| Mendip |
New Padlock Combination from 19th June 2023
From 19th June 2023 the combination for the entrance gate to Fairy Cave Quarry will be changed. The new combination will be available from the major Mendip caving clubs and Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee. A reminder that the combination must not be passed on to non cavers/climbers since the quarry owners do not give permission for general access and doing so may risk future access to the quarry.
Please also use clean hands when handling the padlock, we have very occasionally had problems with the padlock due to ingress of grit, but these have been quickly resolved.
Ash dieback is affecting trees throughout the Mendip area including in and around the quarry and car park. This can seriously impact on the strength and reliability of even large trees in particular during and after windy conditions.
Fairy Cave Quarry Management Committee - Dec 27th 2020
For complete access detail see the individual cave entries. The main caves are:
- Balch Cave ~ ^
- Conning Tower Cave
- Fairy Cave ^
- Fernhill Cave *
- Hillier's Cave ~ ^
- Hillwithy Cave ~
- Shatter Cave *
- W/L Cave *
- Withyhill Cave *
^ The cave is closed from 1st October to 30th April to protect the hibernating bats.
~ Keys held by the major Mendip Clubs. These are the ACG, BEC, CSS, MCG, MNRC, SMCC and WCC.
* A warden system operates. Please phone 01934-742710 or write, with SAE, to the FCQ Management Committee, c/o Martin Grass, Bryscombe, New Road, Draycott, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3SG with at least six weeks notice of the intended trip. A conservation donation of £2 (minimum) per person is payable. The total number of trips per year is limited so please be patient if your chosen dates are not available.
The quarry has been fenced and gated by the owner. The gate is fitted with a combination lock and the number is available from the major Mendip Clubs. Please keep the gate locked.
A locked car park is provided for visiting cavers. The key is available from the major Mendip Clubs. You are asked to make use of this facility rather than parking on the road since the road is narrow and despite its appearance, takes a lot of 38ton lorry traffic. There have not been any reported car break-ins but you should always remove valuables from display anyway.
An alternative option is to park at the Cerberus Hut, half a mile up the hill. Please leave a note in the car to say you are caving in the quarry.
The BMC have an access agreement for climbers who wish to use the quarry. See www.thebmc.co.uk/bmccrag/ViewCrag.aspx?id=859
Last modified 19th Jun 2023. Copyright © CSCC 2024. For the latest information see cscc.org.uk. To maintain good relations with the landowners if the location is published the access information should also be published.