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Ogof Draenen

Muddy Funkster

New member
Brings back some happy and not so happy memories, must get back in there soon. So much more to see in that vast monster of a system.
 

ogofmole

Member
Excellent Film, I have only done the round trip a few times, so this brought back good memories, must have another go soon.
 

The Old Ruminator

Well-known member
I am reading Farrant et al Cave and Karst Science BCRA Vol 38 no 1. This is a thematic issue for Ogof Draenan, Britain's longest cave. The cave has one of the most complex development histories in Europe with multiple captures and and flow reversals. I heartily recommend this as a fascinating read though I am struggling with the complexities. Cavers rarely think of the two non constant T's. Time and Topography. Amazing to think that the earliest sinks in the Clydach were nearly 300 metres higher than present day topography. As for time it seems the Megadrive proto system could predate one million years. Two of us did the round trip soon after the cave was discovered. Route finding more by luck than judgement. As for prospects , the cave is barely one third of the distance to the risings. To my mind Britain's most interesting cave.
 

Huge

Well-known member
I've been reading the latest edition of Cave and Karst Science as well and would highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in Ogof Draenen. There is a brief history of exploration followed by papers on the evolution of the local landscape (conclusions influenced by observations within the cave), bats, hydrogeology and speleogenesis. All the papers are interesting and informative. The two geological ones perhaps need a couple of reads to understand all the main points presented (definitely in my case - I still have the term 'Marros Group overstep' going round in my head!) The papers build on data published previously but with much more detail. The information presented here could give clues to finding many more kilometres of passage. Like I said, well worth getting hold of a copy if you haven't already got one. Well done to all involved.
 

The Old Ruminator

Well-known member
One of the oldest parts of the cave The Nunnery.

thenunnery.jpg


thenunnery-1.jpg


Lamb and Fox chamber.

lambandfoxch.jpg
 

Huge

Well-known member
Wow, wetsuits in Draenen! Makes it look like the cave was discovered in the '70s not the '90s.  ;)
I know people who only wear a furry in many parts of the cave!

Nice photos though - they show the passage morphology really nicely.
 
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