Pierre's Pot

Pierre's Pot is a cave in Burrington Combe, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, England. It is a site for experienced cavers rather than a casual tourist stop. Found in 1983, it runs for roughly 985 m and drops about 47 m, according to the Mendip cave registry. The entrance sits at around 129 m above sea level beside West Twin Brook.

Where is Pierre's Pot?

The cave lies in Burrington Combe on the northern side of the Mendips, inside the Mendip Hills landscape protected area. The registry gives the grid reference ST 4763 5837. Several other caves cluster in the same gorge, including Goatchurch Cavern, Rod's Pot and Shute Shelve Cavern, but each is a separate site with its own character.

What is the cave like?

Pierre's Pot formed in Carboniferous limestone and has two main levels. A short upper series leads through a very tight squeeze to an active streamway. Sumps block the passage both upstream and downstream. The registry suggests the water originates at East Twin Spar Pot and reappears at Langford and Rickford Risings. Reaching the further passages means diving about 15 m beyond the sump.

Why is it called Pierre's Pot?

The name comes from a nickname of Mike "Fish" Jeanmaire, a member of the Axbridge Caving Group on Mendip in the early 1960s.

Can visitors go inside?

There is no entry fee, but the tight rift and the flowing stream demand experience, proper equipment and companions who know the system. First-timers should make contact with a Mendip caving club such as Bristol Exploration Club, Wessex Cave Club or UBSS. Water levels in the streamway rise after heavy rain, so check the forecast before planning a trip.

How has it been surveyed?

Surveys of the cave exist for several sections. UBSS produced an earlier one in 1998, and C. Cohen and K. Hilton surveyed the downstream part in 2011. Both are available through the Mendip cave registry archive.

What else is nearby?

For visitors without caving skills, Burrington Combe offers walks along the gorge and its slopes, plus easier recreational caves close by. It is straightforward to reach by car, a short drive south of Bristol.

Frequently asked questions

How deep and long is Pierre's Pot? The registry lists about 47 m of depth and 985 m of length.

When was it discovered? In 1983.

Is it a show cave? No. Tight squeezes, an active stream and sumps make it suitable only for experienced cavers.

Is there an admission charge? No, the registry lists access as free. Contacting a local caving club before a visit is advisable.