Walks & Events

Mendip Society Events

Would all members please be sure to carry their membership cards as proof of current membership when attending society events and talks.  Event organisers have been asked to check eligibility in order to be fair to all.

Events and Talks

Saturday 26th April 2025 Somerset V Hitler.  At 7:30 pm (doors open at 7pm - ending at 9:30 approx.)
Shipham Village Hall. New Road, Shipham. BS25 1SG


A talk and slide show, based on local historian Donald Brown's research into secret decoy sites on Mendip and other local wartime activities.


Covering the lived experience of Charterhouses' population in the early days of the war. 

With a little background about the local school, the ARP, Home Guard and more.

Looking at the building of anti-landing obstacles all across Blackdown - a first showing of a recently acquired short film.

Featuring one of the most ambitious so-called Starfish sites in the country, and the bunkers, still standing today, which were built to control it - and to protect the operators from falling bombs! 

Also covered are the decoy fire effects set up nearby, and the top secret “Z-gun battery” used to complete the decoy’s illusion - and to fight back against the bombers. 


Open to all-comers.  Members free - others £2. 


Tuesday 13th May 2025 - 10:00 am - 1:00pm. (approx.) Mendip Champion Species with Nathan Orr.

Nathan is well-known for his work as MHNLs nature recovery ranger. He is also an engaging speaker and passionate advocate for nature and wildlife on Mendip. Come and share his enthusiasm at Mendip Lodge and a nearby quarry, talking about species and habitats, followed by lunch at the activity centre café (not included) or BYO. 

Please note, the walk to the quarry includes a steep slope which may be unsuitable for the less mobile.


NGR: ST 434 592. What three words ref:///junior.vent.lyricist

Address: Mendip Lodge Activity Centre, Greenhill Road, Sandford. BS25 5PQ

Saturday 31st May 2025 - 2:00 pm.  Churchill Green and Windmill Hill. 

Approx. three miles with modest ascent (Easy).


Meet in Church Lane, Churchill (by Churchill School),

BS 25 5QW. NGR: ST 437 600. What 3 Words ref: ///strongman.enablers.undecided

Contact Richard Ivens on: 01275 852786 

Walks

Walks are graded as follows:


  • Easy. Up to 4 miles (1½ - 2hrs), less than 50m of continuous ascent, mainly low gradients or flat. Terrain mainly undemanding, eg reasonable paths used, little loose rock, stones or large areas of mud or water.
  • Moderate. 4 – 6 miles (2- 3½ hrs), 50m-150m of continuous ascent, terrain undulating but either one significant hill or several smaller ones. Terrain may include small areas of rock, loose stones, mud, minor scrub.
  • Harder. More than 6 miles of the type of walking in the Moderate class, or continuous steep ascents of more than 150m (400ft) or a number of smaller steep hills or more than one of these features. Terrain as Moderate class or worse. 


For any queries please contact the Walk Coordinator (see Contact page).

Events by others

North Somerset Health Walks run regular events nearby, including the North Somerset Walkfest throughout May.

 Click here for further details.



Sandford Station Railway Heritage Centre

re- opens Saturday 5th April.


Open every weekend and Bank Holiday until end of October from 11am  Last Visitors through door 4pm.

Drinks : Cake : Snacks and Ices available from the Block House Servery as usual with access from the Strawberry Line.

Find us at www.sandfordstation.co.uk or on Facebook.


The Top of the Gorge Walking Challenge.

Part of a great weekend that has been set up in conjunction with the National Trust by Channel Events.


Entry from £22.00 per person (+ booking fee)

Enjoy the stunning scenery as you circumnavigate the famous Cheddar Gorge and take part in a circular 8.25 mile route with a halfway stop included in the price for a drink and a slice of cake!


Starting & finishing at:

The Top of the Gorge Weekend of Adventure Site

Warren Farm, Charterhouse, Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7XR


Click here for more details.

Sustainable Wells

Wessex Water - What have they been up to??!


An event organised by Sustainable Wells on Tuesday April 29th at

The Lawrence Centre, 37 Chamberlain Street, Wells. BA5 2PQ.


Doors open at 6:45pm and the talk will start at 7:00pm. Refreshments will be available. No charge for attending but a donations bucket will be available. 


David Sawtell and Dr Richard Lawson from the campaign group Local Action 4 Water will share with us the information that they’ve discovered (so far) about the parlous state of the River Avon in particular and Wessex Water’ in general. Please come along to  join the conversation with them, or just to listen.  More details here.