The dry karst gorge of Burrington Combe lies just south of the village of Burrington. Ham, north of the Combe, and the gorge are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for their wildlife habitats. Alongside these natural and geological features, local discoveries include archaeological finds, a hillfort and the building history of the Church of Holy Trinity. You can tailor your trip to the landscape, geological history or culture.

Landscape, Nature and Activities

The area description identifies Black Down & Burrington Ham as excellent for walking, cycling and horse riding. In Burrington Combe, the steep slopes support species-rich limestone grassland with numerous plants that thrive in calcareous soils. The valley’s warm, south-facing slopes are particularly important for butterflies and other invertebrates. Thus, alongside the activities mentioned, the nature theme also focuses on habitats and their plant and animal life.

Karst and Geology

Burrington Combe exposes an almost complete sequence within the Mendips’ Carboniferous Limestone succession. One section through this sequence is well exposed and easily accessible. The striking rock outcrop known as Rock of Ages is also described geologically: it is formed from Burrington Oolite. The gorge, the rock outcrop and the cave offer different perspectives, from the sequence of rock strata to striking formations in the limestone.

Goatchurch Cavern is an abandoned former stream sink that forms a complex, three-dimensional phreatic cave system. For cave activities, the meeting point is the free car park at Goatchurch Cavern, immediately beside the B3134 (The Combe). This gives you a specific landmark to use when planning cave activities.

Archaeology, Hillfort and Building History

Aveline’s Hole is notable for its archaeological significance. Artefacts from the Upper Palaeolithic and hominin material found there suggest that the cave is among the country’s earliest caves with multiple burials. Burrington Camp is a lightly defended, univallate hillfort on Burrington Ham overlooking Burrington Combe. Together, the two sites offer different historical perspectives: archaeological traces on the one hand, and a fortified site in the landscape on the other.

The Church of Holy Trinity dates from the 15th century and was restored in 1884. Its two-storey west tower has diagonal buttresses, a polygonal stair turret and a crenellated parapet with cross-shaped loopholes. The dates of its construction and restoration provide two clear points of reference; the description of the tower adds specific architectural details.

Rock of Ages is also associated with a local legend. An apocryphal story tells how Reverend Augustus Toplady sought shelter there during a storm; the story is linked to the hymn of the same name. The story remains identified as apocryphal and adds another cultural dimension to the geological and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Churchill, Congresbury, Portbury, Clevedon, Easton-In-Gordano, Wrington, Yatton, Bleadon.

For the wider travel overview: North Somerset.