CHEDDAR GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Full-Day Caving and Abseiling in the Mendips: A Compact, All-Day Challenge
A guided, exclusive full-day program that pairs beginner-friendly cave trips with multiple abseiling venues in and around Burrington Combe—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your day.
Full-Day Caving and Abseiling in the Mendips: A Compact, All-Day Challenge.
This full-day caving and abseiling experience in the Mendip Hills combines rock-face descents with subterranean exploration under the care of experienced instructors—an exclusive, instructor-led day designed to introduce beginners and stretch more confident participants alike.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two caves, two abseils — pick the right combo
The operator offers two cave options and two abseiling venues at the same general location; beginners are often kept in Burrington Combe for both activities, while Swildon's Hole and Split Rock serve as tougher alternatives.
Exclusive, instructor-led sessions
Sessions are run exclusively for your party with personalized instruction from experienced guides, ensuring small-group attention and tailored coaching throughout the day.
Stay local: Burrington Combe convenience
When the day is kept to Burrington Combe you remain in one place all day with public toilets and the Burrington Inn nearby for a midday break or a post-trip meal.
What the day feels like
How the day moves — hands-on, guided, and progressive
Expect a paced, instructor-led progression: careful briefing and equipment fitting, a morning spent navigating a chosen cave with step-by-step guidance, a mid-day pause to regroup, then an afternoon of abseiling where instructors coach technique and manage safety for every descent.
THE ROUTE
Two caves, two abseils — pick the right combo
The operator offers two cave options and two abseiling venues at the same general location; beginners are often kept in Burrington Combe for both activities, while Swildon's Hole and Split Rock serve as tougher alternatives.
THE GUIDES
Exclusive, instructor-led sessions
Sessions are run exclusively for your party with personalized instruction from experienced guides, ensuring small-group attention and tailored coaching throughout the day.
THE BASE
Stay local: Burrington Combe convenience
When the day is kept to Burrington Combe you remain in one place all day with public toilets and the Burrington Inn nearby for a midday break or a post-trip meal.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Typical full-day sessions include a morning activity, a lunch break around midday, and afternoon activity; operators publish a calendar to choose dates and provide a booking hotline for short-notice arrangements.
Participants should consult the operator’s website and FAQ for kit guidance and photographs of venues; contact the operator directly to confirm any specific clothing or equipment needs for your chosen venue.
Bookings are made via the operator’s online calendar or booking enquiry form; the advertised per-person rate is available and there is also a minimum-charge option for small parties—contact the operator for group discounts and short-notice bookings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How much does the full-day experience cost?
The price is £75 per person (adult or child) with a minimum charge of £225 (price for 3).
When do we meet and when does the day finish?
Groups usually meet at 10:00; lunch is commonly from 13:00–13:30 and the day finishes at about 17:00.
How do I book, and is there a short-notice option?
Book via the online calendar or contact the operator; for same-day or next-day bookings use the Booking Hotline at 01934265351.
What is the typical group size and maximum capacity?
Sessions are usually a maximum of nine per instructor, though additional instructors can be provided; the operator’s overall maximum capacity is 40 persons.
Are the activities suitable for children?
Goatchurch Cavern and the Burrington Combe abseils are suitable for adults and children, but children under 12 may find Split Rock very intimidating and younger children are often recommended to climb instead of abseil.
Can my party have exclusive use of an instructor?
Yes—sessions are exclusive to your party and are run so you will not be combined with other customers.