Cheddar Gorge Rock Climbing

Cheddar Gorge is England's largest limestone gorge and one of its most important sport-climbing venues. The 137-metre walls hold around 400 bolted routes from F4 to F9a, plus a smaller number of classic trad lines. It's a working tourist site as well as a climbing crag, which gives the place its particular character — climbing happens in the gorge from dusk and early on weekend mornings to avoid crowds.

What to expect

Steep limestone, mostly south-facing on the more popular Acid Rock area and west-facing on Sunset Buttress. Long pitches (some 30m), pumpy rather than technical at moderate grades, and powerful at the top end. Routes are well-bolted and well-maintained — the BMC manages access in partnership with Longleat Estate. Big-name testpieces include the F8c Whore of Babylon and Steve McClure's Vital Statistics at F8c+.

Practical notes

September-November and February-April are the prime seasons. Avoid summer (too hot, too tourist-busy) and the wettest winter weeks (the rock seeps through limestone for days after rain). The BMC publishes an access agreement — check it before visiting, particularly during bird-nesting season. Wells, Cheddar and Wookey Hole all have accommodation; the Riverside Inn in Cheddar village is a climber-friendly base.