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Original poster

Cheddar Gorge on crutches

38 replies

stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:45

Has anyone been to Cheddar Gorge, or Wookey Hole, and been on crutches.

I'm due to go soon, but am on crutches. DH wants me to try to stop using crutches before we go, but at the moment and I'm in agony and unsteady (had an ankle fusion 4 months ago, and the pain has increased in the last couple of weeks).

I'm sure that I will be able to access it. If not would wearing an Aircast boot be better (I can manage with one crutch if wearing one I think).

OP posts:
Groutyonehereagain · 26/03/2023 22:48

It’s extremely steep to walk up. I didn’t make it without crutches. Maybe crutches would have helped. I hope you soon recover, take your time. Don’t let anyone rush you. 💐

DelurkingAJ · 26/03/2023 22:49

I remember it as a bit of a scramble, so I’d not try it on crutches or with a recent ankle injury, no, sorry.

Original poster
stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:52

Aww thank you both. I've always wanted to go there, so am gutted.

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Original poster
stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:54

To make it clear I'm asking about the caves, never been there so not sure how much waking there is.

OP posts:
Original poster
stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:58

I've said that I'll ask the physiotherapist, as I see them before we go, and DH said that they're not orthopaedic surgeons, the surgeon said the bone was healing, so by now I should be fine.

OP posts:
Groutyonehereagain · 26/03/2023 23:06

stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:58

I've said that I'll ask the physiotherapist, as I see them before we go, and DH said that they're not orthopaedic surgeons, the surgeon said the bone was healing, so by now I should be fine.

Tell your DH to do one. What does he know? You take your time love.

MujeresLibres · 26/03/2023 23:17

The Gorge itself has shops, pubs etc that you could potter about in while other family members do the exploring. Never been to Wookey Hole, sorry.

WallaceinAnderland · 26/03/2023 23:29

Check on their websites for accessibility. As far as I recall, both sets of caves have metal pathways but also areas that are uneven and slippery. Metal stairs as well. It's pretty dark too. I would say not suitable for crutches unless they have changed their access.

Daffodilsandtuplips · 26/03/2023 23:37

stupidsocialmedia · 26/03/2023 22:58

I've said that I'll ask the physiotherapist, as I see them before we go, and DH said that they're not orthopaedic surgeons, the surgeon said the bone was healing, so by now I should be fine.

I wouldn’t attempt it. The terrain is too steep.

My daughter had an ankle fusion in May 2021, it was August before the cast came off, she was then in an air cast boot and on crutches for another three months, after the cast came off she was non weight bearing for a couple of weeks, when she was finally allowed to put her foot to the ground she could only walk short distances to begin with.
Then there’s the pain and swelling to contend with.

Daffodilsandtuplips · 26/03/2023 23:44

The bone might be healing, but it’s not healed yet. There’s a difference.

StrongandNorthern · 26/03/2023 23:49

I suspect your husband isn't an orthopaedic surgeon either?

longtompot · 26/03/2023 23:52

From what I can remember there is a lot of walking involved, either just around the town or in the caves. The caves themselves, although well lit, have uneven paths. There is also Jacob's Ladder which is up a huge flight of steps, before you even get to the tower itself. I personally would save it for when you can walk and enjoy it, and unless your dh can take your healing leg, the pain and crutches off you for the day and have it himself, he needs to wait until YOU feel up to walking.

Bearpawk · 26/03/2023 23:53

Off topic but your husband sounds like an absolute dick - you've told him you're in pain and he's trying to force you. Nice guy.....

LadyLolaRuben · 26/03/2023 23:55

No OP walking through the caves from what you describe is not appropriate. You don't want to jeopardise your recovery

Undertheoldlindentree · 26/03/2023 23:58

Injuries take so much more recovery than just the bone healing. I would save both of this trips for a good year and enjoy somewhere else in the meantime. Good luck 🌻

Undertheoldlindentree · 26/03/2023 23:59

*these

Mumof1andacat · 27/03/2023 00:09

No to going in the caves at both Wookey and cheddar. Very unsafe with crutches. I think you manage the village at cheddar. No village at Wookey.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 27/03/2023 00:23

No I'm sorry but I wouldn't on crutches
Wookey hole is very uneven( and dark, obviously)

MrsMoastyToasty · 27/03/2023 00:31

From memory there isn't a separate fast track queue at Wookey Hole for people with mobility issues.

I did Cheddar Gorge late last summer after breaking my leg in early spring. I wish I hadn't.
To be honest they're just over hyped places selling tourist tat.

HoleyShit · 27/03/2023 09:33

I wouldn't attempt the caves at Cheddar on crutches. There are lots of steps and uneven places and the smaller cave is also very dark.

user1471517095 · 27/03/2023 09:59

You husband is correct, you need to he off crutches before trying to walk around Chedder Gorge. But TBH you sound more like you'd rather get in a few digs about him.

Groutyonehereagain · 27/03/2023 10:05

user1471517095 · 27/03/2023 09:59

You husband is correct, you need to he off crutches before trying to walk around Chedder Gorge. But TBH you sound more like you'd rather get in a few digs about him.

FFS!

Mistymoonsinastarrysky · 27/03/2023 10:07

Absolutely no way are the caves accessible on crutches, I would imagine they would refuse you entry.

witchmcgee · 27/03/2023 11:43

I live near Cheddar and have had ankle fusion surgery, I wouldn't recommend you do the caves yet.
I've never been into Cheddar caves, but I've done Wookey hole a few times pre-surgery and it is uneven, slippery and there are some low points to duck under where you have to walk bent over to get under which would be difficult to do on crutches. You could probably wander around the village shops in Cheddar, but it is steep in places and I struggled with slopes and steps for a while after surgery.

It took me a long time to recover from my surgery, longer than I anticipated. It was nearly 8 months before I could walk without an aircast boot or crutches. and nearly a year before I felt I could walk normally again (admittedly I had a double ankle fusion and have other mobility issues). So if you are still in pain, don't risk it.

howdoesatoastermaketoast · 27/03/2023 13:12

I'd knock it on the head for this year at least. Did it with a toddler, baby and pushchair. It was a nightmare. Lots of steps, steep paths etc. The underground bit is gorgeous though.