Steeped in legend and mystery, the Mendip Hills have been home to people for thousands of years and those people have left their stories behind.

This wild, ancient land has seen battles, executions, and even the occasional monster. From mysterious finds from 4,000 years ago, through to the time of the Vikings and all the way up to the 20th Century, there are terrible tales of the darker side of Mendip.

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Enjoyed the trail? Now get the book and walk the walks!

Click here for our book: Walking the Darker Side of Mendip

 

We have created The Darker Side of Mendip trail to share some of these legends and tales with you.

The trail will take you to locations all over the Mendip Hills National Landscape, where you will discover a QR Code that will unlock a legend or tale for that location.

There are 8 trail locations in total – the first will appear on this webpage on Halloween (31st October 2023) and one will appear weekly after that.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS:

Not suitable for children aged 12 and under.  Parent or guardian supervision and guidance is recommended for all QR Code legends and tales.

A smartphone is required to access the legends and tales via a QR Code on location.

Don’t have a smartphone? Please email mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk for a copy of the legends and tales.

 

Photo by Aron Visuals.

 

 

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Legend One:
The QR Code is on a small white sign, located on the side of the Cheddar Walking information panel in Cliff Street Car Park, Cliff Street, Cheddar BS27 3PS. QR Code What3Words location: ///tens.suffix.rucksack

 

Legend Two:
The QR Code is on a small white sign, located on the side of the gate post at Deer Leap Car Park, BA5 1EL (car park access from Priddy or Wookey Hole village). Car Park What3Words location: ///using.grub.racing. QR Code What3Words location: ///spud.pocket.puzzled

 

Legends Three and Four:
To discover these legends you’ll need to go to the Forestry England Car Park at East Harptree Woods, BS40 6DA. Car Park What3Words location: ///everyone.barstool.shelter

Legend Three QR Code location: The QR Code is on a small white sign, located on the side of the wooden signpost, at the start of the path (just after the barrier as the path exits the car park). What3Words location: ///besotted.never.strong
Legend Four QR Code location: Continue along the path for approximately 500 metres. Stop at the turn-off for Smitham Chimney. The QR Code is on a small white sign, located on the side of the wooden signpost, opposite the Smitham Chimney path. What3Words location: ///pouch.hope.occur

 

Legend Five:
The QR Code is on a small white sign, located on the side of the ‘Discovering Black Down’ signpost on Burrington Ham. Burrington Ham Top Car Park, BS40 7AT. What3Words location: ///fairly.defended.onlookers. Directions from the car park: Take the left hand track from the car park, follow the slope uphill and go through the metal gate to the signpost. QR Code What3Words location: ///sending.regulalry.digested

 

Legend Six:
The QR Code is on the gate post at King’s Wood National Trust Car Park, BS25 1DH. Car Park What3Words location: ///object.observers.shielding. Directions from the car park: Go through the wooden gate and the QR Code is on the gate post. QR Code What3Words location: ///kept.translate.chap

 

Legend Seven:
Legend seven is in Bleadon. The QR Code is beside a stile as a footpath leaves the road. Some road side parking is available in Bleadon, alternatively there is a free car park at Bleadon Coronation Halls, Coronation Road, Bleadon BS24 0PG. Car Park What3Words location: ///snapper.deflated.however. Directions from the car park: Exit the car park and turn left walking up Coronation Road; continue up hill along Celic Way (road with no footpath). The QR Code is located on the footpath sign, beside a stile as the road turns 90 degrees to the left. QR Code What3Words location: ///published.blurred.egging

 

Legend Eight:
The QR Code for Legend 8 is on Black Down. The QR Code is on a ‘Discovering Black Down’ interpretation panel on Black Down – QR Code What3Words location: ///impressed.copies.calms. This can be accessed by following the bridleway from the road beside Tynnings Farm (approx. postcode: BS40 7XU. What3Words: ///years.hotdog.tweed – please park responsibly if driving) – walk up the bridleway and go through the gate at the top and the interpretation panel is on your left.

 

Please Note: All of The Darker Side of Mendip legends and tales are based on historical accounts, but are not a comprehensive or completely factual account and reflect hearsay, myths, and legends developed over time.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS:
Not suitable for children aged 12 and under.  Parent / guardian supervision and guidance is recommended for all QR Code legends and tales.

A smartphone is required to access the legends and tales via a QR Code on location. Don’t have a smartphone? Please email mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk for a copy of the legends and tales.