Duncan Jones wrote:
Passing through someone's garden you soon arrive at the ladders down to the gate, with a further
ladder beyond. Martin set about opening the gate and a delightful and strong draught was felt as it
was opened. All in and we were off in typical Ffynnon Ddu style – decent sized walking passage!
After some easy going we arrived at a split, a ladder up the Toast
Rack or Pluto's Bath with a rather audible stream beckoning us
forward. Through the bath and the passage dips down to the stream
which was racing towards the sump, it was here that the foamy
evidence of recent flooding was found. Luckily for us the stream was
do-able and we headed upstream in a fine, twisting stream passage
soon arriving at the first notable point “The Step”, this was perhaps
an inch underwater, but this was acceptable and we continued
upstream.
The streamway, like the section between Top and Cwm Dwr is a fine
one indeed, albeit a shorter version, it does however throw in some
alternative entertainment in the form of 'pots'. They come in pairs,
complete with scaffold pole across each and there is an escape route
between the two pairs if it was needed, it wasn't and we continued
onwards to a sump. Bearing left a much less active streamway is
followed until we emerged at Boulder Chamber. A boulder choke at
the far end is the key to greater glory.
Entering the choke you soon pass a bent scaffold pole (it was straight originally!) and you pass a
quiet sump, continuing through the choke a distant booming/rumbling noise could be heard. At the
far side a steeply sloping passage leads downwards to another sump and the source of the delightful
booming noise.
Leaving the booming behind we had a quick look down the crawl that leads to the connection
through to the rest of the Ffynnon Ddu system. One for another day, either as a 1-2 trip and then
when we know more about the '2' section and are feeling fit, there's the 1-3-1. A fine trip by the
sounds of it and something definitely worth aiming for.
Back through the choke we retraced our steps to a handline climb, Martin however wasn't using the
handline and climbed up the opposite side. Then with a quick leap he was back on the right side.
Dan followed and not wishing to miss out on the fun I also took this leap of faith! Dom and Alex
either have more sense than the rest of us or more likely just decided the rope was the better option.
It's at this point the noise of the streamway is left far below as you climb a long way up towards the
roof of a huge passage. The quietness of these passages is in complete contrast to those of the Main
Stream. Martin had brought his camera and was keen to use it so whilst Dom modelled we
investigated the continuing passage. After a reasonable distance Alex realised that this was the way
on and had to backtrack to retrieve his bag. Me and Dan had a nosey around Pi Chamber (not that
we knew it's name, well not until Martin arrived and revealed all). It has to be said I am sometimes
sceptical of these led trips but sometimes having someone that knows their stuff does make for an
interesting trip, and this was one of those trips.
At the bottom of the chamber a climb down (the start of losing all the height previously gained)
leads onwards to eventually reach a chimney. At the bottom a short steel wire traverse, with the
Main Stream far below gains solid ground, before it breaks out above the stream again, this time for
the longer bolt traverse (again with in-situ steel wire). Another short section of passage leads to
another traverse (Airy Fairy), this one however we were not doing today and we turned away from
the Main Stream up an inlet passage, this in turn leads to a climb up and it's this that forms the
escape route. Useful to know if the weather took a turn for the worse when you were in there.
All that remained was more easy going passage to take us back to the Toast Rack. At the bottom
Dan dragged everyone back to the Main Stream for some photos, once the posing/modelling/faffing
had been completed we headed out.
The walk back up to Penwyllt didn't seem too bad and we got back to find the others had already
completed their through trip.
To celebrate (or whatever other excuses appear suitable) we headed down to the Asian Ancient
Britain for a few drinks. The rest of the evening and night was enjoyed at back at the cottages, with
plenty of drinks and chocolates.
A finger of fudge is just enough to give Dan a treat...
Win great prizes with Alex's “find the ball” competition!
