Roaring Hole

Roaring Hole

Ami, James

On a verrrrrrrry chilly night we had trouble even getting our kits on with our cold fingers. Ray had warned me off this one which I assumed meant it was going to be wet, so I was well layered up.

We warmed up on the uphill walk in and found the entrance on a beautiful bit of limestone pavement. And it was already occupied! Another group were mad enough to be trying this one on a wet and frosty night.

They had rigged the first pitch which we avoided doing (doesnt seem necessary), scrambling down a pretty tight boulder choke. The geology of this cave feels very different from a lot of others in the area, with lots of wiggling and route finding to do. As James put it, some Proper Caving.

I was thoroughly enjoying myself until I had to navigate through a tight hole with a raging torrent coming down on my head. Unable to see, I missed the largest space and tried to force myself through something very small indeed. Hearing James’ shouts, I had to wiggle back up in to the flow and redirect.

The cave continues with boulder choke climbs that open periodically in to large chambers. One squeeze in particular down through a slot was hard work for James.

After a large ish pitch and a long, low crawl, we found the other group coming out. They were soaked, and warned us of the torrent ahead. Down we plunged – a 10m downward boulder scramble in the waterfall – more akin to Canyoning than caving.

After this the going becomes easier, and James made light work of the next pitch (apparently free climbable- I don’t fancy it!) and a cool traverse, plonking us high above the water of Sunset Boulevard. Here, the cave’s name became evident – the rocks were even vibrating with the noise.

We descended, pleased we’d made it to all but the last pitch. The description claims no one bothers with this one, and we were aware of the long way home, so we called it here – counting the view of stream as visiting it.

The way up through the various scrambles and climbs, with a face full of water and the rushing force all around us, was some of the most fun I’ve had in a cave for a long time. We were even still smiling trying to pry a frozen solid suit off at the car. Thanks James!