To help visitors better discover and navigate Cheddar Gorge and the surrounding countryside of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a new fingerpost has been installed near to the caves in the village.

The junction is a key location for walkers located in the heart of the Gorge where the circular Gorge Walk and long-distance Mendip Way both drop into the village.

The lack of signage had long been confusing for some visitors wishing to explore the countryside and take advantage of the views offered along both routes.

With the support of Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council, Cheddar Walking and the Mendip Hills AONB Unit have teamed up to fund the new oak fingerpost, which is located at the junction of the B3135 Gorge road and Cufic Lane.

Cheddar Walking is a local group that promotes Cheddar as a walker-friendly destination under the Walkers are Welcome scheme, offering a number of walking routes of varying grades, starting from the village centre.

Huw Robson, chairperson for Cheddar Walking, said: "This fingerpost fills a small but significant gap in the way-marking of some of the iconic walks in the Cheddar area.

"Many visitors in the lower Gorge get confused where to go to pick up the circular Gorge Walk and the West Mendip Way, and now this is clearly and attractively signed.

"Cheddar Walking is delighted to have worked with the Mendip Hills AONB on this project and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on initiatives to improve and promote walking in the area."

Tim Haselden, development officer for the Mendip Hills AONB, said: "We're really pleased to have been able to help Cheddar Walking achieve this project, which forms part of a wider approach to provide a better and more sustainable visitor experience, helping people connect with nature and promoting Cheddar as the outdoor capital of the South West."

The Mendip Way is a 50 miles (80km) long-distance trail that takes in all of the special qualities of the Mendip Hills.

The West and East Mendip Way connect Weston-super-Mare, via Cheddar and Wells to Frome. The West Mendip Way is largely in the Mendip Hills AONB and starts near the Bristol Channel at Uphill and climbs the Mendip Hills escarpment on to the Mendip plateau through Cheddar Gorge and down to Wells.

The Gorge Walk is a 3.5-mile (5.5km) circular route around the top of both sides of Cheddar Gorge taking in amazing views and a variety of wildlife and important habitats.

For more information, visit www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/walks and www.cheddarwalking.org.uk.