Easegill Open House – Cow Pot to County Pot

Ami, Scott, Jasmine and guest appearance by Red Rose member Ian

The original plan was to go for the big one – Top Sink to Pippikin – but frustratingly the weather forecast was showing an incoming storm, sending that plan out the window.

Scott, despite a lot of Easegill experience, hadn’t been down Cow Pot so we opted for this rather fun route. As the Open House was on, we went into Bull Pot Farm to put the call-out on the board, where we found Ian looking for a trip, and he swiftly became team member No.4.

Having recently done Cow Pot’s sneaky route, I set off first, meaning I had a chance to check out the start of Aardvark route. I really fancy this one, but today I found a sign in place saying the anchors aren’t safe and won’t be fixed until Sept, so I guess I’ll have to wait.

Impressed by Ian’s speedy (and clearly experienced) descent, we were confident we were in for a good trip. Down the awkward squeeze (unrigged, which was no problem as we weren’t planning on coming out of it) we were quickly on to the traverse leading to the pitch head. No sneaky route today – direct route straight down to the floor. The second y hang is certainly exposed, and I can’t help but wonder what on earth you stand on to rig it. Perhaps I’ll give it a go next time.

The drop directly into Fall Pot was as impressive as expected and a lovely long pitch with great views, though I think all of us were spun around by which way we were facing when we entered the chamber.

From Fall Pot, Scott took over the navigation. As the rain hadn’t yet begun, we dropped down to the stream-way to start with, and to show Jasmine the sump as she hadn’t been before. We then speedily headed up stream, admiring some amazing formations en route, until we reached the Oxbows, where we climbed back up to the upper level via a particularly inconvenient climb with an in-situ handline. Why do they put the knots everywhere except where you need them?

From there we scrambled our way through some impressive chambers. Ian had a phenomenal knowledge of the system’s geology, pointing out some intriguing features, such as the fact a whole, huge passage just ‘stops’ – a mystery that is clearly on his mind. He also showed us to Diamond Hall – one I think Scott has been keen to see for a while. There were a lot of lovely crystal formations along one wall – well worth the little detour if you’re ever nearby. Apparently he was digging there years ago when they uncovered a large passage beneath, which promptly caved in almost the moment it was discovered. A first-hand reminder of how many undiscovered treasures there still must be in Three Counties!

We continued on through the maze with my sense of scale and direction long since lost. We debated our original plan of Wretched Rabbit, but it was decided County was prettier and more fun. Onwards through the winding streamway to County (how had I forgotten it is that narrow?) and out, gratefully with a lot less ‘up’ than it seemed we should need to do.

Out into the rain and another excellent trip complete. An inspection of the surveys in the hut reminding us just what an awesome system it is! Thanks for Red Rose for the organising and rigging.