I've had some feedback on the new access agreement in Cheddar gorge. It seems that there is some confusion or misunderstanding of the use of the terms "restored" and "unrestored" routes in relation to access. Hopefully this will clarify things - but any feedback gratefully received. Restored routes are trad routes that were cleaned and equipped with lower off bolts, and sport routes that were bolted or re-bolted and equipped. This work was carried out as part of the Cheddar Gorge Climbing project between 2003 - 2005. All these routes are described in the current guide book - Cheddar Gorge Climbs by Martin Crocker. The access agreement for 2019 only includes routes found in this guide. Some restored routes in the guide remain as winter only routes. This includes most of the multi pitch routes in the gorge. Full details are in the guide. The climbs on the South side listed in previous guide books and not found in the current book, including the previous CC guides are winter access only - 1st October -- 15th March.
Annual loose rock removal carried out by the landowners has nothing to do with access changes for climbers and has no bearing on on the climbing access agreements. It is carried out entirely in the interest of safety for visitors to the gorge
