Gaping Gill Winch meet – Dihedral

Team: Connor, Long Dave, Sophie H, James & Ami

It’s been on almost everyone’s list since day 1 of caving, and it was finally time to do it, with the added advantage of using the winch-meet rigging.

Only Dave had done it before, but as we headed up the long walk I was feeling pretty nervous. Upon arrival we received the most lovely greeting from the Craven lot – what stars! The only problem was we got a thorough explanation of what we were in for, including a knot pass on the second pitch (!) which did not help my nerves.

The was nothing else but to go for it, and Connor bravely led us off. I was close behind and suddenly my nerves were gone as I realised quite how spectacular this was going to be! The first pitch has a full Jurassic-park style view of the ferns above and the cavern below all lit by the sun and spray.

Connor had kindly waited for me as the first deviation on the second pitch had been described as difficult – but it was totally fine even with my short legs. The view from this ledge here was my favourite bit, and soon you’re over the rock and hanging off the rebelays I had admired from below – we were in the main chamber!

I took my time down to enjoy the view, and thoroughly enjoyed watching the tiny lights of the others pursuing me. Everyone stopped mid way down the last pitch – especially amazing for James as he hadn’t been in Gaping Gill at all before. What a way to make an entrance!

We had a squashed snack and a venture to Mud Hall which was quite spectacular. Any thoughts of a different way out were long gone – I certainly thought it only counted as ‘doing’ Dihedral to complete the round trip. It was inevitably hard, but no less spectacular on the way up. I regretted my undersuit, and assume Connor did too as I watched him swinging around the last pitch to get a dunk in the waterfall.

We emerged into the sun one by one and were treated to more friendliness and even a cuppa. Absolutely one of the best caving trips you can do. A big thanks to Tom for organising, and an even bigger thanks to Craven Pothole Club for their hard work setting up the winch; allowing us the trip and their incredible hospitality. We’ll bring you up a watermelon next time.

Pics by Dave, Sophie and Connor