Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar has fascinating history – both ancient geology and more recent discoveries.  Set in a huge limestone gorge, this is where the remains of Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton were found.  Excavated in 1903 the remains are kept by the Natural History Museum in London. If you and the family are interested in seeing a replica of the skeleton though, a replica is exhibited in the “Cheddar Man and the Cannibals” museum in Cheddar village.

The Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s biggest canyon; a beautiful scenic place that will be interesting to the whole family. There are many caverns, caves and hidden features to explore and countless opportunities for great photos. The Cheddar Man is estimated to be around 9000 years old.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK by Paul Lewin

Myths and Legends

Kids love myths and Glastonbury is filled with them. From UFO sightings to ghosts appearing in old churches, shops and pubs there is definitely something extraordinary going on in this charming little town. One of the most famous legends in English history is King Arthur who, according to medieval histories, led the British defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6^th century. In Arthurian legend, the island of Avalon is where King Arthur’s sword Excalibur was forged and later, where Arthur was taken to heal from his wounds after battle. In 1190 Avalon became associated with Glastonbury as Monks at Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have discovered Arthur’s bones. What is now known as Glastonbury used to be The Isle of Avalon. To explore these legends I’d suggest staying at local Premier Inn so that you will be able to take your time around these beautiful sights.

(The below is the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey – legendary resting place of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere)

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, England, UK by Jim Linwood

Roman Baths

This complex is of historical interest in the city of Bath. These are a major tourist attraction and receive more than 1 million visitors a year. The baths were used as public bathing but visitors are not allowed in anymore however, you can still view the baths and enter the museum which are both spectacular. The museum is of particular interest as it holds artefacts from the Roman period including objects which were thrown into the Sacred Spring. Among these objects include 12,000 Roman currency coins – the largest collection from Britain.

Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, England, UK by Heather Cowper

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Southwest ridge runs across two apparent elevations – i.e. Upper and Lower Priehyba – and ends in afforested Grunik. These routes belong to quite difficult and challenging hikes in the High Tatras and require some physical and technical prowess. The part of the route is fixed and secured with chains. Kriváň peak offers beautiful views. You can see almost the entire ridge of Low Tatras, West Tatras and the Red Hills to the northwest.

You can access Kriváň from several places:

• Tri studničky (following blue-green route, 2h10″/2h30″)
• Štrbské pleso lake (blue-red route, 3h00″/3h30″)
• Pod jamami (blue, 2h45″/3h30″)

Kriváň is not even among the 20 highest peaks in Slovakia (but 27th). But its magical silhouette with noticeably curved top, after which is named, attracted poets, painters and ordinary people since beginning. Lots of myths and legends exist about Kriváň. In the past, it was a symbol of strengthening of the national pride and identity, sometimes abused for political goals.

This massive peak became a symbol of Slovak national consciousness and in 2005 it was decided that it will be displayed on the back of the Slovak euro coins with a face value of 1, 2 and 5 cents.

View Kriváň Peak (2495m) – the symbol of Slovakia in a larger map

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