Oxlow Cavern

Keith and Karen had planned on a trip to Oxlow Cavern while she was in Rugby during the week visiting friends so we met Keith in the morning at the Old Smithy Cafe in Monyash just after it opened at 09:00.

After breakfast, we drove to the Orpheus CC Cottage to collect some ropes and tackle bags for the trip. While we were doing this, Chris Jackson arrived and asked if he could come with us.

We drove to Oxlow Farm and parked there leaving the £2 trespass fee for each of us plus £1 for each car parked at the farm and after changing into caving gear, walked back down the road then across the stile into the field and then to the cave entrance.

Keith opted to do the rigging and we followed with myself second followed by Chris and Karen taking up the rear.

We soon reached the large West Chamber and Karen opted to start heading out while we looked at the last pitch which drops down to the sump between Oxlow Cavern and nearby Maskhill Cavern.

Keith dropped down the pitch followed by Chris. I traversed to the top of the rope and after looking down at the two below decided that since we would only drop down and then immediately have to come back up, I took the lazy option and waited for them to come back up!

We started the return journey to the surface where we found Karen sitting in the very unseasonal warmth waiting for our return.