Yorkshire – Kendal Caving Club

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

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!

Tag: Yorkshire