Climbs 131
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 66m a.s.l
Sandford Snow Leopard. © deepstar
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. As of spring 2018 the routes on Red Slab have been destroyed by Charterhouse Outdoor Pursuits to enable the the bolting of artificial holds onto the Slab. Clearly a new concept in the teaching of toproping. Let's see how this pans out. Mendip Outdoor Pursuits(the tenants) are slowly developing the quarry. Left hand side of Lower lift now good for children /beginners top and bottom roping.
Best time to visit is on sunny summer evenings.
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 may be gated, in which case cars are best left at the entrance.
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:
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.
Reason: Nesting Birds
Peregrines have been reported here, usually nesting opposite the slab routes - please take care during the spring not to disturb them.Moderators Updates to this page are checked by a UKC volunteer leland stamper