Eastwater Cavern

Useful Information

Location:	Near Priddy. From Priddy follow Wells road east towards Green Ore, turn left into East Water Lane, after 200 m on the right. (51.252934, -2.662514)
Open:	no restrictions. [2021]
Fee:	free. [2021]
Classification:	Doline Ponor
Light:	n/a.
Dimension:	L=2,800 m, VR=160 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1902	first entered by a team led by Herbert Balch.
1960	fatal accident in the cave.

Description

Eastwater Cavern is also known as Eastwater Swallet, and that's why it is listed here. The cave is a swallow hole, which means surface water flows into the cave and enters the karst. However, the surface water flows only during wet periods and so the canal of the river is dry most of the time. This cave is dangerous and not accessible to the public. But the swallow hole and the cave entrance is very impressive and well worth a visit. The swallow hole is located close to the road and reached after a short walk.

The cave behind the swallow hole is of impressive size. The total length is 2.8 km and it reaches a depth of 160 m. Various drops make it very demanding and dangerous, even for cavers. One of the shafts called Primrose Pot is 58 m deep and is one of the deepest vertical pitches on the Mendips.