周辺の洞窟・トップ4

Ok, the photos do not do justice to this stunning chamber! It was only "opened" to the show cave in 2015! (The last time I visited was in 1990!!) The caves are still explored very regularly by cave divers, and the decision was made to connect chamber 9 to chamber 20 via a tunnel in 2015. What is visible in the images is the result of melt-water from the end of the last ice age. It has sculpted the rocks into valleys, ridges and crevasses. It is, as far as we know, the largest example of this in the whole of the UK.

Take a break here before the climb

This is the easy part.

It's like a miniature Ebbor Gorge meets tellytubby land. Well worth a walk.

This popular cavern is set into limestone rock and is particularly beginner friendly. You can find some hand railings inside to help you, dating back from the early 20th century when it was being (unsuccessfully) turned into a show cave like the other Mendip caves of Wookey and Cheddar. Goatchurch is a popular cave for beginners and school trips thanks to its general ease and its two entrances. Access is free, however, caving can be dangerous and you shouldn't attempt it without a capable guide if you're new to caving. This cave is considered relatively straightforward but still has technical areas, tight squeezes and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.

Ebbor Gorge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve(NNR). Dramatic limestone gorge with interesting caves of important past climate research. Its ancient woodland combes are rich in wildlife and of the Mendip Hills AONB's special qualities

Ebbor Gorge is a magnificent limestone gorge within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designated as a national nature reserve, the mixed woodland and deep gorge is home to much flora and fauna, including 250 species of mosses, liverworts and lichens. The caves within the gorge were inhabited by neolithic people and flint tools have been found. The path through the gorge is steep, rocky, wet and muddy. If you have decent footwear and average fitness, you’ll be fine. If you are planning to complete the round walk, I’d recommend going up the gorge (it’s so much fun you don’t notice the effort) and down the meadows (as the views are amazing and with you for the whole descent).

The path through the gorge starts off pretty tame but gets steeper, rockier, wetter, muddier and narrower as you go. It's great fun and packed with interest. If you have average fitness and decent footwear you'll be fine.