WELLS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Lean Back Over Split Rock: A Half‑Day Abseil on 25‑Metre Cliffs
A concentrated half‑day session that teaches you to control a 25‑metre descent at Split Rock with expert instructors—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Lean Back Over Split Rock: A Half‑Day Abseil on 25‑Metre Cliffs.
On the limestone edges near Wookey Hole, Cave Climb runs a half‑day abseil session at Split Rock where vertical faces of up to 25 metres give participants the chance to learn controlled descents under instructor supervision. The programme is compact and deliberately focused: you are fitted into a harness and helmet, coached through technique, and then guided as you walk backwards over the lip and descend the cliff face.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Split Rock: long, vertical abseils
The adult venue at Split Rock features vertical cliffs up to 25 metres high, long enough to allow dynamic, ‘bouncing’ style descents for those who want a big‑scale abseil experience.
Personal, experienced guidance
Sessions are led by experienced instructors who kit you out, teach you how to control your descent, and manage safety lines throughout the activity to keep the experience secure and confidence‑building.
Half‑day, small groups and tailored sessions
These are half‑day sessions run exclusively for your party (you won’t be combined with other customers); group sizes are usually capped at nine people, with additional instructors provided when larger numbers require it.
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
You start by being fitted with a harness and helmet and shown the fundamentals of controlling a descent. With the instructor holding the safety rope and talking you through each step, the moment you lean back over the cliff is high on adrenaline; before long you are walking backwards down the rock and managing your speed as you descend. For adults and more adventurous youngsters the length of the abseil allows a fuller, more dramatic experience.
THE SITE
Split Rock: long, vertical abseils
The adult venue at Split Rock features vertical cliffs up to 25 metres high, long enough to allow dynamic, ‘bouncing’ style descents for those who want a big‑scale abseil experience.
THE INSTRUCTORS
Personal, experienced guidance
Sessions are led by experienced instructors who kit you out, teach you how to control your descent, and manage safety lines throughout the activity to keep the experience secure and confidence‑building.
THE FORMAT
Half‑day, small groups and tailored sessions
These are half‑day sessions run exclusively for your party (you won’t be combined with other customers); group sizes are usually capped at nine people, with additional instructors provided when larger numbers require it.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this half‑day suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Single half‑day sessions usually run 10:00–13:00 or 14:00–17:00; evening sessions are available in the summer months.
You will be provided with a climbing harness and helmet; wear clothing suitable for outdoor activity and footwear with good grip.
Standard price is £45 per person; sessions are exclusive to your party with a minimum charge of £135 (price for three). Youth groups have a discounted rate and groups of 10+ should use the booking enquiry form. For short‑notice bookings (same day or next day) use the booking hotline.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a session?
Single sessions usually run from 10:00 to 13:00 or from 14:00 to 17:00; evening sessions are offered in summer months.
How much does it cost?
The price is £45 per person; the minimum charge is £135 (the price for three people).
Can I book for a youth group or a large party?
Youth groups are eligible for a discounted rate. For 10 or more persons, the operator asks you to use the booking enquiry form to arrange the session.
What if I need a last‑minute booking?
For short‑notice bookings (same day or next day) the operator provides a Booking Hotline to contact directly.
Will I be combined with other customers?
Sessions are exclusive to your party and you will not be combined with other customers.
Is Split Rock suitable for young children?
Children under 12 often find Split Rock very scary; the operator sometimes uses the gentler Burrington Combe venue for younger groups and may recommend climbing instead for smaller children.