Extended Coniston Through Trip

Dougle Dave, James, Jasmine, Chris G, OG Sophie, guests Sam & Nic 

For a change of speleological scenery, this weekends trip was the Coniston through trip, taking in the extra pitches of the Levers Water Mine to Paddy End top level extension. 

After some toe curling emails describing the joys and dangers, the hardy undeterred team met at Walna Scar car park, which was doing its best to emulate Leck Fell. The seven of us set off on the 1.5 mile trek to Levers Water, a good pre trip warm up, some folks choosing to throw snow balls. 

Once rested and kitted up we slid down to the funnel to the lovely adit mouth built by CATMHS on the Levers Water level. Some gardening unleashed a fair amount of water into the adjacent stope. I had promised a dry trip… the team quickly but gingerly filed down the level, admiring the blue lagoon and wonderfully coloured pitches working our way to Brow Stope. 

From here we explored the Top Level extension, taking in earthquake and cobalt passage, not lingering in earthquake given the recent movement, we went the 300m right to the dead end, because why not. 

Heading back towards the standard through trip route over MAGS catwalk, we realised we were missing two, these determined mine explorers attempting to leave no working unseen were quickly rounded up and shuffled over the stemples of MAGS. We made quick progress down the large top-middle pitches, and here another side mission to view the wonderful wheelbarrow and candles was made while the trip leader had a pasty. A 30m pitch rigged down from open winze. It’s a great sight, but once is enough.

with time getting on the group made short work in getting down the final traverses and pitches to hospital level and so out back to a lovely rainy day. 5 hours underground and 8 pitches  

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