Dudley Caving Club

Lesser Garth (or should it be Girth?) Cave & Ogof Ffynnon Taf

2012-04-29T17:20:00.000+01:00

I've been caving for well over twenty years and in all of that time I've had great fun taking the p*** out of the larger members of the caving club when they have been confronted by a confined space, and I've never had to remove clothing to get through a squeeze. In fact I never been put off by the warning, "Not passable by persons of larger than average build."

All of the above was of course until I attempted Lesser Garth Cave or as it should more fittingly be called Lesser Girth Cave.

The cave is situated near to the top of a steeply inclined wooded hillside. This would have been potential heart attack scenario anyway, but we had to pick one of the wettest days of the year at the end of the wettest April for 100 years. To add even more to the sporting challenge the slope was covered in a thick layer of sodden wet rotting leaf-mould. So by the time we got to the cave entrance we already felt like we had done a hard caving trip.

Inside the cave a short boulder strewn passage leads to a balcony overlooking the tall Main Chamber. We rigged a rope off natural belays and abseiled down. The Main Chamber is an impressive tall passage that has walls covered with fine calcite flows. We followed it for about 200m where it ends in a drafting boulder choke with no clear way on. We also explored a small rift on the right hand wall which proved to be an alternative route to the boulder choke. Brendan then took several photographs as we made our way back to the pitch. On the way out we discovered that it is possible to free climb out of the chamber.

The impressive main chamber in Lesser Garth Cave

Back at the balcony and to the left of the main chamber is a 9m rift. We rigged a rope off 2 dodgy 'P' bolts - the backup bolt does not act as a backup and the single bolt for the main descent has cracks around it! Not liking the look of the bolts, while the other 3 descended the rope, I decided to attempt a free climb down a narrow part of the rift. This didn't go too well as I managed to get myself wedged with my chest jammed and my legs dangling free. Finally I had to have the rope pulled across to me and then had to pendulum out into the passage - putting even more strain on the dodgy hanger!

Eventually we all arrived safely at the bottom where the tall rift passage quickly narrows down. The way on is at floor level through a very tight squeeze past a calcite projection. Rachel, the most petite member of the party, tackled this obstacle first and promptly declared it too tight for her to get through. I also failed at the first attempt with my chest jamming tight. Brendan found the same problem, but Richard managed with some grumbling and groaning, and after emptying his chest pocket, to squeeze through. Rachel got through on her second attempt, but Brendan decided at this point that he was never ever going to get to see the rest of the system. I decided to have one further attempt. I unzipped both over-suit and fleece-suit, breathed out as much as possible, held my breath and just managed to get through. With three of us through Brendan rose to the challenge and using the same technique that I had deployed succeeded too, but at the cost of gaining painful ribs and losing some skin off his chest. When we asked him why he hadn't bought his camera box through he said it was because he never expected to get through. Richard was then sent back through to retrieve it.

Keith making the 1st squeeze look easy

Beyond this squeeze a short section of larger passage leads to a point where a passage on the left leads to a zig zag route to a higher level. Just before the passage appears to end an awkward squeeze upwards, up on the left wall allows entry to 10m of walking passage - a short respite before the next obstacle. At the end of this section in the floor is a squeeze, which Rachel christened 'the coffin', this leads down into a passage over a calcite flow.

Rachel sliding into 'the coffin'

Brendan entering 'the coffin'

This passage closes down ahead, but before it becomes too tight a climb up on the left leads into an alcove with a high level crawl leading off. Following this crawl through a small pool of water leads to yet another obstacle, a squeeze into the top of a calcite walled rift passage. Negotiating this proved interesting both going in, where one ends up trying to wedge oneself into the top of the rift to prevent failing down head first, and also coming back out where fiction holds are the only thing allowing one to gain the height needed to post oneself into the small hole at the top.

Brendan squeezing out into the top of the rift

The way onwards is found high up in the left hand wall where a route can be followed up through boulders leading to Ogof Ffynnon Taf. To the right leads to an area of boulders, while to the left the passage quickly increases in size on reaching Oliver's Secret Garden, a large and well decorated passage. Along most of this passage are seen tree roots descending from the roof and spreading across the calcite formations. The passage is formed on two levels, the upper level is followed past the tree root covered calcite flowstone and past the 2m tall bright orange Surah's Column to reach a chamber decorated with curtains and straws before ending at a choke. Following the lower route passes some fine formations ending in a grotto with some of the finest curtains seen in any cave in this country.

After an hour or so posing for photos all that remained was to tackle to obstacles we encountered on the way in, in the reverse direction.

Keith near Surah's Column

Rachel and some very impressive curtains

Rachel in Oliver's Secret Garden

This small cave of less than 400 metres took us five and a half hours which makes it another one in the series, "Remember we do these caves so that you don't have to."

VIDEO

The Team: Brendan Marris, Keith Edwards, Rachel Dearden and Richard Dearden

Cwm Dwr....Easy Squeezy

2012-04-22T22:05:00.000+01:00

Having arranged to meet up with Wal and Chloe at South Wales for half ten on Sunday morning, & as we were camping over the weekend, when my alarm went off I snuggled back in to my duvet hitting the snooze button, ready for another half hour before venturing out of my nice warm bed. Alas this was not to be. Wal began banging on the side of the van at half nine… a full hour early!

Dragging myself from the comfort of my toasty bed, in to the drizzling rain, we headed to the hut for a cuppa and a quick breakfast before heading off.

Chloe was most impressed with the fact the entrance was virtually on the doorstep, though not as impressed with the climb down the entrance itself.

We were soon well on our way. Chloe took the cwm dwr squeeze and crawls in her stride and in no time we were in larger passage making our way down Cwm Dwr Jama and in to the boulder choke. Again this was navigated without issue and we were soon past the Smithy, through Piccadilly and at our objective of Heol Eira where we stopped for some photos.

Chloe admiring formations in Heol Eira

Helping Chloe up and down some of the climbs as we made our way back, Steve amused Chloe with tales of our previous exploits, telling her about a particular time in Giants when I used Steve as a set of steps to climb over some tighter passage and how his back hadn’t been the same since.

We were making our way toward main route when I decided it would be a great idea to dive in to a particularly tight and inviting set of boulders to explore. Head first, popping my ribs over the rocks as I dropped in to a small chamber, which didn’t actually go anywhere, I decided the only thing to do was turn around and pop back out. Unfortunately the chamber was just a little too small for me to turn and my helmet wedged with my left leg somewhere around my right ear. Cursing I realised the only way I was going to get out was to reverse, doing a hand stand and try to push up and squeeze through backward. Each time I tried this gravity got the better of me. Steve saw his chance to both assist and get his own back and dived on my exposed legs to stop me slipping back in the hole. Every time I got my hands in position I pushed up, squeezing myself backward and Steve would let off pressure to allow me to move and then pin down my legs to stop me sliding forward. Now I realise I probably left him with more bruises when I used him as a climbing frame, but for a small guy my legs can testify he definitely isn’t light!!!

With no further dramas we made our way back to the entrance which Chloe had been dreading. As it happened she needn’t have worried, it turned out her legs are the perfect length for the entrance tube and she had no trouble making her way out.

Present: Steve Wallis, Chloe Burney, Jessica Harding & Mark Burkey

OCAF - North-West Inlet - Wet One Number 2

2012-04-15T20:18:00.001+01:00

After being suitably lubricated in Shakespeare's Cave we headed up the road to Ogof Craig A Ffynnon and to North-West Inlet where we could be assured of a real soaking. Water levels were low so there was plenty of airspace for those who appreciate the occasional breathe of air, but it was still up to our necks for most of the group. The wet bit goes on for quite a distance before the passage widens and the water levels drop. That special Craig A Ffynnon mud then replaces the water as we headed past some quite nice formations until we reached a massive boulder choke. Climbing the massive spoil pile we reached the end of the track of the railway dig, which was followed until the track ended and the route forwards was through boulders. Thoroughly covered in mud we headed back out taking a few photos of the dig and the formations in this passage.
With all objectives met on this well planned and well attended trip we called in at a Beefeater on the way back for food, refreshments and to meet with Rachel and Richard who had being running marathons up mountains.

Jessica at the entrance to North-West Inlet.

Mark at the big jawed teethy monster formation.

Mel at the end of the line - OCAF Railway Dig.

See more Ogof Craig A Ffynnon photos here

Present:
Jessica "Soaking Wet" Harding
Mark "Dripping Wet" Burkey
Brendan "Wet Dream" Marris
Andy "Slippery When Wet" Grimes
Mel "Mostly Moist" Wakeman
Wal "Wet Behind the Ears" Wallis
Keith "Face Like a Wet Weekend" Edwards

Shakespeare's Cave - Wet One Number 1

2012-04-15T19:55:00.000+01:00

With some warmer weather here we decided to have a look at a couple of wet caves in the Clydach Gorge. The plan was to visit Shakespeare's Cave, a sporting little number in a tributary to the main gorge. At a little under 400m this would only take a couple of hours, so our plan was to visit Ogof Craig A Ffynnon in the afternoon and visit North-West Inlet while we were still kitted up in wetsuits.
Meeting at Luigis as befitting local custom, we had breakfast before heading off to the now closed Drum and Monkey pub at Blackrock to get kitted up for the caves. A comedy fashion show then took place as we pulled on our mysteriously shrinking wetsuits before we headed under the Heads of the Valleys road and down into the gorge. The weather had broken and it was raining lightly, but water levels were still low after such a long dry period. A couple of circuits of Shakespeare's Neighbours Cave were undertaken before we headed into the cave proper. We split into two groups - super fast sporty Ninja Cavers and following up the rear the Zimmer Frame Brigade encumbered with video and camera gear. The trip passed without much event, bar a challenge at the fifth duck which had silted up, some of the first group had turned back thinking this was the end of the cave. Mel led the way through the duck and Keith and Mark followed to complete the final section of streamway.
It was then out to find the next cave of the day.

Wal near the entrance to Shakespeare's Cave.

See more Shakespeare's Cave photos here

Present:
Jessica "Soaking Wet" Harding
Mark "Dripping Wet" Burkey
Brendan "Wet Dream" Marris
Andy "Slippery When Wet" Grimes
Mel "Mostly Moist" Wakeman
Wal "Wet Behind the Ears" Wallis
Keith "Face Like a Wet Weekend" Edwards

The Columns and the Belgian buns

2012-04-08T17:54:00.002+01:00

Sunday saw us doing another must in the system with a bank holiday trip to the beautiful Columns. The plan was to follow another group via the short route and then come back through the labyrinth, but Jess spent so long putting on her make up that we missed out on following anyone in.
Convinced we knew which way to go, we managed to explore every passage off big chamber before recognising the right route to Cairn Chamber. Here we began up a wet calcite passage and soon heard voices ahead. The columns are magnificent and Keith had also mentioned not to miss the unusual mud stalagmites topped with pebbles at the entrance which again were something we had never seen before.
After a few photographs we made our way down the labyrinth and through to the base of Arete Chamber, down through the boulders and out via Salubrious.
At the top of the corkscrew boulder choke I wanted to find the other routes to Arete. After spotting the climb up for the mid-section, we went off to find the top route. There we found a group of Belgians who thought they were making their way out, but were actually about to make their way across the top of Arete chamber & quite possibly down to the bottom of Arete chamber and squished like a bun, so we decided to lead them back out and save exploring further for another day.

Jess admiring the Columns

Present Mark Burkey & Jessica Harding

OFD Through Trip

2012-04-07T17:59:00.038+01:00

Having been led around parts of the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu by Keith, Brendan & John on various forays, (& being totally baffled by the extensive passageways) the last couple of months have seen Jess and I frequently off to South Wales to try and piece together some of the numerous routes, culminating in our attempt at a through trip of the system this weekend.Getting to South Wales Saturday morning, we cooked ourselves a fry up and began picking people’s brains for tips on navigation in OFD 1 ½. Having done most of Top section and Cwm Dwr we were confident on their navigation, but had heard of people struggling to find the connection through to Boulder Chamber in OFD1. After lots of advice (none matching anyone else’s!) we decided that worst case scenario we could always re-trace our steps and go out Cwm Dwr.
Our route took us in top entrance, past White Arch, down Edwards Shortcut, Crossrift, Maypole inlet and in to the stream way.
Jess absolutely adores the big pots in the floor and was thrilled after the Great Oxbow that they seemed to be every few meters and gaining in diameter. At one particular pot, where I had to leap across, Jess decided enough was enough and it would just be easier to swim the rest.
After Marble Showers we were through the connection and up the divers pitch to the crawl where I had managed to go around in circles on a previous trip with Keith. It was fairly straight forward this time, with only one slight error where I came out at the old pitch head and had to back up to where Jess had found the letter box.
Posting ourselves through we were then in uncharted territory for us….well Jess has actually done a through trip from bottom to Cwm Dwr before, but as anyone who knows Jess can testify this wasn’t likely to be of much help.
We went off searching passageway for the way on & after a dead end soon found our way through to pwll twll, then on through a slot in the wall to a large drop. We had been advised that at this point we should turn around and look for a way down through some boulders to a safer route, which Jess spotted straight away. Again in a large chamber at the bottom we searched a couple of passage ways before deciding on the correct way through and were soon at the junction for the connection. I sat down and said to jess that I was sure we should have passed a very distinctive formation before the start of the connection and she laughed and pointed above my head and asked if it looked anything like the one above me…Doh!
After some very stunning passageway we soon popped out at the start of the boulder choke and having had a quick look at dip sump made our way through and into OFD1. A quick splash down the stream way and we were out having completed our objective. On something of a high we hardly noticed the walk back up the hill to the club.

Mark about to go through the letter box

Present Mark Burkey & Jessica Harding

Ogof Craig A Ffynnon

2012-03-25T20:46:00.013+01:00

This was a well attended trip put on for the newer members and also to give trainee reporter Rebecca an insight into why we go caving. With closed motorways and and the lack of adjustment to British Summer Time we arrived somewhat late to the rendez-vous at Luigis in Abergavenny, where the team assembled and the comestibles were consumed. We headed up to the cave in glorious sunshine and were soon changed and heading underground. Ogof Craig A Ffynnon for those of you who don't speak Welsh translates as "Cave of the Bearded Ladies". After signing in the logbook, Mark and Jess headed off to rig the pitch up to the second boulder choke while we paused at Gasoline Alley to take a couple of photos with Rebecca.

Rebecca at the start of Gasoline Alley

Rebecca near North-West Inlet

A little faffing on the pitch followed and then we headed up and through the Second Boulder Choke. Water levels were very low in the cave and there was hardly any water flowing through Gasoline Alley and also the choke, so we stayed quite dry. Descending from the Second Boulder Choke to the lower passage beyond we encountered the mud, which was as gruesome as ever, wellies were lost in the quagmire and Brendan lunged at Jess after allegedly slipping on the mud. Again we paused for a couple of photos alongside the fantastic calcite formations which are a marked contrast to the mud in this section of the cave.

Rebecca viewing the formations after the Second Boulder Choke

From here we headed to the start of Travertine Passage and the route into the Hall of the Mountain King. It was now time for Mark to meet his Nemesis as see if two stone lost on his diet would allow him to pass through the squeeze in Hurricane Highway and passage into the Severn Tunnel. He made it and most of the group followed for a short distance before we regrouped and headed back out. A final photo taken at the formations with Chloe sporting a fine mud beard.

Chloe viewing the formations after the Second Boulder Choke

See more photos of Ogof Craig A Ffynnon here or see the video by clicking below.

Present: Graham Smith, Keith Edwards, Mark Burkey, Jessica Harding, Brendan Marris, Phil Lester, Chloe Burney and Rebecca Carr.

Waterfall Cave - Attack of the Mutant Ninja Spiders

2012-03-11T20:58:00.012Z

Well what can we say except...

We do these caves so you don't have to.

Another classic on the Marris Edwards tour itinerary. This was a visit to photograph the cave as it may be affected by the planned improvements on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road. The cave runs from Blackrock Quarry, under the Blackrock Road and ends under the Heads of the Valleys dual carriageway. Only 100m of passage and most of this a sharp crawl that leads into a sizeable chamber. The highlight of the trip was the Meta Menardi spiders that inhabit the entrance passages. A short visit to Ogof Rhaeadr Ddu, a walk up the hill and an Ogof Lluigi through trip followed.

Keith in Siambri Pen Y Mochyn Chamber.

See more Waterfall Cave photos here

Present: Brendan Marris and Keith Edwards

Giant's Hole - Waterboarding

2012-02-26T20:53:00.001Z

After meeting up with Andy on Sunday morning myself, Andy & Jess set off for my old nemesis: Giants Hole round trip.
We arrived with 3 cars in the car park and a group of half a dozen cavers heading off. We changed quickly and were just setting off for the cave when another six cars came down the track. Eager to get in ahead of the crowds Andy led off toward the entrance with myself and Jess in tow.
At Base Camp Chamber we caught the first group and went on to Garlands Pot where Andy rigged the ladder & the 3 of us were down and in the Crab Walk in short order. Andy took the lead, pointing out spots where I’d need to either drop to the water or climb up the slightly tighter sections. At The Vice Andy went through without a problem followed by a slightly more hesitant me. Andy decided it would be easier if I were to face the opposite way to get through so I backed up and sent Jess through first to show me how it was done. Watching her slip through with ease I launched myself at the opening, sliding, sliding, sliding, stuck. With Andy shouting to just relax and that it wasn’t like I could drown or anything, I turning my head left to see if I was positioned in the widest part, water poured over my shoulder & into my nose and mouth. Spluttering I turned my face away to catch my breath. Now the more intelligent caver would have learnt from this, for some reason (perhaps my intelligence level?) I decided that doing exactly the same action would result in a better outcome. Needless to say I managed to water board myself a second time…. Doh! Again spluttering as I tried to drown myself I reached out for Andy and he grabbed a hand and I was through in no time. The rest of the cave was a joy, up through the climbs, doused in the Wind Pipe, through the calcite polo and over the traverses with ease. Out of the cave after only a couple of hours the sun was shining and it was back to the car. Changed and ready to go another half a dozen cars rumbled down the track, obviously they’d heard that the famous cave diver was returning to Giants, though I think my fear of the squeeze has now been conquered & from now on I will take the slightly less lofty approach to The Vice in future.

Jessica at the Windpipe

As ever I couldn’t have done this without the cussing and encouragement of my team mates.

Trip Report by Mark Burkey

Present: Mark Burkey, Andy Grimes & Jessica Harding

Cwm Dwr Quarry Cave

2012-02-19T20:38:00.076Z

A reasonable amount of rain fell on Saturday making the proposed trip into Dan Yr Ogof look quite risky, so instead we decided to change the plan and head to Cwm Dwr as a safer alternative.
Messages were left on answer phones and we headed down to South Wales, four of use meeting at the breakfast van, but no sign of Ben or Grant. Ben had missed the phone message and after a night on the beer was waiting on the DYO carpark. Keith headed into the cave with Heather and Mark, while Brendan waited for Ben and Grant to arrive and change.
Keith was trying out some new video lighting and set to work filming Heather and Mark in the entrance series. With Ben and Grant changed the final group entered the cave and met up with Keith in the entrance series and then made steady progress into the cave taking some video as we went.
We headed to The Smithy and then via Sand Banks to Piccadilly, where Keith headed off with Mark to see if he could post Mark through The Letterbox. The rest of the group headed down to the sump and then along Flood Bypass to the Confluence. From here we headed up the Cwm Dwr Stream to emerge into the bottom of The Smithy, our agreed rendez-vous point with Keith and Mark. Keith returned with Mark confirming that although classed as a Large Letter by the Royal Mail, it was possible for Mark to pass through the Letterbox.
From The Smithy we headed out taking a couple of photos and some video on the way.

Heather, Ben and Grant near Big Shacks in Cwm Dwr.

Grant near the sump in Cwm Dwr Quarry Cave.

Ben near the sump in Cwm Dwr Quarry Cave.

See more photos of Cwm Dwr Quarry Cave here

Present: Brendan Marris, Mark Burkey, Grant Wilkes, Ben Marklew, Heather Simpson and Keith Edwards

South Wales Caving Weekend

2012-02-12T19:58:00.001Z

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February.

After a great weekend of caving with the club at South Wales Jess and I realised that if the rescue on the Saturday had been more than an iced door, then without knowing our way around we’d have been of very little use. We therefore decided to have a go at a little navigation around the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu system.
The week before, Keith had challenged us to find our way to Gnome Passage which, after a fashion, we did and although we managed to go the very long way around, we had begun to get a feel for the entrance to the system.
With significantly less snow on the ground we set off on Saturday morning with the intention of having a ’play‘ in Top Entrance. To my surprise we found our way to Gnome Passage straight away without any problems. We went to the end of the passage to check we could recognise the beginning of Edward's Short Cut, which we did, and after this made our way past the Wedding Cake to the Corkscrew boulder choke and down in to Salubrious Passage. We followed this to the Trident and the Judge and then skipped across the traverse and in to Selenite Tunnel to Shatter Pillar. We made our way back to Crossroads and went to see the top of Maypole Inlet climb then retraced our steps back up the Corkscrew boulder choke & on to see the Chasm.
Feeling very chuffed that we had no navigational errors we crossed Gnome passage back to White Arch, then back to the Brick Yard. Finally we popped up in to the Bedding Planes for a nose around before heading out.

Mark at Shatter Pillar

Sunday saw us doing a repeat of our round trip with Brendan in OFD1, again route finding went extremely well and within a couple of hours we had made our way up the Toast Rack, over the pots and upstream to Lowe’s Climb, through Roundabout & Pi Chambers and down to Bolt Traverse, back to the stream way and out via Pluto’s Bath.

Jessica on Bolt Traverse

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend with no ‘events’ for a change!

Present: Mark Burkey and Jessica harding - Trip report by Mark.

What lies beneath

2012-02-05T23:23:00.000Z

I remember as a teenager seeing men land on the moon, a great adventure, but the reality is only a handful of people have set foot on the moon, yet here on our planet, in fact here in the UK is an adventure for us everyday people to sense that buzz of discovery. Welcome to Dudley Caving club, just on my third caving trip we explored the caves of the Brecon Beacons caving system in Wales, on a cold weekend with the landscape filled with crisp white snow and a chill in the air we descended into the caving system.

Suddenly we was away from the outside world of cold and snow, almost welcome was the warmer air and the comfort of stillness and the sense that we was on our adventure.You too can feel that feeling, come and say hello and have a go, the world is not just what you see above the ground or in the sky but What lies beneath . More to follow on our caving trip.

phil lester

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 1 - Round trip starting in the streamway

2012-02-05T20:45:00.013Z

On Saturday Night the heavy snow turned to rain and later froze leaving the hill up to Penwyllt covered in a sheet of ice. Our only choice was an OFD trip and to hope that the sun came out and thawed the road so we could escape home at the end of the day. With John taking on responsibilities at the Club as Duty Officer we headed down the hill as two parties of 6 to do the round trip in opposite directions - hoping that we did not meet each over on Bolt Traverse.
Our Group entered the cave and were to follow the stream on the way in. Before we reached The Step we took a detour to Column Passage so the new members could have a look at this fine piece of passage. Dropping back down we headed to The Step and then made our way up the streamway, passing Lowe's Climb to look at Boulder Chamber before returning to Lowe's Climb and making our way up the steep boulder climb into the upper series. Part way up the boulder climb we met Keith and his party on the way back down to the stream. The upper series was completed without incident before we dropped down from Pi Chamber to Bolt Traverse and completed the round trip. Keith's party were met at the end of the Escape Route, after they had had a thorough soaking in the stream and Pluto's Bath. At this point Keith headed out and our group headed to the stream for a soaking on the water slide and a dunking in Pluto's Bath on the way out.
Back at the entrance we thought the trip was over, only to find that the lock on the cave door had broken. The handle spun around and would not release the catch on the gate. With some quick improvisation a knife was produced, the screws on the lock plate removed to reveal the catch that could then be released by hand. A second rescue in the weekend was thus avoided. Somewhat delayed we headed up the hill with the faulty handle and lock plate to be met by Keith, whose dry clothes were locked in my car. He was called a few choice names for breaking the lock, but passed off the blame on a group of students who left the cave after him. The thaw had set in and we were able to head off home after a great weekends caving.

Chloe in the passage near the start of the escape route.

Present: Brendan Marris, Graham Smith, Mark Burkey, Jessica Harding, Chloe Burney and Dominik Mokrzecki

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 1 - Round trip starting with the Escape Route

2012-02-05T20:00:00.004Z

After their introduction to caving by John Smith on the previous day, I was told that the ‘new lads’ would like something a little tastier. A through trip would have been nice but with snow melting and water levels likely to rise it was decided that the standard Sunday trip, i.e. a Round Trip in OFD 1 would have to suffice.

We started up the Escape Route and at the first crawl in water the new lads shouted that this was just the sort of thing they were looking for. At the dug-out they shouted with joy. The traverses above the streamway were tackled with gusto. They shot up the chimney climb like proverbial rats up a drain pipe. Nothing it seemed would be too much for them. We ambled through the upper levels and met the other team on the climb down to Lowe’s Passage. At Lowe’s Climb they treated it like an abseil with wellies against the wall. Nothing, it seemed, was going to faze them, so I made them climb up again. No problem. So it was off to Boulder Chamber where they were introduced to the joys of their first boulder choke. They lapped it up. Back though the choke I decided to play my trump card. I made them climb up the traverses to the waterfall for the sole reason of making them climb back down the waterfall, which incidentally was flowing freely. This surely would dampen their spirits. Not a chance. Whoops of joy resonated around the cave as they emerged from under the water. This is exactly what they wanted – bring it on, but there was nothing left other than the water slides in the stream which they found so good that they went back for seconds. Finally I tried traversing around Pluto’s Bath – hoping that my bright light would blind them enough for at least one to fall in. They sussed what I was doing but decided to dive in anyway.

With me completely defeated we exited the cave.

Later in the changing room they asked what was next. I replied, “Go and find yourself a proper caving club.”

Keith Edwards

Present: Keith Edwards, Mel Wakeman, Phil Lester, Carl Knott, Ben Marklew and Grant Wilkes

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 2 - Bedding Chambers

2012-02-04T21:07:00.001Z

With such a great turn out of new members we split into two groups to head into OFD 2 for the first days caving. It was minus five with a strong wind and icy snow starting to fall when we put away the teapots and headed up the hill towards the cave. Deep snow drifts filled the entrance to the cave and after a little moving of the snow we were on our way. This group was exploring the passages around the entrance, and we went no further into the cave than Gnome Passage. Our first objective was to head up to the Mini Columns and explore the labyrinth of passages in that area. With several circuits made we set off to give Mark and Jess a navigational challenge of leading the route to Gnome Passage. Despite taking us down some passages that none of us had ever been down before, we arrived in Gnome Passage before setting off on our next objective, the Bedding Chambers. A climb up a steep calcite slope took us up into the maze of passages that make up the Bedding Chambers, where we spent an hour or so exploring all the routes. Once we thought that we hade covered all route, Keith beckoned us into another passage he had spotted at the top of the calcite slope. We soon followed to find an impressive grotto and a passage beyond that led through a boulder squeeze into a chamber. The chamber was back on route to the Mini Columns and so we decided to split and meet back at the bottom of the calcite slope - our original route into this area. Mark and Jess were left to navigate the second party, which they did successfully, albeit by a slightly longer route that strictly necessary, taking in Gnome Passage on their travels.
Once regrouped, we headed out of the cave to fight our way through the now much deeper snow. Frozen pipes meant no hot showers, but made up for it by thawing out infront of a blazing fire in the long common room.

Another party were overdue on a OFD through trip, and meant that we missed our traditional visit to the pub, instead donning our cold wet gear to prepare for a search. The group was found by Keith, Mark, Jess and Graham as they fought with a an iced-up gate to exit the cave. John on comms relayed the message that they were safe and saved the second party from setting off on a through trip to search for them.

Dominik viewing formations in the Bedding Chambers.

Phil viewing formations in the Bedding Chambers.

Mel viewing formations in the Bedding Chambers.

Present: Keith Edwards, Mark Burkey, Jessica Harding, Dominik Mokrzecki, Mel Wakeman, Philip Lester and Brendan Marris

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 2 - Edward's Shortcut and Moonlight Passage

2012-02-04T18:00:00.002Z

Trip Report to be added later.

Present: John Smith, Graham Smith, Chloe Burney, Carl Knott, Ben Marklew and Grant Wilkes

Ice Station Penwyllt

2012-02-04T17:23:00.037Z

As ever, when we organise club weekends to South Wales Caving Club we always seem to pick the worst possible weather. This weekend was to prove to be no exception with overnight temperatures at minus 10 in the week below to ensure that the water supply at the club was frozen solid. With no showers, no flushing toilets and barely enough drinking water to keep the teapot filled, we had to melt snow for washing up.
The fire in the long common room lifted our spirits and two days of introductory trips were run for the benefit of the newer members. On Saturday a search for an overdue party and then on Sunday one of our groups nearly being locked in the cave when a gate lock failed added to an eventful weekend.

Top Entrance in the snow

Present: Keith Edwards, Mark Burkey, Jessica Harding, Dominik Mokrzecki, Mel Wakeman, Philip Lester, Brendan Marris, John Smith, Graham Smith, Chloe Burney, Carl Knott, Ben Marklew and Grant Wilkes

Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 2 - Pendulum Passage Helictites

2012-01-22T12:12:00.010Z

Over a Christmas meal the idea of searching out and photographing an amazing array of helictites, last seen by Clive Westlake in the mid 70s was discussed. A trip was planned for January in the hope that Richards upper arm, broken in an August fall in Daren Cilau would have healed enough to allow him to go caving once again. With cakes baked, photo gear packed and video gear prepared we headed off to OFD2 and Pendulum Passage. Rachel was sporting a super bright DIY lamp and Richard was feeling fit enough to make this his first caving trip since the accident. The trip went like clockwork and we were soon climbing out of the OFD main Streamway and up into the lower reaches of Pendulum Passage. Some interesting climbs and routes through boulder collapses led to an area of long but mud encrusted helictites that we had photographed on a previous trip to this area in 2007. Alas on the previous trip we had not found our way through the boulder collapses beyond this area.
Keith pioneered the route and we were soon in the last 30m of passage where the finest arrays of helictites are located.

Keith viewing some of the helictites

Richard viewing some of the helictites

We split into two groups to photograph and video the helictites as the delicate formations are contained in narrow rifts and alcoves, after an hour, film had run out, batteries were dead and memory cards full, it was time to make our way back.

Keith viewing some of the helictites

See more photos of OFD 2 here

Or watch the video

Present: Keith Edwards, Clive Westlake, Rachel Dearden, Richard Dearden and Brendan Marris

Eldon Hole - Derbyshire

2012-01-21T13:26:00.002Z

Despite the horrendous gales on Saturday morning, the intrepid trio Graham, Mike & Em descended into Eldon Hole (although someone, who will remain nameless, got his north and south mixed up!). At times it was like being in a wind tunnel as we hung on the rope, but being a small team meant that we could at least move quicker. Afterwards, we headed to the new Derbyshire CRO HQ for a meeting and have got lots more ideas now!!

Present: Emma Porter, Mike Clayton and Graham Smith

Derbyshire Weekend

2012-01-15T12:09:00.003Z

Had a good weekend with Shepton Mallet CC (including Jo C and Keith B, ex-DCC members) in Derbyshire. A quick visit down Rowter Hole for us, Knotlow for some on Saturday, followed by training at Total Access on Sunday.

Emma Porter & Mike Clayton

MCRO Rescue Practice

2012-01-08T12:07:00.001Z

A great turnout of 35 at the MCRO rescue practice held on Sunday. Thanks to everyone that attended the event and a big thanks to those who provided the training.

Emma Porter

Maskhill Mine

2011-12-27T19:34:00.002Z

This trip was 2 years in the planning. A Maskhill/Oxlow exchange trip was the proposed Christmas trip for 2009, but on arriving in Buxton it started to snow heavily and we only just managed to escape home before the roads became impassible.

This time 10 members, or was it 11, signed up for the experience, but on the day the excuses came thick and fast and no better excuses had been heard since the infamous Jim Durr came up with the, "I can't go caving because I have to hang up a plate rack", excuse. So the 10, or was it 11, became a mere 5. The exchange was abandoned and the Maskhill only trip was agreed.

The videos tell the story.

Video Trailer

The Complete Video

The Team: Mark Burkey, Keith Edwards, Jessica Harding, Graham Smith and Steve Wallis.

Moss Chamber Peak Cavern

2011-12-13T20:27:00.002Z

Moss chamber sunday 4th of December

Earlier in the year (January) we had a club trip into peak cavern but due to illness i wasnt able to go to moss chamber and had to do one of the easier trips, so this time i was adament i was going to go and see where poor neil moss was entoomed, even if it ment i may of had to go solo.
Now poor mark and jess had decided that thay wouldnt be coming to Moss chamber as some body had told them it was tight (i think some one was exaggerating) as in my opinion there was plenty of room.
In the end Steve,Mell and myself set off to find Moss Chamber, now bear in mind that Steve and Mell had been to the chamber earlier in the year so navigation should of been quit simple, Steve led the way with a nice easy hands and knees crawl to a large boulder wich was easy to hop over, closley followed by a junction where we where sopost to turn off somewhere on the right, but we missed the turn and ended up in a wet muddy flat out crawl wich took us to cohesion sump (not a nice place) so we backtracked to the boulder and consulted the survey, and Mell quickly found the right way on, wich was quit nice after that crawl up to cohesion sump as there was very little crawling if any and Moss Chamber was soon reached, now the awkward bit was on the way back out through the eye hole, as there is a bit off a drop to the hand holds, and as you come through it head first you think your going to slide through and miss the holds, if you did you would end up droping about 10 feet head first, now that would be painfull, but we all managed it without any problem, and a steady exit was made from the cave back to the caving club for a nice shower and to await the other groups who had gone on different routes in peak cavern

Present : Andy G, Mell and Steve

Swildon’s Short Round Trip

2011-11-12T17:05:00.005Z

Trip Report by Mark Burkey

After a trip earlier in the year to sump 1 and then the greasy chimney, Andy, Mel, Jess and myself had been planning on going back to have a go at the short round trip.
This time we were minus Jess (after she decided to jump off her new scooter before actually stopping) and plus Dominic.
We knew it was going to be busy as soon as we arrived by the number of cars at the green. Sure enough as soon as we got in the entrance cavers begun appearing from everywhere!
We made swift progress to the pitch head only to have a half hour wait as there was a traffic jam of cavers waiting to descend.
At Tratman's Temple we again caught up a group who were also doing the short round and as we had already lost a lot of time we decided to tag along rather than jump ahead and risk navigation errors.
Everything went smoothly with no surprises to the greasy chimney. Andy went first.....grunt, grunt "I'm nearly there"...THUMP!! “Strike 1”...THUMP!! “Strike 2!”... Fortunately Andy flew up on the fourth attempt as I’m not sure there were anymore swear words left for him to use!
Again with our guides we swiftly made our way through to the Troubles where the other group decided they wanted to get some pictures of everyone going through. Andy was first up.....”Exactly how long IS this?”.......”THAT’S not much airspace”.....”What do you mean on your BACK?!?!” In the end Andy showed us how it was done and just treated the whole thing as a sump and swam under it! Next went Mel and then Dominic who, after a ‘moment’, took to the ducks like, well like a spluttering duck to water. I myself had been so focused on the Birthday Squeeze ahead that I hadn’t even given any of the other obstacles a second thought. At least not until I wedged tight through one of the later ducks with my head half submerged and had to be dragged through. It was at this point I decided I really, REALLY wanted to fit through the squeeze and not have to do the Troubles in reverse.
Andy and Mel flew through the Birthday Squeeze, and I followed family tradition by first stripping off down to my furry. Following advice from Paul (an experienced caver who swore he’d got “corks” through the squeeze before) I eventually went in on my back and was just thinking to myself how well I was doing when everything came to an abrupt halt. I’d reached the tightest part of the squeeze and no matter how hard I pushed I wasn’t going anywhere. I would just like to say that I was very manly at this point and took it in my stride, but unfortunately I can’t. I begun to panic, making some very un-macho noises! However, with Paul wedged in behind me to push against, & Andy telling me there was no way he was going back through those bloody troubles and to suck it up, I eventually popped through like a champagne cork through to a slightly wider part, managed to turn full circle, and actually wound up having Andy pull me feet first out of the squeeze. I’m reliably informed this is a manoeuvre that has never been performed before and certainly gave cause for a few giggles!
With nothing more than a couple of minor navigational errors we were through the sump, back up the pitch and out with no further events.
In conclusion I think it is important for a caver to approach such a challenge with guts and determination, though I do feel a little less guts on my part would have made the whole experience far easier :)
My thanks go to Dominic, Mel, Andy & my new foot-rest, Paul, for getting me through my hardest challenge to date. The ribs are a little sore and tender, but I couldn't have done it without the whole team.

Present: Dominic, Andy, Mel, Mark & around 200 other cavers popping out from everywhere!!!

OFD - Towards Top Waterfall

2011-11-05T21:50:00.006Z

With the weather looking very poor in the South West, Keith decided to take James and Chloe on their introductory caving trip with the club to South Wales and OFD. A little rain had fallen in the week, but the day was glorious and so we headed up to the Top Entrance to OFD and then on to the streamway. The plan was to head upstream to Top Waterfall and then return along some of the trade routes. The journey in was a little slower than planned and after climbing down Maypole Inlet we headed downstream for a short distance to visit the impressive cascades in the streamway.

James at a pot in the OFD Streamway

Chloe at a pot in the OFD Streamway

We turned around and made our way against the flow of the peaty coloured water towards our goal for the day. After reaching the oxbow in the streamway we decided that it would be better to return than carry on to Top Waterfall, as we were in danger of exceeding our call out time.

Chloe at a cascade in the OFD Streamway

See more photos of OFD 2 here

Present: Keith Edwards, Chloe Burney, James Charlick and Brendan Marris