Cheddar Gorge, Limestone valley in Somerset, England
Cheddar Gorge is a limestone valley in Somerset, England, extending for roughly 5 kilometers and flanked by cliffs that rise up to 137 meters in places. The valley contains several caves and underground passages carved into the rock by glacial meltwater during the ice ages.
Excavations in Gough's Cave uncovered a complete human skeleton from around 9,000 years ago, known as Cheddar Man. This find represents the oldest complete human remains discovered in Britain.
The caves within the valley maintain cool conditions throughout the year, which made them suitable for aging the local cheese that shares its name. Visitors today can still see traces of this traditional use in the underground chambers.
Walking trails run through the valley, and the Jacob's Ladder staircase offers access to viewpoints above the cliff faces. The village of Cheddar sits at the southern entrance and can be reached on foot.
A species of pink flower grows on the limestone ledges here and is found nowhere else, known locally as the Cheddar Pink. This plant has adapted to the specific conditions of the rock and blooms in late spring.
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