We collected a 100
metre rope from the Orpheus CC cottage and then drove south through
Alstonefield just over the border in Staffordshire for a quick trip
in Robins Shaft Mine.
We parked in the
farmyard and asked permission to enter the mine and paid our £1.50
each fee. The farmer allowed us to change in the adjacent barn as it
was a very cold and strong wind blowing today and we were grateful of
the shelter.
Keith began rigging
sown the 100 metre shaft as Karen and I were sheltering from the wind
by the drystone wall partly surrounding the entrance.
Soon Karen followed
and I brought up the rear.
This is a very
peculiar mine with the shaft at an angle varying from 45 to 60
degrees with several convenient ledges cut horizontally into it which
provide very easy rebelays.
Our rope didn't quite
reach the bottom of the shaft but luckily did reach the natural cave
section some 10 metres from the bottom which was where we intended to
have a look at anyway as the foot of the shaft doesn't really bring
you to any significant length of passage.
We had a good poke
around the natural cave section with a lovely small domed ceiling in
one section and also some boulders which were very yellow in colour
with sections of red colouration. Very interesting geology.
Soon we started back
to the surface in the reverse order with me first followed by Karen
and then Keith de-rigging as he went. It is surprisingly easy
re-ascending the 100 meters on an inclined shaft as compared to a
vertical one.
We changed out of
caving gear in the barn and then said “good-bye” to Keith who was
heading home to Rugby for the New Year.
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