I remember having fun with my hand jammer rope getting caught on things, but otherwise nothing remarkable of note.
Daz of writes:
We began this trip with a walk across the Gaping Gill from Clapham, the initial up and
downhill walk had some fun moments including Dom forgetting to put batteries in his
headlamp meaning a quick reverse in the route and Alex getting some entertainment from a
passing farmer’s dog, after about a 45 minute walk we reached the site and proceeded to
argue if a tight hole with no pitch was the right cave. I led the way by moving a load of
barbed wire out of the entrance and headed in to find a dangerous and dubious looking
climb, after all of us had a look in we “Eventually” decided we were in the wrong cave. What
followed was a run around a field looking for the right cave; this was eventually found by
Dunc. N.B. After research this cave was found to be Grade one “Slit Pot”
The first pitch was quickly rigged and down we went, straight into the first flat out crawl “Hard
Times”, this was not as tight as we had initially expected (or as NC2 states) and quick
progress was made through this entertaining section, a short 3M climb follows to the second
pitch were once again no-one had any problems and progress was made quickly to the third
pitch were of 6M, done of which were any problems.
The real fun began at the forth pitch (11M), the top of the pitch is a tight hole which all of us
took it slow and tight with some tough arm movements. Once we were all through we found
ourselves in the lackluster “Chamber of False Promises” while waiting for everyone Alex took
some photos and we had a quick chat. At this point the water coming into the chamber was
no more than a trickle. We then carried on finding the correct route with no problems at all,
some easy walking passages with some fun turns leads to the first pretties of the cave across a muddy traverse, which was a lot of fun with some good cows tails.
After the traverse we reached the “UGC crawl” a no to bad crawl through some muddy pits (if you
take the time to look up here there are some nice shiny rocks just above your head) and a
very fun U bend leading to another lackluster chamber and the 5th/6th pitch. Alex and Dunc
went ahead to rig while the rest of us sat and relaxed in this cold draft chamber, the wait was
entertained by Dunc and Alex’s rigging banter. As Alex went down the 6th pitch a loud bang
and crunch was heard prompting us all to jump, this was followed by Alex who had managed
to make a re-belay on the 6th pitch by knocking down the only ledge.
The rigging was done and down we went with me getting my first advance SRT experience,
but no major problems for our little group, the bottom chamber was another bland medium
sized hole with nothing of real interest. We had a walk to the final pitch but decided enough
was enough and it was time to return to the surface world. Up the 5th/6th pitch we went with
me and Alex going last to de-rig, the pitch took a while and I emerged at the top to find the
group waiting for us, we then waited for Alex to de-rig and had some fun banter. Finally, on
we went with the first crawl back having no issues; me and Dunc were ahead with the rest of
the group behind. Progress back to the Chamber Of False promises was quickly made.
Dunc went up first with no issues, here is where I made my first amateur error of the cave,
up I went to the top and managed to get myself stuck in the pitch head with a tackle sack,
after trying for a few moments I was forced to release the bag which fell about 9M (I didn’t
know Alex’s camera was in; OOPS) With Dunc grabbing a hand full of harness I got through
after a bit of panicking. Me and Dunc carried on and the climbs for me were slightly tougher
on the way out due to exhaustion and raising water levels. We all got through the cave with
little issues and some fun moments up to a miserable wet surface. Me, Dunc and Chris
emerged first but we were not aware of how far back the others were promoting a wait in
some horrible flat miserable Yorkshire rain. Alex and Dom emerged to a slightly cold and
cranky group. Alex then had a final return mission to a left sling at the first pitch. We all took
a moment to steady ourselves then set off on the long wet walk back to Clapham. Once back
at the cars a quick change was in order and farewells were made.
Daz’s Verdict: An experience for me as it was my first tight pitch head and re-belay,
enjoyable if slightly bland cave. I feel that there will be one day a return ... and despite it all I
look forward to it!
Dunc’s Verdict: An awkward hole full of mud character, according to NC2. It's got character
alright!! Would I pay a return visit? Nope! Still work-in-progress trying to de-shit the tackle too
