UKC

Climbs 143
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 66m a.s.l

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Sandford Snow Leopard. © deepstar

Crag features

Brutal scene of extraction, but with some worthwhile lines. Sparsely protected, slab climbs, usually bold, on generally sound rock although there are a few better protected routes as well. Single-pitch to 35 metres. Lower Lift  has two bolt lower off along with a number of very solid steel stakes. The Eastern slabs(White, Red, Pink) have a number of stakes/bolts and even a two bolt lower off. Left hand side of Lower lift now good for children /beginners top and bottom roping. Best time to visit is on sunny summer evenings

Mendip Outdoor Pursuits are tenants and are slowly developing some areas. Mendip use the crag regularly for private, group usage. Please do not climb on areas where Mendip, or other outdoor centres who have booked directly with Mendip, are climbing. Please do not use any of Mendip's fixed gear.

If you wish to use the crag commercially, please email info@mendip.me

 

Approach notes

Approach via the A38 southbound from Bristol; turn right onto the A368 Weston-super-Mare road at traffic lights in the village of Churchill. Follow the A368 for two miles, turning left towards Wiscombe at Sandford Church. The quarry is reached on the left after half a mile. Adjacent to the main entrance is Quarry Road. Access to the First Lift, where half of the climbs are located, is via a rough track 100 yards along this on the left. The track is locked by a gate. Access only by contacting or visiting Mendip Outdoor Pursuits first only.

Update this Crag
Last updated on 13/Mar/2024

Restricted Access

Access for climbing has been banned here in the past. However, following recent negotiations with Mendip Outdoor Pursuits, (the company who lease the quarry), climbing access is now allowed on the following basis:

  • Climbers must obtain a key by visiting the MOP offices situated at the ski slope (very close to the quarry): Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, North Somerset, BS25 5PQ. Phone 01934 834 877 and is open 9am-8pm weekdays and 9am-6pm weekends. The key must be returned once you finish climbing. Should the office be closed please post the key through the letterbox.
  • MOP will fund a supply of keys but if too many are not returned or lost this could jeopardize the agreement.
  • Climbers must not hinder MOP’s commercial activities within the quarry.
  • MOP reserve the right to remove loose rock and place fixed equipment as required by their commercial operations.
  • Commercial organisations must discuss access with MOP prior to visiting the quarry.

Although it is relatively easy to enter the quarry without a key it is essential that anyone visiting the quarry adhere to the agreement outlined above.

Seasonal Restrictions

Reason: Nesting Birds

Peregrines have been reported here, usually nesting opposite the slab routes - please take care during the spring not to disturb them.
Click here for RAD Access Notes
Last update: 01/06/2017  

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Rockfall from the left edge of the Red Slab bordering on the Pink Slab (although the Cheddar guidebook has them the wrong way round). Anyway about a ton of rock has fallen from the second roof on "Semantic Deconstruction". It has effectively done a very good gardening job on Gaping Gill but rather put me off actually climbing it today.
leland stamper - 17/Sep/17
Sampled a selection of the newer routes to the right of the lower lift today. Caution required near with the top of some routes as per any new climbs but all nice climbing, particularly ‘King of sandford hill’. Excellent job on cleaning and gearing. Much appreciated.
AndThenIWasFlying - 12/Jun/15
6.11.11 I cleaned the bottom of the routes between the jungle and the concrete hut,this opens up the climbs "designed to Kill"through to "Ask the Tommyknockers"care required!
deepstar - 06/Nov/11
The section of the Lower Lift between "Brackets" and "Bonus in Retirement" is now Bramble free,great care still needed 15/9/11.
deepstar - 16/Sep/11
There's something very likeable about this quarry. When you climb the routes here its as though you're the only person to have done them in like 20 years. Which makes it really interesting.
Quarryboy - 15/Sep/11
I have cleaned the bottom of the routes between "Brackets" and "Bonus in Retirement" 15/9/11 great care still needed though.
deepstar - 15/Sep/11
I spent Sunday 21/8/11 clearing the bushes and ivy on the left hand side of the Lower Lift between the routes Icon and Mucky Pup this gives access to over a dozen climbs that havent been climbed for many years.Be carefull though these routes still need cleaning and are very loose.
deepstar - 30/Aug/11
The route "brackets" on the lower lift is a real collectors piece,the protection being a line of pipe holders that look a bit dodgy from below but are in reality quite sound.
deepstar - 13/Aug/10
By the way, its Sandford, not Sanford.
mark Readerman - 02/Apr/04
Hi all, Visited on 30/03/04, there have been major clearance of loose rock on the first major slab on the right, dont know how it affects the climbs yet, it was just a flying visit after a session at cheddar, the ground below it has also been cleared of all of the bushes and trees which untill now made it abit dingy, however, its also open up a little more area for a motor cyclist that also uses the place(anybody got any long drawing pins?). The next slab along also has had its base cleared, not sure why, if they were clearing for climbers the last slab would of been better, perhaps they will are doing all of it and will get there in time, fingers crossed. Mark
Mark Readerman - 02/Apr/04
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