Sidetrack Cave, Eldon Hill Quarry, Derbyshire

Hats of to Mike Cavanagh.  Is there no stopping this man?  He asked to go into Sidetrack Cave and doubts were expressed about its suitability for cavers of larger than average build.

The tight entrance crawl is certainly not for the claustrophobic, however the cave itself is well worth all the effort it takes to see the formations and maybe one day we shall return - or maybe not!

Present:  PAn, MCa & AGr.

Ogof Draenen, Pwll Du, South Wales

First we went and did the Waterfall Series, then Wonder Bra bypass to Lamb and Fox Chamber, Indiana Highway to Raiders Passage, but didn't go too far because of the bats.  Did some side passages off Lamb and Fox, then down the main drag to Tea Junction and then Gilwern Passage - did everything we did two weeks ago and went a little bit further. Finally we went down the Main Streamway for an half and hour before returning to Cairn Chamber via the short cut. All in six and a half hours.

Seb Ballard in the Hearts of Olden Glory Streamway.

Seb Ballard at Tea Junction.

See more photos of Ogof Draenen here.

Present:  SBa & BMa.

St. Cuthbert's Swallet, Priddy, Somerset

Due to high water conditions a two and a half hour trip blast around this complex and beautifully decorated system was all that could be done.

Present:  MCl, KEd, EPo, PLi & BMa.

Ogof Draenen, Pwll Du, South Wales

A five and a half hour trip to a new area of the system for Dudley Caving Club, taking in Gilwern Passage and the St. Giles series. We are already taking about the possibility of another two trips to complete this part of the system which includes large passage, lovely decorations and a superb streamway - all complimented with generous quantities of mud.

Nick Goodall by the Waterfall in Gilwern Passage.

Peter Litherland in Gilwern Passage.

See more photos of Ogof Draenen here.


Present:  KEd, NGo, PLi & BMa.

Giants Hole, Derbyshire

The Round Trip arranged this time for new members, Peter, Juliet and Nick. Rumour has it that last week's epic lasted 7 hours.  This jaunt was completed in 3 hours 8 minutes, so we went back in and knocked off Upper East and Upper West passages.  Then just for good measure we polished off both ends of Giants Cave.
A good time was had by everyone.

Nick descending Crabwalk.

Present:  ACr (+ friend, Neil), KEd, JGo, NGo, PLi & BMa.

Notts Pot II, Leck Fell, Yorkshire

A scaffolded entrance shift which has to be seen to be believed, a fantastic streamway and decorations second to none make a trip into Notts II a caver's dream.  Highly recommended.  Thanks to the West Midlands Cave Exploration Group for letting us share their permit.

Vlad the Impaler and Andrew Cross in the Main Streamway.

Martyn Barrett and Andrew Cross in the Main Streamway.

Brendan Marris in Curry Inlet.

Present:  MBa, ACr, KE, BM & PS + Colin, Fenella & Tom from WMCEG

Ogof Craig A Ffynnon, South Wales

A pleasant trip to the Promised Land taking in the sights and side passages as we went in. The rigging of the Promised Land pitch was as interesting as we had been advised. A few pictures of the formations were taken before we looked at our watches and realised we were near then end of the Promised Land and five hours into the trip! A quick exit was made and 8 hours after starting out emerged to see the night sky lit up with fireworks.

Seb Ballard at the Pagoda, Promised Land.

See more photos of Ogof Craig A Ffynnon here


Present:  SBa, CJe & BMa