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About us

The Mendip Caving Group (MCG) was formed in 1954. We are a friendly, active group with members living close to the Mendips, throughout the UK and even some who live overseas. Our base is near Charterhouse on Mendip (about 5 miles from Priddy).

From complete beginners to experienced diggers, we cater for all abilities. If you are new to caving we have helmets, lamps and oversuits that you can borrow for your first few trips underground.

Our headquarters, Nordrach Cottage, is within walking distance of several caves including Upper Flood Swallet (one of the best-decorated caves in the UK) and is a short drive from the caves of Charterhouse (including GB, Longwood, Manor Farm) and Burrington (including Goatchurch, Sidcot, Reads Cavern, Rods Pot and Bath Swallet).

We hold keys to the majority of Mendip's gated caves, and we issue Charterhouse Caving Company access permits.

The cottage has a well-stocked caving tacklestore and a comprehensive caving library for members to use. There is sleeping accommodation for up to 30 people, and the building may be booked for guest groups to use. Cottage fees are kept as low as possible - £2.50 per night for members and £5.00 per night for non-members.

In May 2009 we started a program of work at Nordrach Cottage to improve facilities for members and guests. We have now installed a new multi-fuel stove in the lounge to make sure our members and guests keep warm in the winter

MCG members will be found underground most weekends; at other times they can be found in the Hunters Lodge Inn.

Many caving trips are arranged informally, but we also have a calendar of trips arranged for the first weekend of every month so that all members can take part.

If you are interested in caving, please contact us and we will arrange a caving trip to suit your ability. All you need is stout footware (wellies are best) and some old but warm clothing.

Images from the MCG flickr pool

Neverland series, Upper Flood Swallet

To view, click the image below (opens new window) or click here to view in Google Earth

Exploration continues in Upper Flood Swallet

On 10th September 2006, after 38 years of exploration, Mendip Caving Group members broke through to some 2km of spectacular passages in Upper Flood Swallet. The the cave is now over 3.098km (1.925 miles) long / 126m (416ft) deep and there are many dig sites where exploration continues. Click here for the survey. To see the cave outline in Google Maps click here

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Hidden Earth 2009

Page created 12 December 2008, last updated 20 December 2009

visits since 01 Jul 07