Descend into the Mendip Hills with Cave Climb’s full-day caving adventure. Navigate dry maze-like passages in Goatchurch Cavern and splash through the waterfalls of Swildon's Hole with expert guides by your side.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking, crouching, and scrambling.
Wildlife
History
The Mendip Hills boast over a century of caving tradition, with Swildon's Hole first systematically explored in the early 1900s.
Conservation
Cave Climb emphasizes minimal impact caving practices, supporting the protection of fragile underground ecosystems in the Mendips.
Cave Climb
Descend into the Mendip Hills with Cave Climb’s full-day caving adventure. Navigate dry maze-like passages in Goatchurch Cavern and splash through the waterfalls of Swildon's Hole with expert guides by your side.
Cave Climb is an outdoor adventure provider based in Cheddar, England, specialising in guided caving, rock climbing and abseiling across the Mendip Hills. The business offers a broad range of guided experiences and equipment hire for individuals, families, groups and schools. Trips run from half-day sessions to full-day expeditions, including Wet Caving at Swildon's Hole, Dry Caving in Goatchurch Cavern, Full Day Caving, Full Day Caving & Climbing, and the technical Swildon's Hole to Sump 1 full-day trip.
Experienced instructors deliver hands-on guidance for all skill levels, with structured instruction, safety briefings and on-site supervision. Activities include rock climbing at Burrington Combe, abseiling at Split Rock, and mixed caving and climbing days that combine multiple venues in one itinerary. Equipment hire covers head-to-toe personal kit with basic, dry or wet cave sets available and can be booked online or via a hotline for last-minute plans.
Group sizes are managed for safety and quality; the Swildon's Hole to Sump 1 full-day wet caving trip specifies a maximum of six participants. Many trips welcome younger adventurers, with some experiences suitable for ages eight and up. The focus remains on safe, memorable outdoor experiences, combining technical skill development with exploration of notable Mendip features such as stalactites, waterfalls and narrow passages. Cave Climb operates as a third-party operator in the Cheddar area, providing locally based adventures and equipment solutions for visitors to the Mendip Hills. Booking details, availability and specific trip requirements are provided at time of booking, with equipment hire offered separately and safety briefings.
Location
Cheddar, England
Base for Mendip Hills adventures
Tours Offered
11 Tours
Half-day and full-day options
Small Groups
Max 6
Swildon's Hole to Sump 1 limit
Ages
Ages 8+
Some trips welcome younger guests
Reserve equipment hire, half-day sessions or full-day expeditions with online booking or hotline assistance.
Wear sturdy waterproof boots
Wellington boots are recommended to keep feet dry and provide firm grip on slippery cave floors.
Bring warm base layers
Caves maintain a cool, stable temperature year-round, so dress in moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable.
Listen carefully during safety briefings
Guides will cover key techniques and hazards; attentiveness ensures safe progression through challenging sections.
Prepare for mixed terrain
Expect to crawl, climb, and occasionally wade through water on this dynamic caving route.
Wellington boots or waterproof caving boots
Keeps feet dry and ensures traction on wet, muddy cave floors.
Thermal base layers
Retains warmth within the cool cave environment.
fall|winter|spring
Durable gloves
Protects hands from sharp rocks and cold water during climbs and crawls.
Small backpack
For carrying water, snacks, and extra layers for breaks between caves.