Tyning's Barrow Swallet

Tyning's Barrow Swallet is a limestone cave in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, about 3 km north-east of Cheddar. It sits on the southern flank of Black Down, between the villages of Charterhouse and Shipham. This is a site for organised caving trips, not a casual sightseeing stop.

What is Tyning's Barrow Swallet?

A swallet is a spot where surface water sinks into limestone. Tyning's Barrow is the westernmost cave in a cluster of entrances along the southern side of Black Down. It runs for roughly 1.29 km and drops about 132 m, making it one of the deeper caves in the region. GB Cave and Charterhouse Cave, regarded as the deepest cave on Mendip, lie close by.

What is underground?

The cave begins as narrow channels cut by running water. These descend steeply, pass through several tall rift chambers and join a wider canyon. There is plenty of collapsed rock, while stalactites and similar formations are scarce. The entrance involves two pitches, and caving club trip reports mention ladders used for the descent.

How do you get in?

Head for the Charterhouse and Shipham area, a few kilometres from Cheddar. The entrance is gated and locked. The key is kept at Tyning's Farm: call at the side door of the main farmhouse and leave a small fee, listed in the caving access guide at around £2. The site is documented in the registers and access guides kept by the Mendip caving community.

Who should go down?

You need vertical caving kit, experience and ideally a companion who already knows the system. Beginners are better off booking a guided caving session or contacting a local club. For an easier underground outing nearby, the show caves at Cheddar are the usual choice.

When should you visit?

As a swallet, the cave takes in water after heavy rain, so trips are planned for dry spells and agreed with the landowner. Above ground, the Black Down and Charterhouse area works well for walks that don't involve going underground at all.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter Tyning's Barrow Swallet without preparation? No. It is a vertical cave with narrow, steep sections, intended for cavers with proper equipment.

Where do I get the key? At Tyning's Farm. Knock at the side door of the farmhouse and pay the small fee.

How deep is it? About 132 m, with roughly 1.29 km of passage in total.

Is it the same as Charterhouse Cave? No. They are separate systems in the same area. Charterhouse Cave is deeper and is considered the deepest in the region.