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   are you adventurous?....
 
 
                  

Welcome!,

If you are interested in climbing, caving or a whole load more 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

 

"... 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..."

      ________________________________
 
 

 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.
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 T: 01934 743933 M: 07970 438231

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

    
Everyone above holds current first aid certificates, have been police checked and are professional instructors who work for various outdoor pursuits centres in and around the Mendip Hills and beyond.

 


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New for 2008
Check out our
"Introduction to Caving Day"
" 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's challenging and rewarding introductory caving and visit two of  the Mendip Hills' classic caverns, both of which are ideally suited to visits from 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.
 
 
Your day will begin 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 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.
 
What if I am worried?
This is natural - it's usually termed "the fear of the unknown"; it's also unnecessary. Caving has been portrayed in the media and on TV as an activity which is extreme... it needn't be!
 
 
How much does it cost?
Activities are provided as sessions which cater for up to six people at a time - the session rate is £120 per half day (i.e. one trip, or activity). Therefore if you get six people to come along it'll cost you £20 each. This includes all specialist equipment - helmets, lamps, oversuits, belts, rope, karabiners etc. - your guide and our administration costs. Our guides are professionally qualified and experienced. Cheap as chips! (well, OK, not quite).
 
Can I do a whole day's caving?
Of course you can! - We regularly visit a beginner's cave in the morning session, return for a packed lunch and then go to an intermediate cave to see larger passages and get wet at the same time! This would count as our Introduction to Caving Day (see below) and costs £180 for a group of up to 6 (£30 each for the day).
 
OK; Sounds great, when can I go?
Get in touch with us and book a convenient date. If notice can be given in advance it helps...! (We can be very busy people at certain times of the year).
If you are looking for some ultimate caving challenges, check out our partner site.... www.ultimatecaving.co.uk
 
 
 
 
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 some degree of fitness is a help. 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. A pair of climbing shoes would be an ENORMOUS ADVANTAGE!
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.
 
Can I bring my own kit - rack and harness?
Yes. But we will climb with our ropes as we know their history. If you have got plenty of kit and ropes and still want to come to see us, then fine, we can arrange that too.
 
How many people can join in with a session (and how much is it)?
Usually fees and numbers are the same as for caving (see above).
If you just want to climb and lack a partner to do so - phone anyway and we'll see what's possible!
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.
 
What if I'm scared of heights?
We can start you off on something small and fun and progress to bigger stuff if you want to move up a gear after having got to grips with things.
 
 

 

site last updated : April 2008  

The details above are liable to change and we apologise if you experience any difficulties
Cheddarclimbingcaving.co.uk and its leaders are not responsible for, and accept no liability for, the content or accuracy of the information on this website. 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 c.2004-2008

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