Discovering the Depths: Avon Trogs Inspire Young Explorers with Advanced Caving Adventure

Tucked beneath the rolling hills of the Mendips lies a world of adventure—and at the heart of it, the Avon Trogs Scout Caving Club is lighting the way for the next generation of explorers.

In their most recent adventure, a group of Explorer Scouts from across the region embarked on an impressive underground journey, travelling from Bath Swallet to Rod’s Pot, one of the area’s more challenging and technical routes. The trip wasn’t for the faint-hearted—it featured an underground abseil, assisted handling descent, and a ladder climb, offering young cavers a chance to tackle real vertical caving in a safe, supported environment.

Guided by experienced leaders, the trip was more than just a fun outing. It was a chance to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork in a setting few young people ever get to experience. As one Explorer said afterwards, “It was tough, but so exciting. I never thought I’d be able to do something like this!”

Avon Trogs is part of the wider UK Scout Association and is run entirely by volunteers. The club’s mission is simple: to give young people the chance to experience the thrill and beauty of the Mendip underground. From introductory trips for first-time cavers to advanced routes like this one, Avon Trogs helps young people develop technical skills and a lifelong respect for the natural world.

But the club wants to do more.

“We’re passionate about getting more young people underground,” says one of the club’s volunteer leaders. “Caving can be truly transformational—it builds confidence like nothing else. We’d love to expand our reach, offer more trips, and invest in more equipment, but we need more volunteers, support, and awareness to make it happen.”

Whether you’re a young person eager to try caving, a parent looking for new challenges for your Explorer or Scout, or an adult with a love for the outdoors and a few hours to spare, Avon Trogs would love to hear from you.

Join us and help inspire the next generation of Mendip explorers.

📍 For more information, email caving@avonscouts.org.uk