Reluctant Nomad
Mark's white Ford Transit van parked beneath trees

Journey 001 · Planning

Cheddar
Gorge.

A long weekend in the van. The destination is decided; most of the useful detail is still negotiating with reality.

StatusPlanning
Dates29 Oct–1 Nov 2026
DurationThree nights
BaseOne walkable site

Before leaving

The journey begins
with the jobs list.

The broad plan is Cheddar Gorge: take the van west, stay long enough not to turn the whole thing into a motorway exercise, walk, look around and see what happens.

Preparation has already included the familiar sort of van job that should take thirty minutes and instead consumes three hours. Connecting the existing water system ended with a replacement pump and rather more knowledge than I had intended to acquire.

The kitchen is also in the early stages of an upgrade. The current sink is neither practical nor to my taste, so the van may reach Somerset with a better kitchen—or with the evidence of another unfinished idea.

A plan is simply the first version of what did not happen.

The working plan

Four days.
One base.

The point is to park once and make the weekend walkable. Times are intentions, not appointments.

ThursdayArrive and settle in

Leave the Maidstone area in the early afternoon and allow about four hours for traffic and a proper break.

Base the van for three nights. Cheddar Bridge Touring Park is the first choice if everyone is over 18: peaceful, hardstanding and close to the village. Cheddar Club Campsite is the family-friendly alternative, with full motorhome facilities, but requires membership.

Evening: explore the village, buy local cheese and take a gentle walk beside the Cheddar Yeo.

FridayDeliberately unplanned

A flexible day for whatever the weather, energy levels and local discoveries suggest. It can absorb anything moved from Saturday or Sunday.

Still to decide. That is currently the plan.

SaturdayGorge, caves and cliffs

08:00 · Gorge walkThe National Trust’s four-mile circuit is listed as challenging and takes about three hours. It includes steep climbs, rough sections and stiles; fog and strong winds are reasons to change the plan. Official trail and printable route.

12:00 · LunchReturn to the van or eat in the village. Acquire cave-aged cheddar for later, on the reasonable basis that a theme has developed.

13:00 · Underground and upwardsVisit Gough’s Cave, the Museum of Prehistory and Cox’s Cave. The standard day ticket also includes Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower—although the legs may already have opinions. Check admission and opening details.

Evening · StopWalk back to the campsite, cook outside if the site and weather permit, and have a deliberately unhurried van evening.

SundayClimbing reconnaissance and Wells

Look at High Rock and other climbing areas rather than assuming access. Cheddar’s climbing arrangements vary by crag and season; the BMC access map and Regional Access Database need checking immediately before the visit. South-side climbing also carries insurance requirements. BMC north-side access · BMC south-side access.

Then drive to Wells for lunch and explore the cathedral quarter, Vicar’s Close and the Bishop’s Palace gardens. Opening arrangements vary, so check the Palace visitor information before setting off. Return to Maidstone afterwards.

Vanlife notes

Useful before romantic.

Official gorge parking information · Parking charges apply daily from 09:00–21:00; the current price should be checked on arrival.

The shape of the trip

Before. During. After.

01 · Now

Before

Prepare the van, choose where to stop, watch the weather and decide what deserves a place in a very small room.

Read the opening note
02 · Next

During

Short notes, photographs, changed plans and the useful things that only become obvious after leaving home.

Waiting for departure
03 · Afterwards

After

The proper dispatch: what worked, what failed and whether the journey answered a question I had not yet asked.

To be written

Question for the road

Can a carefully planned journey still feel like an escape?