To say climbing in Somerset's iconic Cheddar Gorge is special is an huge understatement. It's rich history, jaw dropping landscape and many high quality routes ensure it's fame. But access to the south side of the Gorge is fragile and continued access relies upon climbers taking care to ensure they follow the agreements in place with the landowner, Cheddar Caves & Gorge. Mark Courtiour, our superstar BMC Cheddar Climbing Warden and Somerset Access Rep, reflects on what it has taken to get the current access gains we enjoy today, and why its so important to follow the restrictions that are in place... Read more »
From Lundy to Cheddar, Wintour's Leap to Ebbor Gorge, our access team have been working hard in the South West recently. A number of issues have been resolved, check out this access update for all the details. Read more »
30 climbers gathered together to rid Cheddar Gorge of as much of its litter as possible on 15 September, for what is to now become an annual climbers' clean up. The project was organised by two local climbers and long-term Cheddar enthusiasts Tom Powell and Eddy Cool, simply because they wanted to look after the place they love and to display the kindness and gratitude of the climbing community. Read more »
It’s not every day you’re invited to meet Royalty and, moreover, get the chance to speak with them about climbing. But that’s exactly what happened to BMC Cheddar Gorge Climbing Warden and activist Martin Crocker earlier this month when Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Cheddar Gorge. Read more »
As eight more groups of climbers are caught climbing in banned areas, Cheddar Gorge access is now approaching crisis point. Read more »
Bad news from Cheddar Gorge: a number of climbers have recently been caught climbing in areas outside of the access agreement, or climbing without third-party liability insurance. Thanks to the actions of a few, Cheddar’s future as a climbing destination could be in doubt. Read more »
Climbers are reminded that permission to climb in Cheddar Gorge is subject to climbers abiding by a Code of Conduct, which includes a requirement to be covered by liability insurance, and to adhere to agreed restrictions. Read more »
Headlining Cheddar Gorge's activities to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was a commemorative ascent of Sceptre, the first route climbed on the gorge’s showpiece crag, High Rock. Read more »
We are now well into the summer climbing season in the Cheddar Gorge and as many climbers will know, some areas and routes are restricted during the summer season due to public safety concerns. With the Gorge walls being so steep and close to the road, the landowners - Cheddar Caves & Gorge, have been concerned for some time about loose rock and dropped climbing equipment hurting members of the public or cars on the road below. Read more »
A summary of the 2011 access arrangements for climbing in Cheddar Gorge. Read more »
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