A full day on Mendip limestone: rock climbs at Burrington Combe and a 25‑metre abseil at Split Rock

CHEDDAR CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE

A full day on Mendip limestone: rock climbs at Burrington Combe and a 25‑metre abseil at Split Rock

A one‑day guided climbing and abseiling program led by Cave Climb covering varied routes at Burrington Combe and a towering 25‑metre descent at Split Rock—this guide distils what to expect and how to plan.

A full day on Mendip limestone: rock climbs at Burrington Combe and a 25‑metre abseil at Split Rock.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Cheddar
Operator
Cave Climb
Category
Climbing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the rolling limestone of the Mendip hills, Cave Climb runs a full‑day climbing and abseiling course that pairs the varied crags of Burrington Combe with the dramatic 25‑metre vertical wall of Split Rock. Expert instructors lead small, exclusive groups through a day of technical moves, controlled exposure and personalized coaching amid raw, weather‑softened rock.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Burrington Combe’s varied climbs
THE LANDSCAPE

Burrington Combe’s varied climbs

Burrington Combe offers an excellent range of climbs with routes suited to many abilities—an ideal place to warm up, learn techniques and let less experienced climbers find their feet on limestone bluffs.

Split Rock’s 25‑metre vertical wall
THE PITCH

Split Rock’s 25‑metre vertical wall

Split Rock near Wells provides a textbook abseil: a single, vertical 25‑metre descent that delivers sustained exposure and a memorable sense of scale under instructor supervision.

Small, instructor‑led and personalized
THE FORMAT

Small, instructor‑led and personalized

Sessions are kept exclusive to each booking so groups are not merged with others; Cave Climb’s instructors focus on safety, tailored coaching and varied itineraries to match group needs.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day moves from focused coaching on Burrington’s accessible routes to a transfer and the thrilling single‑pitch abseil at Split Rock. Between climbing sequences and guided descents you’ll get hands‑on instruction, practical safety briefings and the chance to push personal limits under the eye of experienced leaders.

Burrington Combe’s varied climbs

THE LANDSCAPE

Burrington Combe’s varied climbs

Burrington Combe offers an excellent range of climbs with routes suited to many abilities—an ideal place to warm up, learn techniques and let less experienced climbers find their feet on limestone bluffs.

Split Rock’s 25‑metre vertical wall

THE PITCH

Split Rock’s 25‑metre vertical wall

Split Rock near Wells provides a textbook abseil: a single, vertical 25‑metre descent that delivers sustained exposure and a memorable sense of scale under instructor supervision.

Small, instructor‑led and personalized

THE FORMAT

Small, instructor‑led and personalized

Sessions are kept exclusive to each booking so groups are not merged with others; Cave Climb’s instructors focus on safety, tailored coaching and varied itineraries to match group needs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day suits—and who should consider alternatives.

1
Active FamiliesFamily sessions are available and younger children can participate in dedicated family sessions, but parents should note that the larger abseil at Split Rock may be too much for some children.
2
Youth GroupsYouth groups are accepted from 8 years old and there are discounted rates for organised youth bookings, making this a suitable adventure for older children and teens.
3
Small Private GroupsSessions are exclusive to your booking and are usually limited to a maximum of 9 participants; additional instructors can be provided for larger groups.
4
Less Confident ParticipantsThose wary of height or sustained exposure should discuss venue choices with the operator—gentler abseiling alternatives exist at Burrington if the 25‑metre Split Rock wall is unsuitable.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & flow

The typical day meets in the morning and runs through the afternoon with a midday break; the operator usually meets participants at 10:00, has lunch around 13:00–13:30 and finishes at about 17:00.

Booking & price

Standard price is £75 per person (adult or child); sessions are exclusive to your booking and there is a minimum charge of £225 (price for 3). Youth groups qualify for discounted rates and groups of 10 or more should use the operator’s booking enquiry process.

What to bring

For specifics on clothing and technical kit, contact Cave Climb in advance so instructors can advise on the appropriate equipment for your group and chosen venues.

Getting between venues

If following the recommended combination, be prepared for a short drive: Burrington Combe and Split Rock are about 8 miles apart, so the day includes a transfer between sites.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the full‑day session last?

The operator usually meets at 10:00; there is a lunch break around 13:00–13:30 and the day finishes at about 17:00.

Where will we climb and abseil?

The recommended plan is to climb at Burrington Combe and abseil at Split Rock; Split Rock features a 25‑metre vertical wall and the two venues are roughly 8 miles apart.

What is the price and how do I book?

The session rate is £75 per person (adult or child). Sessions are exclusive to each booking and there is a minimum charge of £225 (price for 3). Youth groups get discounted rates; for groups of 10 or more use the operator’s booking enquiry process, and a booking hotline is available for short‑notice requests.

How large are the groups?

Group size is usually a maximum of 9 participants, though Cave Climb can supply additional instructors to accommodate larger numbers.

What ages can take part?

Youth groups are accepted from 8 years old; younger children can take part in dedicated family sessions tailored to their needs.