Goblin Combe in The Mendips – 12th September 2026

Surrey is probably the place in the UK as further away as possible from any decent crag.

For a rock climber living in Surrey then, jumping in the car and driving a solid 3 hours to get “somewhere climbable” becomes almost like popping to the convenience store ’round the corner to buy a pint of milk…

Always on the hunt for venues not too far, within the 2 hours mark we have Dorset (Swanage and Portland) and Somerset (Cheddar Gorge, Goblin Combe, Fairy Cave Quarry, Avon Gorge).

Every year there is always a GMC meet at the Mendips in Somerset. However this time, not many showed interest and due to other commitments and potentially unstable weather, only Matt and I attended – and climbed – on Saturday 12th at Goblin Combe, near Bristol.

Obelisk Crack 1* S 4a
Bolg 1* S 4a
Esgaroth 2** HS 4b
Bard the Bowman 2** HS 4b

All different in their own rights, each requiring a particular set of protections – whether it was micros or big chunky hexes/cams.

We also top-roped Disaster Area 2** HVS 5a, as the rope was there and the experience was useful to understand the struggles of such a committing grade.

The venue is a tranquil woodland in a small valley with some limestone outcrops. The crag is just a short walk from the car park. Lots of woodland works going on (which is good) otherwise very vegetated with ivy and brambles and trees of course… objectively not the most scenic climbing venue, and annoyingly in line with Bristol airport…

But!! For a modest 2 hours “down the road”, Goblin Combe offers short (10 to 20 mt) yet rewarding quality routes for climbers looking to consolidate mid grades.

The limestone is good, although a little polished here and there. Routes are varied and enjoyable with cracks, slabs, flakes, pockets, jugs, overhangs… the lot! And there are new steel cable anchors with maillon rapide and inox rings at the top. Not bad for a place where climbing is allegedly forbidden…

Let’s try to keep the Mendips in the calendar – in my opinion possibly/preferably as an easy single day out – and hopefully next time more GMCers will attend.