Member Login

Home > Accommodation > SMCC Cottage  

Priddy, Somerset
OSGB: ST5438050455
Lat: 51.251454N Long: 2.654861W
Nearest Post Code: BA5 3AU
View Map

Located near the village of Priddy in Somerset, the cottage is owned by Shepton Mallet Caving Club. The cottage has a huge upstairs bunk room easily sleeping 25+ cavers and is ideally located in the Mendips caving area with caves such as Swildon's Hole, Eastwater Cavern and St Cuthbert’s Swallet only a short walk away. And of course, the local pub; The Hunters' Lodge, is just down the road offering drinking late into the night.  The Hunters is famous for being a cavers pub, with traditional barrels lined up behind the bar serving locally brewed beers and ciders. There is also the pub in Priddy about 30 minutes walk down the road, and out August Bank Holiday trip coincides with their annual beer and cider festival.

As with most cottages we stay in, you will need your sleeping bag and a stash of snacks (communal cooking is usually organised for breakfasts and dinners).  We usually visit the Mendips on the August Bank Holiday weekend (often travelling down Wednesday or Thursday to maximise the weekend as it’s a 6-7 hour drive).  Therefore it’s usually warm and sunny and so the winter thermals can usually be left at home (although bring waterproofs).  The Mendip Caves offer a splendid balance of horizontal and vertical caving, although most of the caves have strict access requirements, requiring advanced planning by our Secretary.   

The cottage also offers a great male and female changing area with plenty of hot showers. There is also the best drying room ever, so your caving gear is nice and toasty for the next day! The comfortable and spacious communal area has a wood burning stove and dining table (for food and/or traversing but not at the same time!).

Take a look at the Shepton Mallet Caving Club website for more info.

View photos of past trips to the Mendips