Swildon's Hole to Sump 1: Ultimate Full-Day Wet Caving Adventure in Cheddar, UK
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in excellent physical shape, with good endurance, flexibility, and no fear of confined spaces.
Overview
Experience one of the UK's top wet caving trips on this full-day journey through Swildon's Hole near Cheddar. Navigate limestone tunnels and thrilling underground waterfalls before reaching the dramatic Sump 1 plunge.
Swildon's Hole to Sump 1 (Full day)
One of the finest caving trips in the UK.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating full-day wet caving adventure, perfect for the fit and experienced. Navigate stunning waterfalls and deep passages, including a thrilling plunge at Sump 1. With a maximum of six participants, enjoy personalized guidance from expert instructors in one of the UK's finest caving experiences.
This full day wet caving session is ideal for the fit and adventurous with previous caving experience.
"The cave was incredible and some parts were very challenging forcing us all out of our comfort zone"
"These activities are the real deal not a sugar coated 'Disney' experience"
Prices & Booking
£75 Per Person (adult or child) Our sessions are exclusive - you will not be combined with other customers. The minimum charge is £225 (price for 3). Youth Groups are eligible for a discounted rate. See our Youth Groups Page. 10 or more persons - please use our Booking Enquiry Form.
Go to the calendar to choose a date and book online, or contact us if you would like further information.
If your preferred date is not shown as available use our Booking Enquiry Form.
For short notice bookings (same day or next day) use our Booking Hotline 01934265351.
Read our Terms & Conditions.
Timings
Sessions usually run from 11.00 to 16.00 but timings can be altered to suit the customer.
One of the finest caving trips in the UK!
The route involves a journey of half a mile in each direction, descending many waterfalls and cascades to reach a depth of over 400 feet. The passages are spacious and extremely well decorated with stalactite formations. There are numerous waterfalls to negotiate the deepest of which requires a 6m descent on a flexible caving ladder. After a long gradual descent Sump 1 is reached. Here the passage is submerged for a short distance (about one metre) and the adventurous can hold their breath and take the plunge! Beyond are some wonderful sculpted stream passages eventually terminating at Sump 2. The return to the surface from here is a long and quite tiring ascent. In addition to our standard equipment we supply fleece undersuits and neoprene socks.
Prerequisites - some previous caving experience (preferably with us) and a good level of physical fitness. A full declaration of any medical condition that may affect fitness or mobility or be otherwise relevant is essential. Minimum age is 14 years. Maximum group size is 6 persons.
Sump 1 trips usually meet at 11am and finish around 3.30 - 4pm.
Group Size
A maximum group size of 6 persons. Larger numbers can be accommodated but require an additional instructor.
Ages
The minimum age is 14 years.
Queries
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Our Promise to You....
"When it comes to your safety and quality of experience we guarantee the highest possible standards. We pride ourselves on providing the best and most personalised adventures in the Mendip hills. We employ only the very best instructors, genuine enthusiasts with decades of knowledge and experience to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and informative experience. But don't take our word for it, take our customers -see our TripAdvisor reviews!"
!Description of image
Seán Tidey, Director Caveclimb.com
Vertical Cave Leader (LCLA), Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), Summer Mountain Leader (SML), Adventure Recreation BA(hons). 13 years of Caving. Adventure Professional for 17 years.
Caveclimb.com - Award Winning Adventures
!Award Winning Adventures Gold award for Active & Sporting Experience at Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2018.
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019.
Highly Commended by South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.
Inspected and Licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service
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Adventure Tips
Prepare for wet, slippery conditions
Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy boots as cave surfaces can be slick and damp throughout.
Expect physically demanding sections
Be ready to squeeze, climb, and crawl through narrow passages requiring strength and flexibility.
Bring a reliable headlamp plus backup
Proper lighting is critical for safe navigation through dark cave corridors.
Stay hydrated and bring high-energy snacks
The full-day excursion demands stamina; keep your energy levels up between sections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bats rarely seen while the cave is active but inhabit the system seasonally.
- Cave crustaceans adapted to the unique subterranean ecosystem.
History
Swildon's Hole has a rich exploration history dating back to the late 19th century, marking it as a cornerstone of British caving culture.
Conservation
Local caving groups enforce strict codes to protect delicate cave formations and ecosystems from human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cheddar
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet with headlamp
Protects your head and illuminates the path in the pitch-dark cave environment.
Wetsuit or waterproof coveralls
Keeps you warm and dry when traversing waterfalls and submerged passages.
Sturdy, grippy boots
Essential for secure footing on uneven, wet cave floors.
Change of clothes
Changing after a wet adventure is vital to prevent hypothermia and discomfort.