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Preview: Top of the Gorge
Sponsored feature
The National Trust in Somerset are looking forward to celebrating the longest days of summer at the first ever Top of the Gorge Festival, taking place on top of Cheddar Gorge on the closest weekend to the Summer Solstice, 22–24 June.
Axe throwing activity at the South West Outdoor Festival, Heddon Valley, Devon
The new festival is a carnival of alfresco adventure featuring outdoor activities, live entertainment and fresh-air feasting on top-quality local food and drink, ranging from Mendip-made ales, ciders, spirits, cheese and farm produce to sensational street-style hot food from the region’s best inclusive vendors.
is needed now More than ever
The pop–up festival site sits high above Black Rock, boasting spectacular views through the jaws of the gorge to the Somerset coast – a vista even many locals may not have enjoyed before.
Jemima, a South West-based Yoga Alliance certified, multistyle
yoga instructor, leading mixed ability outdoor classes in
the secluded and serene setting of a stream-side orchard during the South West Outdoor Festival, Heddon Valley, Devon
In a year when Glastonbury festival is taking a break, festival fans can try a new experience at Top of the Gorge. People can come for the day or stay and camp for the whole weekend. All entertainment – including live music across three days from the likes of seven-piece Bristol band Crinkle Cuts, Exeter’s Windslide and local legends The Drystones (from Priddy), plus talks by international adventurers such as Dave Cornthwaite and Anna McNuff – is completely free for festival-goers.
Families joining different outdoor activities during the South West Outdoor Festival at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Entry also includes the opportunity to explore adventures aplenty on the festival site at no extra cost, from a climbing wall and mobile caving experience to morning yoga and wild food foraging. Have a go at archery, axe throwing and campfire cooking, plus stargazing, introductory mountain biking and map reading and orienteering lessons.
A family building their tent at the campsite during the South West Outdoor Festival at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Additional adventures happening under the umbrella of the festival include the Mendip Murmuration mountain-biking sportive (20 and 35-mile options), a series of trail-running races (from short fun runs to 6km, 10km, half and full off-road marathons), plus off-site activities including rock climbing and caving in the gorge and watersports (kayaking and SUP) on Cheddar Reservoir.
Fall back in love with the outdoors this summer and book your spot at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/topofthegorge
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