells, although charges may apply.

Please check the hotel's current parking arrangements and charges before travelling.

Transport During the Trip

Both guided walks start and finish directly at our hotel in Wells, so no additional transport is needed during the weekend.

Once you've arrived, you can enjoy the entire walking programme without needing a car.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

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

Departure & Return Travel

Our final guided walk finishes back in Wells at approximately 14:00 on Day 3.

Please allow sufficient time for onward travel and avoid booking connections that depend on an earlier finish.

Important Travel Information

Although both walks start directly from the hotel, guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Wells.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying at the Premier Inn Wells, conveniently located within walking distance of the historic city centre.

Premier Inn Wells
Rowdens Road
Wells
Somerset
BA5 1UA

Accommodation Type

Our accommodation is a comfortable hotel offering modern facilities and en-suite bedrooms. It's a convenient base for exploring Wells and the surrounding Mendip Hills, with both guided walks starting directly from the hotel.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

All bedrooms have comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, heating and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Room Options

The following room options may be available when booking:

• Single Occupancy – A private en-suite bedroom for one guest.

• Shared Female Room – Share an en-suite room with another female guest, with separate beds.

• Shared Male Room – Share an en-suite room with another male guest, with separate beds.

• Twin Room – An en-suite room with separate beds for two people booking together.

All rooms are allocated according to the room type selected when booking, subject to availability.

Bathrooms

All bedrooms have private en-suite bathrooms with a shower or shower over bath.

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 both mornings of the weekend, giving everyone a chance to enjoy a relaxed start before heading out walking.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are not included. Please bring or purchase your own lunch, snacks and drinks for both walking days.

There are shops in Wells where you can pick up supplies.

Evening Meals

Evening meals are not included in the trip price.

We'll normally arrange optional group dinners at local pubs or restaurants in Wells, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a sociable evening together.

You're very welcome to join the group, but there's no obligation to do so.

Accommodation & Meals

Included:

• Two nights' hotel accommodation in Wells.

• Two breakfasts.

Not included:

• Evening meals.

• Packed lunches for either walking day.

• Drinks and personal snacks.

Guiding & Support

Included:

• Two days of guided walking in Wells and the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

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

• A small, sociable group with a maximum of eight guests.

• Walks planned and led, so there's no need to organise routes yourself.

Transport & Transfers

Included:

• Both guided walks start and finish directly at our hotel, with no additional transport required.

Not included:

• Travel to and from Wells.

• Railway station collections or transfers.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not included:

• Hotel parking charges, where applicable.

• Personal purchases and optional activities.

• Travel insurance.

Walking Grade

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

Our first walk is approximately 10 miles, followed by a shorter walk of around 5–6 miles on the final day. We'll walk at a sociable pace, with regular stops to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and have a break.

Terrain & Conditions

Our routes follow a mixture of countryside footpaths, woodland trails, grassy fields and tracks through the Mendip Hills National Landscape.

Around Ebbor Gorge, you can expect some steeper climbs and descents, uneven limestone paths, tree roots and potentially slippery sections, particularly after rain. The surrounding countryside also includes stiles, gates and muddy paths.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an experienced walker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking up to 10 miles over varied countryside terrain.

There are some hills along the way, so you'll need to be happy tackling uphill and downhill sections. We take regular breaks and keep the group together throughout the walks.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable walking boots or walking shoes with good grip, suitable for uneven 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 the day.

• Packed lunch for both 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 optional evening meals in Wells.

You won't need 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 or uneven sections around Ebbor Gorge.

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

• A camera or phone for photographing the Mendip Hills, Wells and the surrounding countryside.

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

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 weekend on my own?

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

How difficult are the walks?

This weekend is graded Leisurely. Our first walk is approximately 10 miles, with a shorter 5–6 mile walk on the final day. There are some hills and uneven paths, particularly around Ebbor Gorge, so you'll need to be comfortable walking these distances over varied terrain.

Do I need a car for the weekend?

No. Both guided walks start and finish directly at our hotel in Wells, so there's no need for a car once you've arrived. You'll just need to arrange your own travel to and from Wells.

Can I come with a friend or partner?

Of course! You're welcome to book together. We offer different room options, including twin rooms for guests travelling together, subject to availability.

Will I have to share a bedroom?

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

Are evening meals included?

No, evening meals are not included. We normally arrange optional group dinners at pubs or restaurants in Wells, giving everyone the chance to enjoy a sociable evening together. You're welcome to make your own arrangements if you prefer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We walk in most weather conditions, so please come prepared with waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. If conditions make a particular route unsafe, your walk leader may adjust the plans.

Can I skip one of the walks?

Yes. You're welcome to take some time out if you'd prefer a quieter day. Wells has plenty to explore independently, including its cathedral, shops, cafés and historic streets. Please remember that the walks are included in the trip price, so no refund is available for any activities you choose to miss.

Is there time to explore Wells?

Yes. You'll have free time on arrival day to explore the city, and our walking routes also take us through parts of historic Wells. You may also have time to look around before heading home on the final day.

Are dogs allowed on this walking weekend?

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