CHEDDAR ACCESS UPDATE
From Thursday 1st September, holiday-season restrictions on the south side of Cheddar Gorge will lift, and the “Most of year” (aka Summer Season) crags and routes reopen until Easter. Do take the opportunity to explore away from the roadside since the September reopening includes the vast majority of routes on the south side and many of the better crags in the gorge, some of which will continue to enjoy sunshine while the deeper crags lose theirs.
The Winter Season routes and crags continue to be closed until 1st October. These are the multi-pitch routes on the Pinnacles (Stone Cold Fever, Castles Made of Sand, Sullenberger, Doomwatch etc), multi-pitch routes on High Rock (Coronation Street, Crow etc), “Knight’s Climb” on Acid Rock, and all routes on the crags: High Rock Far Right Wing, Wind Rock and Sloworm Tower.
Remember to carry proof of 3rd party liability insurance whenever climbing at any crag on the southside. For most climbers, cover is inclusive of membership of BMC or MCofS, but membership of an affiliated club also provides insurance. However, the access agreement requires that proof is carried, so bring your membership card (or confirmation email) to the crag. BMC members who are unable to prove membership will be reluctantly asked by the Warden, or CG&C staff to relocate to the North side, so take care to avoid putting them in that disagreeable position.
As always, please consult the Martin Crocker guide or the BMC RAD carefully before visiting, and look out for, read and follow signage. Observing the agreement negotiated through the BMC is essential to protect general access for the climbing community on the southside throughout most of the year. If you see any climbers climbing out of season, please call them down
Thank you for your cooperation
Your friendly BMC Climbing Warden
