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Take on the rugged challenges of the Mendip Hills with Cave Climb’s full day of climbing and abseiling. Tackle routes at Burrington Combe and descend a 25-meter vertical wall at Split Rock, guided by expert instructors.
Take on the rugged challenges of the Mendip Hills with Cave Climb’s full day of climbing and abseiling. Tackle routes at Burrington Combe and descend a 25-meter vertical wall at Split Rock, guided by expert instructors.
Book with Cave Climb
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cave Climb · Cheddar, England
The Mendip Hills, stretching across Somerset in southwest England, offer a rugged playground for climbers hungry for varied challenges. Cave Climb crafts a full day of climbing and abseiling that takes advantage of this region’s unique limestone cliffs and absorbing landscapes. Their standout trip combines the craggy faces of Burrington Combe with the soaring vertical drop of Split Rock, delivering a dynamic mix of technical routes and adrenaline-pumping descents.
Burrington Combe is a classic Mendip gorge carved in Carboniferous Limestone, featuring an array of climbable faces with diverse grades suited for beginners through experienced climbers. The rock’s texture provides solid holds, while the surrounding heathland and ancient oak wood give the area an authentic outdoor character. Later, participants relocate about eight miles east to Split Rock near Wells, where a sheer 25-meter vertical wall sets the stage for abseiling thrills that test nerves and skill.
Cave Climb’s strength lies in their expert instructors who blend safety with personalized coaching, making this experience accessible for families and youth groups starting at age eight. Their small group sizes ensure quality attention and progression at a comfortable pace. This tailored approach, coupled with premium safety standards and decades of climbing expertise, has earned Cave Climb merit in the local outdoor scene.
The combination of Burrington’s climbing diversity and Split Rock’s exhilarating abseil offers a balanced day out in the Mendips. The geological charm, with its folded limestone and steep gullies, complements a physical test set against the English countryside’s green rolling hills. For visitors wanting an authentic climb-and-rappel experience beyond commercial crags, Cave Climb in the Mendips stands out as a reliable guide to this historic climbing terrain.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness with ability to hike short distances and manage physical climbing exertion.
No, Cave Climb’s expert instructors provide all the training you need to climb and abseil safely.
Youth groups from age eight can join; younger children can attend tailored family sessions.
Bring a packed lunch or snacks; there is a break around midday in a scenic outdoor setting.
Basic facilities are near the starting location in Cheddar, but not at the climbing venues themselves.
Yes, climbs are selected to match skill levels and progress gradually, making it welcoming for novices.
Sessions run rain or shine, but instructors will adjust plans for safety; waterproof gear is recommended.
The Mendip Hills have a rich quarrying heritage and have long attracted cavers and climbers since the early 20th century.
Cave Climb practices Leave No Trace principles emphasizing minimal impact on the delicate limestone environment and local flora.
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.
Book with Cave Climb