St Cuthbert's Swallet

St Cuthbert's Swallet is a large cave system near the village of Priddy in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. It forms part of the Priddy Caves complex and ranks as the second longest and most complex cave on Mendip. This is a destination for experienced cavers rather than casual visitors: above ground, all you will see is a locked entrance and the fields around it.

What is St Cuthbert's Swallet?

A swallet is the local term for a sink, where a stream disappears underground. Here the water sinks into the rock close to the site of the old lead works, St Cuthbert's Lead Works, and runs on through a network of passages. The cave has roughly 7 km of surveyed passage and drops about 145 m. The Mendip Cave Registry describes it as an active system with numerous pitches and fine formations.

Members of the Bristol Exploration Club found the cave in September 1953. Later generations pushed further sections, while tight squeezes and sumps held back exploration for years. A trip requires rope skills, proper kit and caving experience.

Why does its water matter historically?

The stream that sinks here resurfaces at Wookey Hole, several kilometres away. A dye test commissioned by the Wookey Hole paper mill owners proved the link in 1860. Their evidence won a lawsuit against the lead works in 1863, and the resulting injunction protecting the stream still shapes access arrangements today.

Can you go inside?

The entrance is locked, and the Bristol Exploration Club manages access on behalf of the landowners. Novices are not admitted. Trips run in groups led by experienced club members, arranged in advance. Current access information is published by the Bristol Exploration Club and the Mendip Cave Registry & Archive. Never try to enter independently.

What surrounds the cave?

The cave lies beneath the Priddy Pools Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the ground is protected for its natural value. The wider area belongs to the Mendip Hills National Landscape, a limestone landscape of pastures, drystone walls and many sinkholes. Priddy is one of the highest villages on Mendip and a good base for exploring.

How do you get to Priddy?

Priddy sits about 8 km north of Wells. Driving is the easiest option, as public transport in the area is sparse. Footpaths cross the Mendip plateau in and around the village.

What can non-cavers see nearby?

A walk across the Mendip plateau takes in grazing land, the Priddy Pools and the sinkholes typical of limestone country. Wookey Hole, where the cave's water resurfaces, and the cathedral city of Wells are both close. Neighbouring caves such as Swildon's Hole and Eastwater Cavern are separate sites with their own access rules.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Cuthbert's Swallet open to tourists? No. It is locked, and only qualified cavers can enter under Bristol Exploration Club supervision.

How long is the cave? About 7 km of surveyed passage and roughly 145 m deep. Exact figures vary slightly between sources.

Where does the cave's water go? It emerges at Wookey Hole, a link confirmed by dye tracing.

When was it discovered? In September 1953, by members of the Bristol Exploration Club.