Uphill

The Mendip Way itself starts in the quieter area of Uphill to the south of Weston. Uphill is a little more than a sleepy village, but for those who miss out on a night at nearby Weston-super-Mare there are one or two accommodation options at Uphill for those who prefer to stay here before starting the Mendip Way.

Uphill, as its same suggests, is one of the two hills which flank either end of the town and the quiet grassy slopes here are a world away from the arcades and bustle of Weston itself.

Uphill was used as a port since Roman times and for centuries acted as a small landing stage for importing coal and iron from Wales. Now it is a privately-owned boatyard and marina with a small cafe for those in need of refreshments.

High on the cliff above stands the lonely church of St Nicholas, and next to it, atop the limestone grassland and wildflowers of Uphill nature reserve is Windmill Tower, built in 1729. Later the windmill was used as a beacon and then an observatory.

If you spend the night here you can climb the tower for superb panoramic views across to Brean Down and the Somerset levels and in spring the sloping meadows are carpeted with an outstanding display of cowslips, primroses and green winged orchids.

Uphill can be reached by a short bus or taxi ride from Weston-super-Mare.