Author: Ami S

By Ami S In Day Trips

Rowten

Paddy & Ami

We’ve both been wanting to do Rowten for a long time, but when it came up on last week’s Meets list, only Paddy was free! We therefore quickly rearranged and made a special trip out, but without any other takers, I was certainly nervous about the sheer amount of rope two people would be carrying!

I had seen the entrances before as they are (far too) close to the Turbary Road, and they’re really spectacular. We set off down Eyehole with Paddy rigging, and it quickly became obvious why Rowten is a cavers favourite! All those many entrances and holes up top make for some very atmospheric and effective lighting.

The first pitch lands you on a shelf in the middle of the action, which drops off in to the darkness below. From there, Paddy made light work of the ‘athletic swing’ that sends the route underneath the shelf and through a snug crack. Even those adverse to tightness will appreciate it here, as the bottom half of the 70m waterfall roars below you. Down the big pitch and I had to keep stopping to appreciate how awesome the view was!

From the bottom we located Flyover route and began our descent, however, we couldn’t find the rebelay and ended up landing in the water below. From here we could see where we were meant to be, but as our way was an option, there seemed no point in going back up. This also seemed the right choice as we found two carabiners and someone’s long lost medication. Medium water levels meant we could splash our way down from here on the Direct route.

It was equally fun clambering about in the bottom streamway and at the sumps (fairly sure I won’t be diving those at any point) before heading back up. However, here it became apparent why we should have chosen Flyover route after all, as a thorough soaking was in order to get us back up the falls. It sped us up at least, and before long we were back at the big pitch staring up through the mist at the blue sky 120m above us.

Despite carrying a lot of wet rope, we made it out in great time. This trip did not disappoint! Must go back and do the other routes now! Exchange trip perhaps?

By Ami S In Day Trips

Long Kin West

Long Kin West, or Bolty McBolt face.

Team: Toby, John, Big Dave & (report by) Ami

Up the side of Ingleborough to a whole set of exciting looking entrances. John had been before and helped us quickly locate the correct entrance off a rock bridge. Having noted the description did not match the topo, Dave set off rigging first, expecting a roughly 50m pitch with one rebelay, then a rock bridge where the route continued. However, as I descended after him, I heard the call for the others to pause, as navigational challenges were to be found below.

I landed by Dave, on a rock bridge, but here, the walls were more bolt than cave, meaning an overwhelming glut of ways on. The obvious route was right in front of us, but the description indicated swinging around a corner, of which there were at least two, both with Y hang bolts. We debated for a while, and Dave continued down one option, which would have been another 50 metres, with a rebelay and a “essential” deviation.

In the meantime, John and Toby had joined me on the rock bridge. By now, Dave was shouting up that there were no further signs of life. We asked if he could pass under the bridge we were on, thus rejoining another of the route options without coming back up. Alas, he could walk under us, but found only some unfortunate ex-sheep, rather than any route. Poor Dave – back up he came.

Now we were four gathered on a small rock bridge, which despite every other wall in the place being bolted, had no real good safety point. We wonder if the description has one of those helpful bits about a feature that you actually want nothing to do with? So some strange rigging was achieved between us all to pass a line back the other way, meaning Toby – once at the back – was now on to rigging!

This route was more successful (for future parties – just keep going straight down) although we’re not sure what’s so essential about that deviation. Despite Dave’s shelf of dead sheep, the pitch is spectacular, with light filtering through from the many holes above. Another small pitch at the bottom leads to a really full sheep’s graveyard – watch your step!

I took the rigging from here over a fun traverse and down another wonderful pitch through some rock features. Tricky to get the Y hangs right to avoid rope rub, but with Dave’s help we made it to the bottom. A quick snack prepared for the long ascent back up. I’m really pleased we got to this one – it’s an awesome cave and wouldn’t take too long next time we know which bolts to aim for!

Pics by Dave

By Ami S In Day Trips

Dog Hole – Crystal Cave

Team: Jasmine, James, Jason and (report by) Ami

This report features two trips for the price of one! These trips don’t have descriptions on the CNCC website, making them even more appealing to explore.

Many months ago Jason led us on a splendid trip to Barbondale’s little visited Crystal Cave, where James decided to take us ‘off survey’ and attempt a through trip. Despite having made the crawl through a passage that can sump in the wet to Monsoon Chamber, we ultimately couldn’t find our way through the notorious ‘Jungle’ and had to turn back.

This week we attempted to begin from the other side and make the link. We met at the layby, merrily pointed out the gully where Crystal was found, and confidently headed into the next gully south for Dog Hole. It was a fun climb – with evidence it is used for ghyll scrambling. After some considerable searching though, not much had appeared. There should be at least two marked caves here – had we missed them?

We were nearly out the other end when we found a man-made wall covering a hole. Surely this is it! Jason bravely dove in head first, while James continued further, thinking this may be Barkin rather than Dog Hole. Alas, James quickly returned with the news that we were, in fact, in the wrong gully completely, meaning a very awkward uphill reverse out of a hole-to-nowhere for Jason.

Over we went, tackling some clambering down into (we hoped) the correct ghyll. Here, a more promising hole, though following an explore we established THIS was Barkin. We can’t be too far now! Just two hours after we set off, the wall bricking in Dog Hole was located.

Finally confident, in we went. A low ceiling-ed, muddy slide opens out to Bridge Hall. Down we went, following our instructions to go over a rock shelf and ‘keep right’. We obeyed, and soon found James squeezing himself through a rather tiny space directly over a large drop. Much cursing later he was down, swiftly followed by myself and Jasmine. Jason, wisely, called it a day here.

I say wisely, as after some more crawling, and then some more wet crawling, we found… a sump. It seems we had missed the right hand turn and ended up in Hey’s passage – a dead end. Given the time, I had assumed by this point we weren’t going to find the way, so might as well just enjoy the explore on the way out. So back we went, looking for our missed turn.

With an upward direction, a previously unseen tiny crack showed itself just before we were back at the rock shelf. I posted myself through it – more out of curiosity than because I thought it could possibly be an option – and found a cairn! Suddenly, the trip was back on!

We were indeed in a confusing mess of cave that could be The Jungle. All very low, crawling and wriggling, but a way became clear and I popped out…. right where we had turned around last time. The exact spot! Turns out we were standing right over it, but had missed it as it was a low crawl with a rock hanging over the entrance. We had linked to Monsoon chamber – what a rush!

Annoyingly, it was gone 10pm at this point, so a through trip might have meant missing our call out.

So, just two days later, James, Jasmine and I met again to nail the trip once and for all. No troubles now – straight to Monsoon in 15 minutes, and head first into the dreaded ‘off survey’ crawl. This is long and very low (no head turning possible) but didn’t seem half so bad this time we knew where we were going. Jasmine bravely took on the horrid duck (think half your face in the water) first, sparing James and I the prolonged trauma of route-finding when you can’t see where you’re going – well done Jasmine!

After this it was smooth sailing – climbing the waterfalls and viewing the gorgeous formations that make Crystal Cave worth the three ducks involved after this one. An awesome through trip and the most fun I’ve had trying to route-find in a while – who’s ready to find the link to Bucket on the Head?!

By Ami S In Day Trips

Cherry Tree Hole

Yolanda, Ray, Vicky and (report by) Ami

I had had Cherry Tree recommended to me by a random stranger, and with that as all the info I had, off we went.

Obviously KCC legend Ray had been before, though admitted to a rusty memory of the actual cave. The CNCC description has some slightly contradictory advice about parking and the friendliness of the landowner, but despite an initial, sceptical-seeming pause, permission was granted.

Cherry Tree is ‘notoriously difficult to find’, and includes a fairly lengthy uphill walk across the fields to the entrance. But armed with a map and a clear, sunny day, we spotted the tell-tale tree without difficulty. The problem started once we were actually there.

CNCC recommends a 10m rope as a handline to get down the shakehole to the entrance, but goodness knows what they’re measuring that off as it was no where near long enough to reach the ledge. We therefore rigged the 15m rope intended for the first pitch, hoping to make savings on the length later.

As the bolts are high above the entrance, I opted to rig off the scaffolding to save myself the lost 5m. No such luck. I descended to a shelf and promptly hit the knot. I decided I was happy to free climb the last few metres, but it wasn’t an easy task, so Yolanda heroically went back to the top to retrieve our 15m and bring it for Ray to re-rig in its intended spot. During the swap, I did wonder briefly if they had simply hauled up the unsuccessful 10m and wandered off in to the sun without me, but of course such an awesome team were soon down the newly rigged rope. (Anyone going another day, I suggest you want a 15m and a 20m.)

I had done a brief recce while the rope swap took place, so we ditched our SRT kits here and set off through an interestingly tight little traverse over the stream. This involved posting ourselves through a key shaped hole and trying not to let your feet slip low enough to get stuck beneath you.

From here on the description was clear and involved some good old fashioned caving – scrambling, wriggling and even walking – through to the main stream way. We had decided on the ‘tourist trip’ today, meaning we could explore both up and down stream until some impressive chambers.

Downstream was especially interesting, as the route choice beyond Boulder Chamber is either a very tight, wet squeeze, or an extremely hairy, overhung climb. After a little experimenting we found that I fit quite well through the bottom route, and could look back to the top of the climb. This means for future trips, a willing Small caver could take a 5m rope/ladder through and rig the climb from the top, allowing others to get beyond Boulder chamber safely.

They may not wish to do this of course, as double ducks and wallowing in mud seem to be part of the package. Sounds downright awful and right up my street – logged in my head to come back to another day!

After a good explore we headed out. We even had time to detour to North Stream passage on the way, though the route is cut short due to some precarious looking boulders. We were back into the sun in great time. Thanks so much to all for indulging my curiosity on that one.

 

By Ami S In Day Trips

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.

By Ami S In Day Trips

Illusion Pot

Team: Scott, Dave, Jim, Jess, Pete, Ami, James

After some confusion about which lay-by counted as ‘the usual’ (poor leadership I say), we set off for this nice little jaunt in the glorious sun, with the usual freezing Yorkshire wind added on.

Exactly a mile across the dales is the entrance to Illusion, with an unnecessarily beefy lid. A few sets of ladders and a little bit of wriggling later and we were at the infamous duck, to find it barely a puddle! A far cry from the 30 mins pumping and thorough soaking of last trip.

Once on the other side (and celebrating still having dry pants!) there’s a T junction which offers lots in both directions. Left first took us to some real pretties. Lots of long and delicate straws and some very stripey curtains, which James likened to a 70s house for their garish colours.

Back to take the other route towards ‘the carrots’ and beyond to the Dale Head end. We had all worn our Cows Tails for the traverse. I was especially keen as I failed to make it down the final climb last time, so didn’t want to be outdone this time. After inspecting the new anchors – which weren’t rigged – and the very rusty old ones complete with tatty rope – we began across a fun little traverse, trying not to touch the rope as we went. With so many of us, those at the back could even see the lights of the leaders far below when coming over. I made it down the climb (turns out it’s easy if you approach it from the right way) to the bottom thinking it might not have been worth it.

But it turns out there’s a slightly hidden but spectacular, clear pool, complete with divers’ line. There’s a very wet looking squeeze that we did try to tempt James with, but easier access is via a little climb through crack about 1m up the left wall. Completely stunning and I thought rather inviting (Pete disagrees).

Wonderful little trip and in such dry weather would be good for a newbie too. We even made it out in the light!

Pics by Dave

By Ami S In Day Trips

Lancaster Hole – Wilf Taylor’s Round

James, Dave, Pete, Paddy, Ami

At one point 11 people had suggested they might attend this one, resulting in some frantic alternative trip planning. But between illness and the glorious weather just 5 brave souls arrived to a beautiful sunset at Bull Pot.

It was the best kind of trip – the kind where none of us really knew where we were going. Once past the lovely, straightforward pitch at Lancaster Hole (anyone know what the MANY other bolts all the way down are actually for?) and once again resisting the intriguing passage half way down, we set off towards Kath’s Way. We were collectively confident at this bit, if not at the integrity of the way-marking scaff bar.

The description called for a slight detour to rig the short pitch we would eventually take back up into Fall Pot. Dave rigged this short pitch (he wasn’t given much choice) over the in situ rope, but a look about suggested some of the slightly longer alternatives might be more fun next time. We ignored the advice to go to the bottom of Fall Pot for a recce, confident we’d had a decent enough look from the top.

We continued on – a strangely short ladder leading through an awkward hole to the muddy passage beyond. Even if we hadn’t previously done this bit, the smooth mud gives the route away, and is also lots of fun to slide around on. We soon reached the beautiful bit of passage at the T junction, and stopped for a breather as we were all feeling rather warm. After Story time with Paddy (as he had the description) we began the Round, with no idea between us who Wilf was (creative ideas were proposed – so good I have purposefully not looked up the reality).

The route was very dry, but the stream-way rock is beautiful and full of fossils. There’s some in situ ropes to help you along some awkward climbs, but the route finding wasn’t hard. We found ourselves in Main Drain and had a quick look at the sump, before heading off to the supposedly tricky boulder climb that we hadn’t checked out earlier. We made the right choice! No real trouble – just keep going up – and before we knew it we were back in Fall Pot and heading out, with Paddy derigging.

A lovely little trip. And the tiniest piece of Easegill ticked off. We’ll be back.

By Ami S In Day Trips

Aquamole

Scott, Ray, James, Will and (Report by) Ami

Ray, true to form, decided I needed some rigging practice (he’s not wrong) so listed me leading Aquamole, where I had never been. We had all seen the excellent film about ex-KCCer Geoff Yeadon though, so I was excited.

Keen to get out the chilly wind we set off, with a warning that the pitches were permanently rigged. While helpful for navigating, this other rope meant I managed to tangle myself in almost all of the 384 re-belays on the first pitch.

That said, I thoroughly enjoyed myself rigging such a varied 80m, with lots of slots and squeezes and surprises along the way. We were soon all down and commencing a 5 minute wet crawl, before finding the short second pitch. At the start of the third we split, as Ray had also bought gear for the One-Armed Bandit route.

I was really impressed with the final 60m pitch. There were a few pesky deviations early on, but as the cave was so dry I opted to ignore the third and just enjoy the view – a splendid cavern with a huge bulge in the centre that made you feel very tiny.

We soon met at the bottom and checked out the sump, complete with several fish.  Since I forgot the snacks (I’m not sure Will has forgiven me) we began our mini exchange, but with only Ray being brave enough to opt for ascending the 60m. The rest of us took One-Armed Bandit, which involved two pitches (decent length for an exchange) with a slightly precarious climb over a rather deep fissure in between.

At the top there were two options to rejoin Ray, one of which was a very small, but very short, squeeze. I’m always tempted to see if I’ll fit, which I did. Scott was lured through after me, but poor James, after an admirable amount of pushing, found his shoulders were just a bit too wide and had to go round. This turned out to be rather convenient as he could finish de-rigging the 60m pitch.

Will and Scott went ahead as they were a bit tight on time, and Ray came last de-rigging. We seemed good for time until the final 80m rope. It turns out, having another rope rigged is a pain on the way up too, and poor Ray found himself repeatedly tangled, meaning James, Ray and I didn’t emerge until two hours after Will and Scott were driving off. I’ve learned some new four letter words today.

Absolutely splendid cave nonetheless. It’s gone in the book of favourites. Thank you all!

 

By Ami S In Day Trips

Small Mammal to Gaping Gill Main Chamber

Sophie, Darren, Scott, Jasmine, Jason, Pete and Ami (report by Ami, pics by Darren)

After nearly cancelling the Christmas party due to small numbers, seven intrepid travellers met in Clapham in the middle of storm Darragh ready to take on a big trip before the more traditional pub-based evening do.

Setting off for the long walk-in in high winds drew even more quizzical (or downright horrified) looks than usual from passers-by, especially the families visiting Ingleborough show cave to see Father Christmas. Between loo stops and cold we didn’t arrive at Small Mammal until 1pm, and couldn’t wait to get inside out of the wind.

We huddled in the tiny entrance way while Sophie (PHD) rigged the rather exposed first pitch. After this we referred to the description, as Scott had not been able to find the way on in a previous trip, and no surprise why! The cave provided some fun combos of scrambling and extremely tight bits which certainly didn’t look like promising routes at first glance.

Thanks to Scott we found our way to the greasy slab without too much trouble, passing a spectacular rock bridge and joining the Bar Pot route. We decided on the Direct route down, which was one of the most impressive pitches I have done for a while, despite the especially slippery rope. Darren and Jason aced some cave photography whilst waiting at the bottom.

After this was a short and soggy traverse, then a LOT of crawling, but the chilly draft both kept us moving and told us we were nearly there.

Entering into the main chamber for the first time was even more spectacular than I expected, with huge falls roaring from the storm on the surface, making the light above dim and blue and extremely atmospheric. We had a good explore and stopped for pictures, as well as testing a slot in the west wall that seemed to lead down a promising rift (another time perhaps).

We then settled on the western boulder slope for our Christmas treats. Sophie spoiled us with mince pies and HOT mulled wine! We could have stayed longer, but conscious our booking at the pub was coming up fast, we headed out in record time. Special shout out to Jasmine who took huge drops, exposed pitch heads and tiny crawls in her stride on her first trip of this size!

Only thirty minutes late to the pub we found Ray, Miranda and John waiting for us (a few pints in, suggesting at least that they weren’t expecting to have to come and rescue us) and enjoyed a lovely Christmas meal, with cave-based crackers provided by Jason. Some members then stayed at the Craven hut to complete the Christmas do. Amazing day, and huge thanks to Sophie for organising it all! I’m very grateful to have joined such a lovely club.