climbing caving walking abseiling camping Cheddar Gorge Mendip Hills Mendips outdoors caves pursuits activities active activity climb walk abseil adventure adventurous holiday weekend break potholing hiking pothole hillwalking guided group speleo speleology spelunker rappeling rappelling rapelling rapeling spelunking speleological map reading potholes
   Are you adventurous?....
                 c h e d d a r c l i m b i n g c a v i n g . c o . u k 
                 Professional Guiding for Active People 
 
                  

Welcome!,

If you are interested in climbing, caving or abseiling and are planning to visit the Cheddar or Mendip region.... then why not make the most of your time here and team up with a qualified leader?.... activities can be tailored to suit the ability of yourself or your group - from total beginner upwards!

"Let us show you around our part of the world".

            
But first - a little bit of history about this site: It was the usual bank holiday- a pleasant drink in Cheddar Gorge on a Friday night and we got chatting with two new faces in the pub - as we friendly locals do - both visitors had booked their trip, their accommodation and tickets on line, but neither had been able to find out about the wealth of real "get-up-and-go" activities going on in the area..... so.....we just had to get the message out there to all you active people - that's why we've put this site together after all!
             
 

  Martin & Christopher & Bruce

 
New for 2008
Check out our
Introduction to Caving
" T h e   b e s t   f u n   y o u   c a n   h a v e   w i t h   o v e r a l l s   o n "
 
 
Yes, you can do a day or half day of challenging and rewarding introductory caving and visit classic caverns in the Mendip Hills, which are ideal adventures for absolute beginners to the more advanced caver, offering a variety of crawls, scrambles and slides followed by shower baths, pretty grottos and walking sized streamway passages.
 
 
The introductory day begins with a leisurely trip into a dry cave system in Burrington Combe on the Northern flank of the Mendip Hills, followed by a break for your packed lunch before heading up on to the top of the Mendip Plateau and a visit to a refreshing wet cave system. The exhilaration of the day and the fascinating underworld sights should leave your sense of adventure happily satisfied, and hopefully wanting to repeat the experience again and again. 
 
 
 
Question: "OK, great. I like what I've read... now what do I do if I want to book something with you guys?..." 

Answer: "Simple.... let us know what you're interested in, asking about dates and availability and email us by using this link":

chris@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk or bruce@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk
 
Or phone Chris 01934 741338 M: 07968 275969 or Bruce 01761 232026 M: 07743 870794
 
 
C  A  V  I  N  G
 
Some Frequently Asked Questions we deal with:
 
Do I need to be experienced?
Not at all. Our caving trips regularly involve taking complete novices underground on enjoyable and exciting routes into underground caverns ideally suited to total newcomers; we can also provide intermediate trips for those who have perhaps been caving before and wish to try something more challenging - perhaps visiting longer, wetter systems.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C L I M B I N G
 
Some Frequently Asked Questions we deal with:
 
What experience do I need to enjoy a session of climbing?
Well, none, but fitness helps. Instructors will supply you with the equipment you need to enjoy a session of top rope climbing - i.e. helmet, harness, rope, karabiners and belay device.
More experienced clients and quick learners (who may have attended a wall session or two) can progress on to seconding more challenging and rewarding climbs
Anyone wanting to increase their experience - for example, maybe learn about leading "trad" climbs - can be catered for too. In a couple of sessions it can be possible to progress from one to the other. Safety is at all times our paramount interest and instructors will not ask you to do climbs which stretch your ability unless they think you are safe!
 
I want to have a go but I'm scared of heights; what should I do?
Nearly everyone (including us climbers) are scared of heights - it's just a natural instinct. However, as you become more skilled and learn to trust the rope and your belayer, your apprehension will diminish.
 
 
 
 
 
 
A B S E I L I N G
(Also known as Rappelling)
 
Some Frequently Asked Questions we deal with:
 
What, exactly, is Abseiling?
Basically it's starting at the top of a cliff face (or other tall object) and sliding down a rope to the bottom in a controlled descent.
 
Why do people do it?
Because it is GOOD FUN and it puts a big smile on your face!
 
Is it difficult and do I need to be experienced?
It is very easy and requires no previous experience. You will abseil on a main rope and have another line connected to you, operated by our instructor, as a control rope.
 
      ________________________________
 
 

 Christopher Binding T: 01934 741338 M: 07968 275969 chris@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk

 

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Local Cave Leader Level 1 & 2, Caving Instructor CIC, Member of the Association of Caving Instructors.

Chris is an active freelance cave leader and instructor introducing various groups to some of the classic caves of Mendip; even if you are a complete newcomer to caving he will expertly guide you into an amazing and exciting world of rocky darkness.
 
 
Bruce Blagden T: 01761 232026 M: 07743 870794 bruce@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk
 

Single Pitch Award, Local Cave Leader Level 1 & 2, CIC trained, Trainee Member of the Association of Caving Instructors.
Bruce is a keen rock climber with extensive experience of climbing in the Mendip hills. Can tailor rock climbing courses for all levels of interest age and ability. He is also an active and enthusiastic caver.

     
 Martin Torbett 

Single Pitch Award, Summer Mountain Leader, Local Cave Leader Level 1, GNAS Archery, Ecological Guided Walks

OUR CLIENTS SAY:
"... it was a great day yesterday - enjoyed by all..."
"...Many thanks for providing a superb day of fun..."
"...We all felt involved in a major achievement..."
"...I was impressed by your leadership skills and also the way in which you selected just the right level of challenge for us..."
"...I was very reassured by your commitment to safety..."

 
 
Question: "OK, great. I like what I've read... now what do I do if I want to book something with you guys?..." 

Answer: "Simple.... let us know what you're interested in, asking about dates and availability and email us by using this link":

chris@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk or bruce@cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk
 
Or phone Chris 01934 741338 M: 07968 275969 or Bruce 01761 232026 M: 07743 870794

site last updated : June 2008  

The details above are liable to change and we apologise if you experience any difficulties
Climbing, abseiling and caving are activities with a danger of personal injury and death. Participants should be aware of, understand, and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
photography & design: christopher binding & bruce blagden c.2004-2008

     I support the BMC