Cheddar Gorge South Rock Climbing

Home to the gorge's most impressive routes. Look to your right as you drive into the gorge and there's no missing the towering buttress of High Rock, the limestone spires of Pinnacle Bay, or the awesomely situated Sunset Buttress. Come here on a fine, dry winter's day and you will undoubtedly see climbers tackling Coronation Street, Castles Made of Sand, Paradise lost, or many of the other super-classics.

This side of the gorge is situated on private land, and the access agreement is somewhat restrictive. The routes are split into two categories "summer season" and "winter season". All routes are accessible between 1st October and 15th March (approximately), but that is it for those designated "winter season". The summer season routes are accessible over the summer too, excluding the months of July and August, the first week of September, all public holidays, and the week (and weekend) following the spring bank holiday.

This restriction is unfortunate as the big routes are predominantly North-facing and get only a meagre share of sun in the summer; none in the winter. Take plenty of spare clothing, and pick a day when the winds are light and the walls are not seeping!