 This is the area between the River Avon to the north and the Axe valley . The north of Somerset is dominated by the tableland of the Mendip Hills , an area of outstanding natural beauty , stretching from Frome in the east to Crook Peak in the west , with outliers of Bleadon Hill and Brean Down as well as Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel . The highest point is Black Down at 324 metres ( 1 @,@ 063 ft ) . There is an escarpment facing south to the Levels and Moors while the dip slope to the north is broken up . 
