Mendip caves access

[Lee6031]

Morning all,

I’m based in the south but have mainly caved in Yorkshire up to now. A friend and I are looking to spend more time on Mendip to build our logbooks and broaden our experience. We’re both comfortable with SRT, but for these trips we’re mainly looking for good horizontal journeys that are suitable for consolidation and exploration rather than anything too technical.

I understand that some Mendip caves require keys or have specific access procedures, so I wanted to check the best way to arrange this. If possible, could you advise on:

- Caves with straightforward access (key or no key) that would make good, worthwhile trips for two competent cavers
- Any recommended routes or classic journeys that are ideal for logbook experience
- Who to contact for keys or permissions if needed
- Any local guidelines or expectations we should be aware of before visiting

We’re keen to do things properly and respect local access agreements, so any guidance would be really appreciated.

Best wishes,

Lee

 

[Ali M]

Council of Southern Caving Clubs

The Council of Southern Caving Clubs is an association of Caving Clubs whose main interests lie in the Mendip Hills of Somerset.

www.cscc.org.uk

 

[tim.rose2]

Sounds like you need to get yourself a copy of Mendip Underground. The current version is hard to come by but an older one will do for the 'usual' trips.

Open access caves (some have goodwill fees, check on CSCC access page) with classic / decent trips:
Swildons (short round, check if mud sump is open. Otherwise sump 1 / 2 and back or Blackhole Series)
Eastwater (13 pots).
Lionels round trip (squeezes and route finding fun).
Stoke Lane (you might want to have someone with you who knows the sump).
Rods Pot / Bath Swallet through trip (short but fun).

Locked, but keys readily available via the major caving clubs:
GB
Longwood
Thrupe Lane (SRT trip)
Fairy / Hilliers

In the South, but further afield:
Pridhamsleigh Cavern (Prid) in Devon. Open + goodwill fee
or for Something a bit different try Ariel Cave / those connected to it or Grove Cliff Caves on Portland. Both open access.

There's many other good trips but that's probably the most obvious lot to start with.

 

[Babyhagrid]

If you can organize a warden , then st cuthburts, Wookey 24 , upper flood , reservoir hole, are all good trips

 

[Ali M]

Lee - I have sent you a DM.

 

[mikem]

This is still the best book to have for trip suggestions:

Selected Caves of Britain and Ireland by Marshall, Des; Rust, Donald: Near Fine Soft cover (1997) | Clevedon Community Bookshop Co-operative

ISBN: 9781871890433 - Soft cover - Cordee - 1997 - Condition: Near Fine - All of our books without an ISBN number (normally pre-1970 in date) are described individually in detail. Books with an ISBN number (this one included) are all offered for sale in good condition or better: some may be in...

www.abebooks.co.uk

 

[bagpuss]

Sounds like you need to get yourself a copy of Mendip Underground. The current version is hard to come by but an older one will do for the 'usual' trips.

Open access caves (some have goodwill fees, check on CSCC access page) with classic / decent trips:
Swildons (short round, check if mud sump is open. Otherwise sump 1 / 2 and back or Blackhole Series)
Eastwater (13 pots).
Lionels round trip (squeezes and route finding fun).
Stoke Lane (you might want to have someone with you who knows the sump).
Rods Pot / Bath Swallet through trip (short but fun).

Locked, but keys readily available via the major caving clubs:
GB
Longwood
Thrupe Lane (SRT trip)
Fairy / Hilliers

In the South, but further afield:
Pridhamsleigh Cavern (Prid) in Devon. Open + goodwill fee
or for Something a bit different try Ariel Cave / those connected to it or Grove Cliff Caves on Portland. Both open access.

There's many other good trips but that's probably the most obvious lot to start with.

To also add Hunters Hole (SRT) Hunters Lodge Inn Sink - enquire at the Hunters (pub) for access (need ladder/ lifeline)
Mangle Hole (obtain permission when parking at Mendip Outdoor pursuits) (slightly type 2 fun)
As well as the CSCC access guide there's also the MCRA which can help in finding caves https://www.mcra.org.uk/registry/

If you are planning on caving down south regularly it could be worth joining a club, the fees aren't that much & it makes picking up keys/ having a warm place to change a bit easier/ nicer.

 

[tdobson]

We’re keen to do things properly and respect local access agreements, so any guidance would be really appreciated.

I'm a northern caver. 10/10 for attitude. Wish I could help. Hope that you have some great trips

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Morning all,

I’m based in the south but have mainly caved in Yorkshire up to now. A friend and I are looking to spend more time on Mendip to build our logbooks and broaden our experience. We’re both comfortable with SRT, but for these trips we’re mainly looking for good horizontal journeys that are suitable for consolidation and exploration rather than anything too technical.... ... ...
Best wishes,

Lee

In addition to the Mendips, don't neglect Derbyshire especially if you're driving past it to get to your Dales trip. Access is generally easier (large opening adjustable spanner for many caves) than 'Dips and S Wales where many of their caves are often locked.

 

[mikem]

Minimum are locked (just the best ones!)

 

[Lee6031]

Evening all,

Just a quick follow‑up. Me and a mate are planning to visit next Friday morning and are going Goatchurch Cavern as a warm‑up and then head over to Lionel’s Hole afterwards.

Anything we should be aware of at the moment? We’re aware conditions can change with the weather, and we know Lionel’s has a few squeezes, but it looks like a great little trip.

Any tips or recent updates appreciated.

Cheers,

Lee

 

[bagpuss]

Evening all,

Just a quick follow‑up. Me and a mate are planning to visit next Friday morning and are going Goatchurch Cavern as a warm‑up and then head over to Lionel’s Hole afterwards.

Anything we should be aware of at the moment? We’re aware conditions can change with the weather, and we know Lionel’s has a few squeezes, but it looks like a great little trip.

Any tips or recent updates appreciated.

Cheers,

Lee

No recent changes, info of what to be aware of in Lionel's here:

CakePHP: the rapid development php framework: Sites

access-guide.cscc.org.uk

There are a few threads on here which cover the round trip description, it took us quite a few attempts to figure it all out as route finding can be confusing.
Hope you have a good days caving!

 

[bagpuss]

No recent changes, info of what to be aware of in Lionel's here:

CakePHP: the rapid development php framework: Sites

access-guide.cscc.org.uk

There are a few threads on here which cover the round trip description, it took us quite a few attempts to figure it all out as route finding can be confusing.
Hope you have a good days caving!

Sorry wrong link re Lionel’s https://cscc.org.uk/wiki/news/2025-03-12_lionel_s_hole_boulder_movement_-_update

 

[Lee6031]

Evening all

So me and my mate Danny did Goatchurch Cavern and Lionel's hole Friday! The drainpipe was fun! Though Lionel's experience wasn't great due to the letterbox we couldn't seem to navigate through it any advice welcome!

Coming back in a few week looking at trying to finish Lionel's and maybe tackle east water? Unless anyone has any recommendations for us to go see and try

We was both amazed of how beautiful the surrounding area is and how access to the caves is close, not like some in the dales were your hiking for ages

 

[bagpuss]

Evening all

So me and my mate Danny did Goatchurch Cavern and Lionel's hole Friday! The drainpipe was fun! Though Lionel's experience wasn't great due to the letterbox we couldn't seem to navigate through it any advice welcome!

Coming back in a few week looking at trying to finish Lionel's and maybe tackle east water? Unless anyone has any recommendations for us to go see and try

We was both amazed of how beautiful the surrounding area is and how access to the caves is close, not like some in the dales were your hiking for ages

I much prefer Swildons to Eastwater, that would be my recommendation as next cave to visit. £2 fee which is paid to the house next to the changing barn on the green (a box which is labelled by the front door)

 

[wormster]

Eastwater is a shite cave - it's gloomy, tight and unforgiving!! Swildons is a delight by comparison!!

 

[Lee6031]

Thanks for the heads up lads. Rods pot / Pierre's any good?

 

[Pitlamp]

Eastwater is a shite cave

I wouldn't go that far! I'd say it's an inexpensive alternative to paying gym fees and probably more effective.

But: "Swildons is a delight by comparison!!"

Yes, Swildons is a fine place; Mendip's nearest offering to a Dales streamway.

 

[wormster]

Rod's to Bath swallet is an interesting through trip, rig the ladder in Bath swallet first mind you.

Pierre's Pot is an interesting collectors piece, especially the bottom section

 

[wormster]

I wouldn't go that far! I'd say it's an inexpensive alternative to paying gym fees and probably more effective.

I stand by my original statement, but your take is a good one!

(NEVER liked Eastwater in first place!!)