Red Moss Pot

Chris G, Damian, Maz (Report by Maz)

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE YOU LOVE ME?
The original plan was a bimble down Calf Holes, but with settled weather and no rain forecast, I figured an active stream cave might be the order of the day. Therefore I did a switcharoo with my leads and opted for Red Moss Pot

After last week’s trip where 12 showed up for County, I thought I’d get some enthusiasm off the back of this, and so with optimism I duly posted out my invite.
In the event this was not to be, only Chris G and Damian answered my call; Tom choosing to spend time with a rather pregnant Rubee instead of coming caving. Pathetic!

I did RMP last year with Dave and remember very little. Only three words sprang to mind: wet, cold and pretty. I wasn’t referring to Dave though.
In fairness the description in Northern Caves doesn’t read too nicely, and the odd comment on UK Caving doesn’t inspire either.

I choose to disagree. RMP is a cracking trip.

The trip began with Damien leading us uphill to “one of his favourite caves.” In a feat of surgical precision, got us straight to a bin lid sized entrance in a shallow depression. In the dark. He claimed not to have been here in 15 years. If this is the case, then this is the best bit of navigation I have seen in the 22 years I was a Geography teacher.

Chris led the way. Through a few little squeezes to the climb. The guide suggested it was possible to free climb the 8m drop; indeed Damien attested to have done that in the past. Fortunately however I was present and no such bravery. The others quickly rigged a 10 metre rope off a natural and down went Chris, followed by myself then Damian.

The next couple of hours were a pleasure. The water was noticeably low, and I was significantly warmer; clad in neoprene as I was. Most of the time we were in water, ankle deep, waist deep, sometimes chest deep, but almost always walking. Through Cascade Chamber and along Kierby Walk, our route was accompanied by formation after formation. Endlessly pretty. We stopped briefly at Sludge Inlet to contemplate it’s horribleness.

Soon we found Long Mire Inlet and thought about exploring. Alas, Damien was desperate for a dunking and we headed onwards towards Sump Passage. Quickly the floor dropped away and Damien was up to his neck. Chris and I hesitated but I was overcome with uncharacteristic bravery and followed. I managed to find an underwater ledge which kept my head above water for a while. Unfortunately when this ran out, I slipped and became completely submerged. I saw a returning light and Damian kindly informed me he had pretty much found the end and it wasn’t worth coming onwards. Chris kindly took photos.

We turned tail and kept moving, aware we could get cold. Returning to the pitch, Chris swarmed up it and was soon guiding me from above.

Earlier, I had, as a last minute thought, bought my cowstails and a jammer. This proved a godsend as I was able to use hand and footholds in combination with a bit of security on the rope. It clearly impressed Damian, who asked for them to be sent down and he soon scaled the pitch.

A return crawl/shimmy through the entrance series and we were out. Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’d been underground for close on 3 hours.
Don’t be put off by the prospect of getting wet. This is a great trip. What else can I say to make you love Red Moss Pot?