After arriving in drizzle on Friday night, as Karen and I had decided to camp, we put up my old Vango Hurricane Alpha tent on the camping spot opposite the row of old quarry workers cottages which form the South Wales Caving Club hut at Penwyllt.
We got sleeping bags and mats sorted then went in the hut to meet Boyd a few SWCC members plus a small contingent of French cavers staying for the week plus Dennis the Belgian caver.
In the morning we discovered that the sausages for breakfast were left at home and Karen managed to get the last packet of the same type of sausages at the small Spar supermarket in Pen y Cae back down the road away from Dan yr Ogof.
After breakfast the three of us: me, Karen and Boyd, drove to Dan yr Ogof car park and after checking with the show cave staff to see if a trip was possible after the recent wet weather, we got changed and headed in at 11:15 to the end of the show cave passing many tourists both on their way in and out. I've never seem the show cave and associated buildings so busy before!
We made our way past the cavers-only fence and were soon enjoying the cold water as we edged along the two Lakes Three and Four then along easy walking passages until we reached the slightly awkward climb up where some rocks bridged the passage 3 metres off the floor near some flowstone.
All to soon we were making our way along the Long Crawl and then down the ladder at the end down into Gerald Platten's Hall.
We edged our way around part of the Crystal Pool while hanging off the in-situ traverse line and wandered down Flabergasm Oxbow looking at all the wonderful straws and the small helectites decorating the ceiling and walls.
After reaching the end of Flabergsam Oxbow, we returned to the traverse past Crystal Pool and then followed the route through large and quite often well decorated passages until we reached Cloud Chamber and Monk Hall.
We had a good look at all the long and amazing straws in Cloud Chamber with Karen taking loads of photos and then made our way to the awkward climb leading to the Green Canal.
Boyd climbed up on the right making use of two blocks on the floor which made gaining a large hand-hold easier while I was going to try the route I had always used on the left. Meanwhile Karen popped underneath the section of wall and scrambled up through a gap between boulders and then through a small gap between two boulders to join Boyd.
I tried to follow but couldn't immediately fit through the gap between the boulders. Since we had already decided to stop once we had reached the Green Canal, I didn't bother with further struggling to get through the gap and clambered back down and had a Mars bar while Boyd and Karen had a quick look at nearby Hangar Passage.
Once they had returned, the three of us made our way back and were soon back at the ladder leading up to the Long Crawl. The short clamber from the top of the ladder looked a bit awkward to climb back up even though it was equipped with an in-situ handline. I waited until Karen had climbed up and was going to ask her to maybe give me a push through the small bit to help when I popped through easily after finding a higher foothold.
We were soon making our way back through the Long Crawl with me in front going fairly slowly. As the tightest and most awkward part is near the end on the way in, it is therefore at the start on the way out, the Long Crawl always seems a lot quicker on the way out!
Soon the flat-out wet section in the Cattle Tough announced the end of the Long Crawl and we were back in easy passage again.
After having a look at one or two side passages we had passed on the way in, we were soon back at the Lakes and making our way through deep water. All that was left was to pass back through the show cave and we were back on the surface at just after 14:00.
After getting changed, we decided we had done enough to earn a piece of chocolate cake in the coffee shop!
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
OCC Weekend in Lake District - Wetherlam
Karen and I set off after breakfast to follow yesterday's descent route and then up to the summit of Wetherlam. Unfortunately it was mostly misty and windy but at least it was dry.
We found a sheltered spot near the summit looking across to the Langdales and stopped for lunch. Afterwards we dropped down a long ridge leading back to Coppermines Valley and after packing up the car, headed for home.
We found a sheltered spot near the summit looking across to the Langdales and stopped for lunch. Afterwards we dropped down a long ridge leading back to Coppermines Valley and after packing up the car, headed for home.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
OCC Weekend in Lake District – Old Man of Coniston
We were booked to stay at Coppermines Cottage belonging to Barrow Mountaineering and Ski Club which is next to Coppermines YH in the Coppermines Valley and left Winster at around 18:15 on Friday to arrive at 21:10 to find Ashley and Boyd Potts outside with Jenny Potts, Paul Thorne, Mick Chambers and his two sons inside. This is about a mile from Coniston and largely along a rough track and in a beautiful situation with mountains all around and only a row of old quarry-workers cottages and another two or three houses plus the Youth Hostel nearby.
The hut was in an ideal location for several walks direct from the front door and I chose on route which meant heading back down the valley for a short way so I could cross over to the other side of Red Dell Beck flowing down by the hut. There was a bridge further down the valley but as the water was low, I was able to cross by making use of large rocks in the river bed.
Once across the beck, I followed a path which climbed diagonally upwards which led to the Old Man, but I turned off at junction and continued along the track to reach Walna Scar Road.
The path led upwards to the ridge from the summit of the Old Man of Coniston which leads northwards, and in half a kilometre or so, the very large cairn and its square base loomed out of the mist.
Once I had finished my lunch I set off again in the rain heading north reaching the peak of Swirl How. Straight ahead were crags and cliffs with a path leading at right-angles to the left and right. My route lay to the right and is called Prison Band, which dropped down steeply with small rocky steps dropping me down to a col. Ahead lay the route ascending to the next peak, Wetherlam. I could have continued and dropped down back to Coppermines Valley or I could take a path leading down from the col past Levers Water and then down to the hut.
As it was still raining, although it had lightened a bit, the choice was easy and down I went!
The path led gently down through one or two boggy bits, skirted right alongside Levers Water. Just past the small dam at the end of the reservoir I saw a group of yellow-clad cavers about 300 metres away heading around a corner – which turned out to be Karen and the others who were heading for a quick trip into a level after having completed their first underground trip of the day.
I was back at the hut at 15:30 and was the first back so I retrieved the key from its hiding place and after stripping off boots and waterproofs made a very welcome cup of tea after a very enjoyable walk despite the weather.
Barrow Mountaineering and Ski Club Hut
I had once been up the Old Man of Coniston many years ago with St Albans Caving Club and hadn't walked in this part of the Lake District since so had decided to go walking – I hadn't even brought my caving gear! 
Coppermines Youth Hostel in the distance
On Saturday morning Pete Wagstaff arrived and he plus the others, including Karen planned a trip through the nearby copper mine entering at The Crater and exiting via Hospital Level with a number of pull-down abseils. Jenny was off to the coast bird-watching and I was setting off for a walk taking in the Old Man.The hut was in an ideal location for several walks direct from the front door and I chose on route which meant heading back down the valley for a short way so I could cross over to the other side of Red Dell Beck flowing down by the hut. There was a bridge further down the valley but as the water was low, I was able to cross by making use of large rocks in the river bed.
Once across the beck, I followed a path which climbed diagonally upwards which led to the Old Man, but I turned off at junction and continued along the track to reach Walna Scar Road.
Walna Scar Road with Buck Pike and Dow Crag in the distance
Passing a rough car park, I followed the Land Rover track and crossed a small bridge until I reached another junction where I left the Walna Scar Road and followed a path leading gradually upwards to the summit of Brown Pike. From here was a very nice broad ridge leading to nearby Buck Pike and a short distance past this to the summit of Dow Crag.
Old Shepherd's Stone Shelter
It was now overcast and getting misty but the mist parted for a few minutes to reveal the Old Man across the cwm with the tarn Goat's Water below.
Dow Crag and Goat's Water
From here the way led down to the col of Goat's Hawse. Just as I reached the col, there were a few drops of rain followed by a steady increase until it was raining lightly so I joined one or two other walkers in fishing out my overtrousers from my rucksack and put them on.The path led upwards to the ridge from the summit of the Old Man of Coniston which leads northwards, and in half a kilometre or so, the very large cairn and its square base loomed out of the mist.
Looking across to the Old Man of Coniston
Luckily some walkers who had been sitting by the base which was sheltered from the rain had just stood up to continue on their way so I took advantage of the shelter and sat down to eat my lunch.
Summit Cairn on the Old Man
Nearby was a more direct route up from Coniston and several walkers arrived from this direction including one or two in shorts and cotton T-shirts. Well I suppose it was July, but they didn't look very warm in their soaking cotton T-shirts... and they had nothing else at all with them...Once I had finished my lunch I set off again in the rain heading north reaching the peak of Swirl How. Straight ahead were crags and cliffs with a path leading at right-angles to the left and right. My route lay to the right and is called Prison Band, which dropped down steeply with small rocky steps dropping me down to a col. Ahead lay the route ascending to the next peak, Wetherlam. I could have continued and dropped down back to Coppermines Valley or I could take a path leading down from the col past Levers Water and then down to the hut.
As it was still raining, although it had lightened a bit, the choice was easy and down I went!
The path led gently down through one or two boggy bits, skirted right alongside Levers Water. Just past the small dam at the end of the reservoir I saw a group of yellow-clad cavers about 300 metres away heading around a corner – which turned out to be Karen and the others who were heading for a quick trip into a level after having completed their first underground trip of the day.
I was back at the hut at 15:30 and was the first back so I retrieved the key from its hiding place and after stripping off boots and waterproofs made a very welcome cup of tea after a very enjoyable walk despite the weather.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
A Walk on Kinder Scout
As it was the weekend for “Winster Secret Gardens”, Karen's parents were staying with us for the weekend and together with Karen they were planning to have a wander around the various gardens in the village open for visitors for the day. I was planning for a walk on Kinder Scout.
The forecast at home in Winster wasn't too bad but just after I had parked in Barber Booth and set off on my walk, it began to drizzle a bit and was fairly cool. So I was comfortable enough in my Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket which is windproof and showerproof.
I made may way towards Crowden Brook which is one of my favourite ways up onto the plateau of Kinder Scout as it is usually very quiet and has an interesting, if short, scramble at the end.
There were two groups of a couple of walkers in the distance in front of me and one couple opted for the steep past which leaves the Brook and climbs up to the rocks at Crowden Head while the second couple continued to follow Crowden Brook.
I caught up with them as they were resting and passed by. There were signs of the water having been very high recently with grass bent over and much loose peat left behind at the high water point, probably from the very heavy rain and thunder earlier during the week.
Just as I reached the head of the valley the rain began to get quite heavy and as I was right next to a sheltered alcove I decided to wait for a few minutes to see if it would stop. The couple I had passed earlier arrived as I was waiting for the rain to stop and continued on heir way with the man having a huge grin on his face.
It was soon obvious that this wasn't a short shower and so I got my waterproof overtrousers on and continued on my way.
I turned along the path following the Eastern edge and headed in the direction of Grindsbrook passing several walkers coming the other way mostly wrapped up in decent waterproofs and some obviously wet walkers in not so decent waterproofs – still, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Reaching the branch at the head of the Grindsbrook valley I followed this branch for a few hundred metres and at a small walled shelter without a roof, I sat in the slight amount of shelter and had my sandwiches.
Soon it stopped raining and the sun even made a short appearance. After lunch I headed back towards the head of the Grindsbrook Valley and then continued along the edge of the plateau in the direction of Ringing Roger above the village of Edale far below.
There were a few more light showers and then a lengthy dry spell so I removed the overtrousers and put them back in my rucksack.
I stepped over the stile into the fenced area at the top of the rocky ridge of Ringing Roger and then followed down the ridge. As I was doing this a small helicopter painted bright yellow flew past and curved round towards the head of the Grindsbrook Valley and then appeared to hover there for a while and then land. I saw a report on the Edale MRT website later that it was the Yorkshire Air Ambulance attending a call-out for a family of three suffering from hypothermia.
Continuing onwards the rain started again as I neared the path leading up Grindsbrook and just as I neared an old barn with National Park information boards in it, I sheltered in the old barn from the heavy rain for a few minutes. After a few minutes, it seemed to be getting lighter and as I would be sheltered by trees for a while I decided to not bother with the overtrousers and walk the short distance into the village of Edale and stop for a snack at the café at Coopers Camp Site.
Just as I was nearing the café, the rain got very heavy again, and I ran the last few metres and was soon in the dry. The café that used to be here many years ago was made from sections of old railway carriages and was full of character ans was an old favourite of mine. The current café is a modern concrete construction but the tea and cakes are just as nice!
Luckily the rain stopped just as I was finishing my snack and I continued on my way. I passed tow of the Edale MRT land rovers parked outside and started up the route of the Pennine Way when of course, it started to rain again! This time I stopped under a tree and put the overtrousers back on and continued.
As I reached the end of the section of path in the narrow gap by Coopers Farm camp site I saw Tim W and a couple of others. Tim was wearing his Edale MRT jacket and was obviously returning from a “shout” via Grindslow Knoll. Probably connected with the helicopter I had seen earlier. I said “hello” and continued for the last couple of kilometres back to the car at Barber Booth.
Afterwards as it was still relatively early, around 14:15, and there would be no parking around Winster due to the hoards “Secret Gardens” visitors, I decided to have a wander around Hathersage as Outside was having a sale and I had my eye on a Montane Prism 2 jacket!
Unfortunately despite being reduced from £100 to £59, there were no jackets at Outside in my size (XL). I had a quick look at CCC Outdoors across the road and they had one a XXL. I tried it on anyway and it seemed to fit fairly well – the sleeves were nice and long unlike the L size I tried on at Outside. These were for sale at £90. I asked about the price match promise pointing out that they were for sale across the road at £59 but was told that as they weren't an exact match – i.e. the size was different – then they wouldn't match the price. Well with my discount car and the extra 15% in the “this weekend only sale”, it came to about £15 more so I bought it anyway!
I headed for home and stopped to read a text message from Karen saying they were I the Burton Institute having tea. I arrived home at 17:00, fed the cat and had a shower. Karen and her mother, Pat, came in saying they had left her father, Bob, somewhere as he had disappeared while they were looking around the garden in the Dower House... They left again to see the last remaining few gardens and Bob came in to sit and rest from gardens!
I was wearing Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket, Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock, Keela trousers, Marmot Precip overtrousers, Asolo Fugitive boots, and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.
The forecast at home in Winster wasn't too bad but just after I had parked in Barber Booth and set off on my walk, it began to drizzle a bit and was fairly cool. So I was comfortable enough in my Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket which is windproof and showerproof.
I made may way towards Crowden Brook which is one of my favourite ways up onto the plateau of Kinder Scout as it is usually very quiet and has an interesting, if short, scramble at the end.
There were two groups of a couple of walkers in the distance in front of me and one couple opted for the steep past which leaves the Brook and climbs up to the rocks at Crowden Head while the second couple continued to follow Crowden Brook.
I caught up with them as they were resting and passed by. There were signs of the water having been very high recently with grass bent over and much loose peat left behind at the high water point, probably from the very heavy rain and thunder earlier during the week.
Just as I reached the head of the valley the rain began to get quite heavy and as I was right next to a sheltered alcove I decided to wait for a few minutes to see if it would stop. The couple I had passed earlier arrived as I was waiting for the rain to stop and continued on heir way with the man having a huge grin on his face.
It was soon obvious that this wasn't a short shower and so I got my waterproof overtrousers on and continued on my way.
I turned along the path following the Eastern edge and headed in the direction of Grindsbrook passing several walkers coming the other way mostly wrapped up in decent waterproofs and some obviously wet walkers in not so decent waterproofs – still, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Reaching the branch at the head of the Grindsbrook valley I followed this branch for a few hundred metres and at a small walled shelter without a roof, I sat in the slight amount of shelter and had my sandwiches.
Soon it stopped raining and the sun even made a short appearance. After lunch I headed back towards the head of the Grindsbrook Valley and then continued along the edge of the plateau in the direction of Ringing Roger above the village of Edale far below.
There were a few more light showers and then a lengthy dry spell so I removed the overtrousers and put them back in my rucksack.
I stepped over the stile into the fenced area at the top of the rocky ridge of Ringing Roger and then followed down the ridge. As I was doing this a small helicopter painted bright yellow flew past and curved round towards the head of the Grindsbrook Valley and then appeared to hover there for a while and then land. I saw a report on the Edale MRT website later that it was the Yorkshire Air Ambulance attending a call-out for a family of three suffering from hypothermia.
Continuing onwards the rain started again as I neared the path leading up Grindsbrook and just as I neared an old barn with National Park information boards in it, I sheltered in the old barn from the heavy rain for a few minutes. After a few minutes, it seemed to be getting lighter and as I would be sheltered by trees for a while I decided to not bother with the overtrousers and walk the short distance into the village of Edale and stop for a snack at the café at Coopers Camp Site.
Just as I was nearing the café, the rain got very heavy again, and I ran the last few metres and was soon in the dry. The café that used to be here many years ago was made from sections of old railway carriages and was full of character ans was an old favourite of mine. The current café is a modern concrete construction but the tea and cakes are just as nice!
Luckily the rain stopped just as I was finishing my snack and I continued on my way. I passed tow of the Edale MRT land rovers parked outside and started up the route of the Pennine Way when of course, it started to rain again! This time I stopped under a tree and put the overtrousers back on and continued.
As I reached the end of the section of path in the narrow gap by Coopers Farm camp site I saw Tim W and a couple of others. Tim was wearing his Edale MRT jacket and was obviously returning from a “shout” via Grindslow Knoll. Probably connected with the helicopter I had seen earlier. I said “hello” and continued for the last couple of kilometres back to the car at Barber Booth.
Afterwards as it was still relatively early, around 14:15, and there would be no parking around Winster due to the hoards “Secret Gardens” visitors, I decided to have a wander around Hathersage as Outside was having a sale and I had my eye on a Montane Prism 2 jacket!
Unfortunately despite being reduced from £100 to £59, there were no jackets at Outside in my size (XL). I had a quick look at CCC Outdoors across the road and they had one a XXL. I tried it on anyway and it seemed to fit fairly well – the sleeves were nice and long unlike the L size I tried on at Outside. These were for sale at £90. I asked about the price match promise pointing out that they were for sale across the road at £59 but was told that as they weren't an exact match – i.e. the size was different – then they wouldn't match the price. Well with my discount car and the extra 15% in the “this weekend only sale”, it came to about £15 more so I bought it anyway!
I headed for home and stopped to read a text message from Karen saying they were I the Burton Institute having tea. I arrived home at 17:00, fed the cat and had a shower. Karen and her mother, Pat, came in saying they had left her father, Bob, somewhere as he had disappeared while they were looking around the garden in the Dower House... They left again to see the last remaining few gardens and Bob came in to sit and rest from gardens!
I was wearing Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket, Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock, Keela trousers, Marmot Precip overtrousers, Asolo Fugitive boots, and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Mandale Mine
The two of us had decided on a quick trip to Mandale Mine in the Lathkill River valley during the week. Also Boyd had sent an email asking for us and Waggy to meet up with him at the Orpheus CC cottage for a quick meeting to plan the dates for Water Icicle accompanied trips to the new extensions.
So, after sorting out gear from last weekend and yesterday's trip, we had the meeting than drove to Monyash café for breakfast which as it was getting on towards lunch time, was quite busy.
Afterwards we headed for the village of Over Haddon and parked in the small layby where the road drops down towards the River Lathkill and got changed.
We then walked on the path along the riverbed which was largely dry for a few hundred metres thn branched off at the old engine house by the mine.
We arrived at the entrance and unscrewed the bolt on one side of the gate as the bolt on the left-hand side wasn't even screwed into its hole in the frame. After clambering down the very short ladder inside, we closed and bolted the gate behind us, this time making sure the bolts were in the correct place and done up tightly with a spanner.
Karen had been in the mine on an evening trip with the “Alternative Tuesday” group and then had taken Keith and Pete Collins on a trip one Sunday, so she led the way.
We had a good wander around with Karen commenting on how the currently dry passages were usually knee-deep or even waist-deep in water. We arrived at a very short slopping and low passage which leads to a section of scaffold pole and then a short climb down.
I couldn't really see where I was going when laying in this short passage and was concerned I would slip through and fall down the climb so I decided to call it a day on this trip anyway. Karen climbed back up and we headed for an alternative exit,
After a short crawl we reached a very awkward looking section which involved a traverse past a shaft, which Karen had forgotten about. Deciding to stick with the easier alternative, we turned around and retraced our route to the same entrance we had come in.
We removed the bolts, lifted the gate and once we were both out, lowered the gate back into place and replaced the bolts ensuring they were done up tightly with a spanner.
As the easiest route home was to go via Youlgreave, we weren't going near any tea shops, and as a teak and some cake was called for, we got a cake for the shop back in Winster and ate it together with some tea while sitting in the garden.
So, after sorting out gear from last weekend and yesterday's trip, we had the meeting than drove to Monyash café for breakfast which as it was getting on towards lunch time, was quite busy.
Afterwards we headed for the village of Over Haddon and parked in the small layby where the road drops down towards the River Lathkill and got changed.
We then walked on the path along the riverbed which was largely dry for a few hundred metres thn branched off at the old engine house by the mine.
We arrived at the entrance and unscrewed the bolt on one side of the gate as the bolt on the left-hand side wasn't even screwed into its hole in the frame. After clambering down the very short ladder inside, we closed and bolted the gate behind us, this time making sure the bolts were in the correct place and done up tightly with a spanner.
Karen had been in the mine on an evening trip with the “Alternative Tuesday” group and then had taken Keith and Pete Collins on a trip one Sunday, so she led the way.
We had a good wander around with Karen commenting on how the currently dry passages were usually knee-deep or even waist-deep in water. We arrived at a very short slopping and low passage which leads to a section of scaffold pole and then a short climb down.
I couldn't really see where I was going when laying in this short passage and was concerned I would slip through and fall down the climb so I decided to call it a day on this trip anyway. Karen climbed back up and we headed for an alternative exit,
After a short crawl we reached a very awkward looking section which involved a traverse past a shaft, which Karen had forgotten about. Deciding to stick with the easier alternative, we turned around and retraced our route to the same entrance we had come in.
We removed the bolts, lifted the gate and once we were both out, lowered the gate back into place and replaced the bolts ensuring they were done up tightly with a spanner.
As the easiest route home was to go via Youlgreave, we weren't going near any tea shops, and as a teak and some cake was called for, we got a cake for the shop back in Winster and ate it together with some tea while sitting in the garden.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Read's Cavern and Rod's Pot
It was a bit messy in the kitchen with washing up of the previous evening's barbecue going on, so as we planned on going to Burrington Coombe, we though we could eat breakfast at the café there so just had a bowl of cereal at Upper Pitts.
We packed up, paid our hut fees (@ £2.50 each per night as OCC members have reciprocal rights with Wessex CC) and drove to Burrington Coombe.
The Burrington Inn café isn't set up for breakfasts but we had half a jumbo sausage in a French stick each and a Danish pastry each so were happy enough.
After changing into caving gear, we walked 150 metres down the road and then up the narrow lane leading up onto the common land above the Coombe.
We reached the old UBSS hut and made the mistake of leaving the track and heading across the bracken-filled open heath following a wide clear path until we met a lady riding a horse coming the other way. She saw we were dressed in caving gear and asked where we were heading. When we replied “Read's Cavern” she pointed out we were heading the wrong way!
We returned to the lane and track skirting along the wood. We bumped into a small group of mountain bikers who had found a depression with a cave opening and they were asking if we knew about it. We had a look and found it had the usual MRO name plate and notice and this easily identified it as Bos Swallet. Good - at least we should be able to find Rod's Pot, which we were planning to look at later.
We continued along the track until we reached a wooden gate. We saw a path going off to the left at right-angles and should have followed that, but went onwards through the gate. The rough stony track was now dropping down and didn't appear to be going the right way. I had been to Read's Cavern at least once before, when on my first caving trip over an Easter Week in 1975 so I wasn't that clear on where it was!
We left the track at a path and soon found a sign for Rowebarrow Wood, so were in the right general area. We followed a path along a wire fence and soon found the cave with a dry brook leading to an opening at the foot of a short limestone cliff easily confirmed by the usual MRO nameplate.
I had my Adventure Verticale oversuit on (I had been walking in just my furry suit as it was quite warm despite the cloud) which was the first time I had worn it since buying it from Tony Seddon's “Starless River” stand at last year's Hidden Earth.
We had a good poke around the large Main Chamber and found what was almost certainly one of the main ways on via a clamber down between boulders. Soon it had become quite small and grovelly so we left it for until next time.
We followed another route at the other end of the Main Chamber which again became grovelly so happy with what we had seen so far we headed out.
We walked back following the route we should have followed in the first place and arrived back at the wooden gate and the track. We went back along the track and after a few blind tree-filled small depressions, we found the one with Rod's Pot.
Karen headed inwards and I warned her about the rift just inside you have to step across. The bend and short bit of passage were a lot more awkward than I remembered – but as Karen pointed out, the last time I was only 17!
Anyway, Karen was soon through into the chamber beyond the small entrance passage and I decided to not bother and waited for a few minutes while she continued on to have a look at the rest of the cave. She got to the greasy ramp at the end and turned back.
We were soon back at the surface and walked back to the car park next to the Burrington Inn. After changing, we headed for home.
We packed up, paid our hut fees (@ £2.50 each per night as OCC members have reciprocal rights with Wessex CC) and drove to Burrington Coombe.
The Burrington Inn café isn't set up for breakfasts but we had half a jumbo sausage in a French stick each and a Danish pastry each so were happy enough.
After changing into caving gear, we walked 150 metres down the road and then up the narrow lane leading up onto the common land above the Coombe.
We reached the old UBSS hut and made the mistake of leaving the track and heading across the bracken-filled open heath following a wide clear path until we met a lady riding a horse coming the other way. She saw we were dressed in caving gear and asked where we were heading. When we replied “Read's Cavern” she pointed out we were heading the wrong way!
We returned to the lane and track skirting along the wood. We bumped into a small group of mountain bikers who had found a depression with a cave opening and they were asking if we knew about it. We had a look and found it had the usual MRO name plate and notice and this easily identified it as Bos Swallet. Good - at least we should be able to find Rod's Pot, which we were planning to look at later.
We continued along the track until we reached a wooden gate. We saw a path going off to the left at right-angles and should have followed that, but went onwards through the gate. The rough stony track was now dropping down and didn't appear to be going the right way. I had been to Read's Cavern at least once before, when on my first caving trip over an Easter Week in 1975 so I wasn't that clear on where it was!
We left the track at a path and soon found a sign for Rowebarrow Wood, so were in the right general area. We followed a path along a wire fence and soon found the cave with a dry brook leading to an opening at the foot of a short limestone cliff easily confirmed by the usual MRO nameplate.
I had my Adventure Verticale oversuit on (I had been walking in just my furry suit as it was quite warm despite the cloud) which was the first time I had worn it since buying it from Tony Seddon's “Starless River” stand at last year's Hidden Earth.
We had a good poke around the large Main Chamber and found what was almost certainly one of the main ways on via a clamber down between boulders. Soon it had become quite small and grovelly so we left it for until next time.
We followed another route at the other end of the Main Chamber which again became grovelly so happy with what we had seen so far we headed out.
We walked back following the route we should have followed in the first place and arrived back at the wooden gate and the track. We went back along the track and after a few blind tree-filled small depressions, we found the one with Rod's Pot.
Karen headed inwards and I warned her about the rift just inside you have to step across. The bend and short bit of passage were a lot more awkward than I remembered – but as Karen pointed out, the last time I was only 17!
Anyway, Karen was soon through into the chamber beyond the small entrance passage and I decided to not bother and waited for a few minutes while she continued on to have a look at the rest of the cave. She got to the greasy ramp at the end and turned back.
We were soon back at the surface and walked back to the car park next to the Burrington Inn. After changing, we headed for home.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Shatter Cave, W/L Cave and Fernhill Cave
Having driven in Karen's car last night to Mendip, we arrived at Upper Pitts (Wessex CC hut) at around 22:20 and decided to forgo a visit to the pub and have an early night. Luckily there were only a few staying so we had a quiet night.
In the morning, it became apparent that we were the only Orpheus members down for the weekend for a trip into some of the caves of Fairy Cave Quarry, surprisingly as the caves are among the best decorated in Britain. The arrangement was to meet Ed Waters at the quarry car park at 10:30 so that he could act as guide.
So, after getting up at 08:30 and having breakfast at Upper Pitts, we got bored of hanging around as it would take only half an hour to drive over to Fairy Cave Quarry near Stoke St. Michael, we headed that way leisurely.
I had been on a trip to various of the caves in the Quarry many years ago with the St. Albans Caving Club and at the time we had changed in the old Cerberus Speleological Society's cottage next to the car park. Sadly the old cottage is now a complete ruin.
We waited for half an hour and a car arrived driven by Ed who introduced himself and after we got changed he unlocked the gates to the quarry and we walked across to the entrance to Shatter Cave as Ed told us a bit about the history of the caves.
Like the other caves in the quarry, the entrance has been extended from the quarry face by concrete pipes to provide protection from any falling rocks. Near the end of the pipe was a gate and Ed soon had this unlocked.
Just inside were some large blocks and quite a lot of evidence of shattering in the rock due to the quarrying activities in the past. These shattered rocks were the reason for calling the cave Shatter Cave.
After signing in the log book we continued onwards for a short distance, passing the link with nearby W/L Cave, then into Canopy Chamber. Here was the beginnings of the cave's formations and decorations with the most prominent being a large canopy of flowstone.
At the upper end of the chamber there was a short crawl into Diesel Chamber, so named due to the smell of diesel found by the original explorers back in the 1960's when quarrying operations first revealed the cave. Here there was a superb section of floor with small gours.
After scrambling through a few boulders and a short drop, the passage led upwards to Helectite Rift where a beautiful stal curtain was seen with a ledge on the opposite side with the remains of helectites. Ed told us that many years ago the Army has used the cave for “Adventurous Training” and some plonker had crawled along the ledge damaging the helectites as he went despite an easy pathway passing the ledge. Unbelievable!
This led to Tor Chamber, so named after a large stalagmite formation though to look a bit (well if you try really hard) like Glastonbury Tor. There were plenty of other formations in this large, steeply climbing chamber as well.
We had a look at the very steep continuation of Tor Chamber at the far end then back-tracked to a side passage which led to Pisa Passage. This was named after a 3 metre high stalagmite formation which had been broken probably by an earthquake in the distant past and was now leaning at an angle towards the wall reminding the original discoverers of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
After following a trench in the floor past banks of flowstone, we climbed up a few metres to gain the higher level passage called the Ring Road. After having a look at a well decorated grotto we continued onwards via a short crawl to Pillar Chamber.
This chamber had the most amazing crystal floor and is dominated by a large flowstone column known as the Pillar. Normally the tourist trip ends here. Luckily as there were only two of us, we were allowed to crawl carefully beyond the tape marking the end of the normal route and wend our way through formations to arrive at one side of the chamber near the Pillar.
Now we could really see the floor and I must say it was amazing! It consists f mainly pure white crystalline flowstone with a large dry pool near the Pillar where you can see how thick the layer of flowstone is and how it is made of such lovely crystalline flowstone.
The cave continues for a bit after Pillar Chamber but visits to this section are restricted to protect the formations as it is difficult to ensure they remain free from damage as you pass very close to them and parts of the floor are also very well decorated. Ed explained that although he himself had been in Shatter Cave more than 90 times, he had only been beyond Pillar Chamber 3 or 4 times.
We turned around and to begin with completed a short round trip by passing the awkward more than tight Z Squeeze to arrive back at the passage where we had climbed up to the Ring Road. All that remained was to retrace our route back to the entrance again being amazed at the beautiful formations and having a closer look while also taking many photos.
After exiting Shatter Cave and replacing the locks on the gate, we walked across to the nearby concrete pipe entrance to neighbouring W/L Cave which connects with Shatter Cave but as the connection is muddy, it isn't used.
Although quite a bit shorter than neighbouring Shatter Cave (which has around1000 metres of passage wile W/L Cave is only about 150 metres long), W/L Cave is still well-worth a visit as it also is well-decorated.
Again after a short crawl through concrete pipes and through a locked gate, we were in walking passage. Ed pointed out a dry crystalline pool under the left-hand wall with small round formations known as the Lily Pads. There was also a large stalactite and associated stalagmite almost forming a column right in the middle of the passage.
After a short section involving a crawl in a bit of mud we passed more helectites and other formations and soon arrived at the end of the cave with a small chamber fill of reddish-coloured flowstone with a lovely pool of water which is known as Pink Pool Chamber.
Next we had a quick look in Fernhill Cave which is accessed by dropping down a set of concrete sewer pipes about 40 foot long sloping downwards at 60 degrees. This isn't a very large cave but has some amazing curtains. Its had been blocked by quarry waste for decades but access was dug again very recently.
Soon we were back up on the surface and after getting changed back in the car park where we met other cavers who were digging in one of the caves, we said our thanks to Ed and he told us about an 80's Fancy Dress Party that evening at the ACG.
Anyway, we left Fairy Cave Quarry and as we were quite thirsty, we headed for nearby Shepton Mallet where we found a lot of the shops were closed despite it only being 16:00 on a Saturday! We found a nice café and had a cold drink an a pot of tea together with some cheese toasties.
Next we had a wander around Cheddar as it was early and still a lovely day. Although tempted by stuff in the Gorge Outdoors shop, I managed to get away with only buying a Buff-like Choob to use while caving to wipe off sweat and mud from my face.
Returning to Upper Pitts, we found a lot more cars around and the Wessex having a barbecue. We had a tea the walked up the road to the Queen Victoria Inn at around 18:30 to have a lovely meal and Butcombe Gold.
Unfortunately it wasn't as restful a night as the previous night due to the barbecue but at least we had some sleep!
Photos from Shatter Cave
In the morning, it became apparent that we were the only Orpheus members down for the weekend for a trip into some of the caves of Fairy Cave Quarry, surprisingly as the caves are among the best decorated in Britain. The arrangement was to meet Ed Waters at the quarry car park at 10:30 so that he could act as guide.
So, after getting up at 08:30 and having breakfast at Upper Pitts, we got bored of hanging around as it would take only half an hour to drive over to Fairy Cave Quarry near Stoke St. Michael, we headed that way leisurely.
I had been on a trip to various of the caves in the Quarry many years ago with the St. Albans Caving Club and at the time we had changed in the old Cerberus Speleological Society's cottage next to the car park. Sadly the old cottage is now a complete ruin.
We waited for half an hour and a car arrived driven by Ed who introduced himself and after we got changed he unlocked the gates to the quarry and we walked across to the entrance to Shatter Cave as Ed told us a bit about the history of the caves.
Like the other caves in the quarry, the entrance has been extended from the quarry face by concrete pipes to provide protection from any falling rocks. Near the end of the pipe was a gate and Ed soon had this unlocked.
Just inside were some large blocks and quite a lot of evidence of shattering in the rock due to the quarrying activities in the past. These shattered rocks were the reason for calling the cave Shatter Cave.
After signing in the log book we continued onwards for a short distance, passing the link with nearby W/L Cave, then into Canopy Chamber. Here was the beginnings of the cave's formations and decorations with the most prominent being a large canopy of flowstone.
At the upper end of the chamber there was a short crawl into Diesel Chamber, so named due to the smell of diesel found by the original explorers back in the 1960's when quarrying operations first revealed the cave. Here there was a superb section of floor with small gours.
After scrambling through a few boulders and a short drop, the passage led upwards to Helectite Rift where a beautiful stal curtain was seen with a ledge on the opposite side with the remains of helectites. Ed told us that many years ago the Army has used the cave for “Adventurous Training” and some plonker had crawled along the ledge damaging the helectites as he went despite an easy pathway passing the ledge. Unbelievable!
This led to Tor Chamber, so named after a large stalagmite formation though to look a bit (well if you try really hard) like Glastonbury Tor. There were plenty of other formations in this large, steeply climbing chamber as well.
We had a look at the very steep continuation of Tor Chamber at the far end then back-tracked to a side passage which led to Pisa Passage. This was named after a 3 metre high stalagmite formation which had been broken probably by an earthquake in the distant past and was now leaning at an angle towards the wall reminding the original discoverers of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
After following a trench in the floor past banks of flowstone, we climbed up a few metres to gain the higher level passage called the Ring Road. After having a look at a well decorated grotto we continued onwards via a short crawl to Pillar Chamber.
This chamber had the most amazing crystal floor and is dominated by a large flowstone column known as the Pillar. Normally the tourist trip ends here. Luckily as there were only two of us, we were allowed to crawl carefully beyond the tape marking the end of the normal route and wend our way through formations to arrive at one side of the chamber near the Pillar.
Now we could really see the floor and I must say it was amazing! It consists f mainly pure white crystalline flowstone with a large dry pool near the Pillar where you can see how thick the layer of flowstone is and how it is made of such lovely crystalline flowstone.
The cave continues for a bit after Pillar Chamber but visits to this section are restricted to protect the formations as it is difficult to ensure they remain free from damage as you pass very close to them and parts of the floor are also very well decorated. Ed explained that although he himself had been in Shatter Cave more than 90 times, he had only been beyond Pillar Chamber 3 or 4 times.
We turned around and to begin with completed a short round trip by passing the awkward more than tight Z Squeeze to arrive back at the passage where we had climbed up to the Ring Road. All that remained was to retrace our route back to the entrance again being amazed at the beautiful formations and having a closer look while also taking many photos.
After exiting Shatter Cave and replacing the locks on the gate, we walked across to the nearby concrete pipe entrance to neighbouring W/L Cave which connects with Shatter Cave but as the connection is muddy, it isn't used.
Although quite a bit shorter than neighbouring Shatter Cave (which has around1000 metres of passage wile W/L Cave is only about 150 metres long), W/L Cave is still well-worth a visit as it also is well-decorated.
Again after a short crawl through concrete pipes and through a locked gate, we were in walking passage. Ed pointed out a dry crystalline pool under the left-hand wall with small round formations known as the Lily Pads. There was also a large stalactite and associated stalagmite almost forming a column right in the middle of the passage.
After a short section involving a crawl in a bit of mud we passed more helectites and other formations and soon arrived at the end of the cave with a small chamber fill of reddish-coloured flowstone with a lovely pool of water which is known as Pink Pool Chamber.
Next we had a quick look in Fernhill Cave which is accessed by dropping down a set of concrete sewer pipes about 40 foot long sloping downwards at 60 degrees. This isn't a very large cave but has some amazing curtains. Its had been blocked by quarry waste for decades but access was dug again very recently.
Soon we were back up on the surface and after getting changed back in the car park where we met other cavers who were digging in one of the caves, we said our thanks to Ed and he told us about an 80's Fancy Dress Party that evening at the ACG.
Anyway, we left Fairy Cave Quarry and as we were quite thirsty, we headed for nearby Shepton Mallet where we found a lot of the shops were closed despite it only being 16:00 on a Saturday! We found a nice café and had a cold drink an a pot of tea together with some cheese toasties.
Next we had a wander around Cheddar as it was early and still a lovely day. Although tempted by stuff in the Gorge Outdoors shop, I managed to get away with only buying a Buff-like Choob to use while caving to wipe off sweat and mud from my face.
Returning to Upper Pitts, we found a lot more cars around and the Wessex having a barbecue. We had a tea the walked up the road to the Queen Victoria Inn at around 18:30 to have a lovely meal and Butcombe Gold.
Unfortunately it wasn't as restful a night as the previous night due to the barbecue but at least we had some sleep!
Photos from Shatter Cave
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