Looking for something intense for my trip back to the UK.

[Luke J]

Hello! Last year, I tried to get a group of friends together to give caving a go before I moved out to Japan. I couldn't find a willing group though and I didn't end up going. I regretted that the whole time here, and now fortune has it I'm returning to the UK for a month from the end of May. I again tried to get a group together but they flaked out when it came to booking. I'm not letting this chance go by though. I really want to give the hobby a go and it'll be a while before I can properly explore how much the hobby exists over here in Japan.

Is there anyone I'd be able to join or a good guide group you could recommend for some intense heights and tight squeeze caving in the north of England/Wales? I really want to make this something memorable and I like a good thrill.

I go climbing regularly as a hobby, though mostly bouldering (I have done belay a bit last year though, and have found a climbing group here who want to teach me lead before I return). I can handle heights, even if they freak me out a bit. I've even done an 8 meter high boulder and flown an aeroplume (small blimp you get strapped to the under side of and given wings). I have always loved tight squeezes too, for reasons beyond me. When I watch caving videos that's the part that appeals to me the most.

Happy to hear just about any option, though obviously some things are more ideal than others. I'll be around Wigan from the 23rd of May to around the 14th of June (occupied on the 31st to the 2nd though). From then on I'll be up in Anglesey till the 20th of June. I'm happy to travel a good distance, though don't have existing plans to hire a car. I would be very happy to join some regular folks on a trip but doing a course works too. Though I don't want to splash out if I can - this UK trip is already quite a large unexpected expense - I will spend a good bit if I have to to make this a reality.

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks and it's nice to meet you all!

 

[LadyMud]

I can highly recommend the Try Caving Day in the Yorkshire Dales on June 8. It will be an excellent trip, and only £30!

(You could get there by train from Wigan, changing at Leeds. Or maybe you'll be able to get a lift.)

 

[Luke J]

I can highly recommend the Try Caving Day in the Yorkshire Dales on June 8. It will be an excellent trip, and only £30!

(You could get there by train from Wigan, changing at Leeds. Or maybe you'll be able to get a lift.)

Good shout! It doesn't look like it's meant to be much of a challenge at all, but the date's perfect and I can't moan at £30. Accessible enough too. I'll keep that one saved and keep looking for something more intense while that's still got space.

Do you have any videos or pictures of the cave itself? I can't tell what cave it is from the page.

 

[Ian P]

Good shout! It doesn't look like it's meant to be much of a challenge at all, but the date's perfect and I can't moan at £30. Accessible enough too. I'll keep that one saved and keep looking for something more intense while that's still got space.

Do you have any videos or pictures of the cave itself? I can't tell what cave it is from the page.

Upper and lower Long Churn is the plan depending on the weather.

This day is aimed at an “introduction” to the sport of caving with approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours underground. We don’t do any vertical rope work.

I feel this day may not be “extreme” enough for you.

I guess your 2 options are to pay a commercial rate (£200+) for a suitable instructor to take you on an “extreme” trip or hopefully someone will pop up that’s happy to take you along on one of their trips.

Good luck either way.

Ian

 

[LadyMud]

Another possibility would be a day with Yorkshire Dales Guides. That might actually work better for you, as they'll provide all the kit.

There's "Ultimate Caving" (also on June 8) for £95, or ask them about arranging a bespoke day. More expensive, of course, but they might be able to suggest someone to share the cost with.

 

[Luke J]

Another possibility would be a day with Yorkshire Dales Guides. That might actually work better for you, as they'll provide all the kit.

There's "Ultimate Caving" (also on June 8) for £95, or ask them about arranging a bespoke day. More expensive, of course, but they might be able to suggest someone to share the cost with.

Oh I remember this from last time looking last year! This looks much more up my street. I'm happy enough parting with £95 for a whole day like that. Especially in such a gorgeous cave. I'll give them an ask about any tight squeezed but worse case I won't be upset with everything else involved. Thanks for the suggestion.

I'll update on if I go with them. Still curious about joining some of you lot on your own adventures but honestly I might end up booking this on top of that if it comes to it. This really looks like something to remember.