Hunter's Hole

Hunter's Hole is a vertical cave in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, on the edge of the village of Priddy in south-west England. It is a destination for cavers rather than casual visitors: the route goes down a chain of shafts and calls for proper gear and experience.

Where is Hunter's Hole and how do you find it?

The entrance lies behind the Hunters Lodge Inn pub just outside Priddy, and visitors leave their cars at the pub. A walk of roughly 100 m leads to a small dip among trees, where a permanent ladder marks the way in. Priddy sits on the Mendip plateau, one of Britain's best-known caving areas.

What is it like underground?

The Mendip Cave Registry gives the cave a depth of about 58 m and a surveyed length of around 275 m. It is a sequence of shafts dropping into a main chamber known as the "railway tunnel". The registry also mentions a roomy pitch of about 20 m and a large sloping passage. Cavers often use it to practise single rope technique (SRT).

What should you know about its history and protection?

The cave was first entered in 1954, after digging by members of the Wessex Cave Club and the Bristol Exploration Club, building on earlier work by Cambridge students. It forms part of the Priddy Caves SSSI, recognised as a textbook example of a shaft system draining a closed depression. Take nothing, leave nothing and avoid damaging formations.

Can anyone go down Hunter's Hole?

No. A descent needs vertical skills, a helmet with reliable lighting and a surface backup. Beginners should join a local club or a licensed guide. Access arrangements can change, so check current details with the Wessex Cave Club (its headquarters are at nearby Upper Pitts) or the CSCC access guide before travelling. Do not confuse it with neighbouring sites such as Swildon's Hole, Eastwater Cavern or Hunters' Lodge Inn Sink, which are separate caves with their own rules.

When to go and what to bring

There is no season, but Mendip systems react quickly to heavy rain, so choose a dry spell. Carry cash for the pub, as cards may not be accepted there. Bring a caving suit, helmet and head torch with a spare light, a harness and warm dry clothes for afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hunter's Hole suitable for beginners? No. It is a vertical cave that requires rope skills or a trip led by an experienced guide.

Where do I park? At the Hunters Lodge Inn in Priddy; the entrance is about 100 m away on foot.

How deep is it? About 58 m deep, with roughly 275 m of passage.

Is it the same as Hunters' Lodge Inn Sink? No. Hunters' Lodge Inn Sink is a different cave nearby with its own layout and character.