A group of caving experts have praised Somerset’s Mendip Hills for their incredible history and landscapes – and urged people to take part in a charity challenge which celebrates the scenery.

The Axbridge Caving Group regularly undertakes caving expeditions in the Mendips and it says taking part in Weston Hospicecare’s Mercury Mendip Challenge is a ‘superb’ way to see the stunning landscape.

The challenge, which is sponsored by the Mercury, sees walkers take on a 10, 20 or 30-mile course across the Mendips in aid of the Uphill-based hospice.

According to the Axbridge group, however, the hills’ rich geology and ‘amazing’ scenery provide a form of escapism unlike any other and its members called on people to take on the challenge next month.

Group member Nick Harding said: “The Mendip Challenge is a superb way to see this landscape, and you will also get the satisfaction of supporting a very worthy cause.

“A short drive from anywhere surrounding the Mendips takes you into a whole new world.

“The hills appeal to me, as a caver, because a short distance from home I can discover and enter whole new subterranean realms that no-one, in history, has ever seen before.

“There is nothing quite like the sense of excitement as you push into a new part of a cave and realise that your eyes are the first to see these hidden depths that are, more often than not, rich in beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.

“Along with countless old lead, zinc and iron mines that have been worked since the Bronze Age there are caves and caverns, hidden lakes and stunning underground rivers beneath the fields. That alone makes the Mendips one of my favourite places in Britain to explore.

“I can’t imagine a better way to spend a day than walking across the Mendip Hills. It’s such a rich and diverse area, with amazing hidden treasures beneath your feet.”

This year’s challenge will take place on June 5 and anyone who does not fancy the strenuous Mendip routes can take part in a five-mile fancy dress route along Weston beach instead.

For more information, including entry prices and starting times, and to register for this year’s challenge, click this link, contact 01934 423960 or email supporter.care@westonhospicecare.org.uk