The Two Moors Walking Challenge A before-and-after Post #7a, 8th April 2026

Cheddar Gorge with Cheddar Reservoir in the distance

48 days to go

Route: Wells to Cheddar to Winscombe – approx. 16.5 miles (26.5 km)

The plan: Saturday, 11th April

1. Catch the 7.20 126 from across the road to Wells
2. Find the West Mendip Way
3. Try to stay en route ‘til Cheddar, then I know the way back to Winscombe

That’s the bare bones. An up-and-down gully and gorge route, and the potential for taking wrong turns is considerable.

Reflections:

• The limiting factor does seem to be foot pain, specifically the nerve running under the fourth toe of my left foot. So far, taking a rest every 4K, removing the boot, and waiting seems to work.

• Karrimat isn’t essential but does give a soft surface to sit on if none is available

• Flask of tea – close to essential

• Jan’s Irish fruit cake – Man o Man! This fills the slog with periodic joy!

• Not forgetting my waterproof jacket lowers the stress levels

• Earbuds & podcasts if one wishes to tune out from the gorgeous countryside

Longest Walk:

This will be the longest route so far. If I conk out in Cheddar, there are worse places to grind to a halt.

Weather forecast:

Max temp – 10oC
Max % rain – 32%
SE breeze av. 10mph