OFD 3 rigging.

Long Drop

Active member
Does anyone know anything about the anchors that give (psychological) protection on the OFD 3 traverses? 

I know all the unofficial fixed aids (traverse ropes, ladder, etc) were removed from the route to OFD 3 some months ago; if we go in we'll need to rig our own.  Beyond the anchors for the pendulum passage pitch (which I think are official p-bolts) do the other anchors have hangers on them, or are they just spits for which we'll need to take hangers and a spanner?  You get glimpses of some of the anchors involved in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkLzwi_Z2Ms .

If anyone has any record of the rope lengths needed for the traverses that would also be helpful.

Any info appreciated.  :)
 

mikem

Well-known member
The Freems are premiering their st cuthberts film at priddy village hall this Saturday.

They certainly didn't used to be there:
https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=959.0

Mike
 

andyfr

New member
The rigging for the film used no bolts. Slings (large) on floor level boulder to start, 2 very thin short runners on tiny threads behind stal. midway. These are sufficient for downward forces only. High stal belay or low block at far end. Basically using climbing traverse protection. A fall would be held but would still be a very sobering experience. Dynamic rope recommended. Hope this helps.
 

Tony_B

Member
As Andy says, there are no bolts or other permanent anchors on the OFD III traverses. You'll need to use the numerous naturals. However, while the traverses have a high degree of exposure they are not technically difficult and most cavers don't rig traverse lines to cross them. There are big ledges for your feet, on either side, most of the way along and good handholds on the bits where the ledges are more sketchy.   
 

caving_fox

Active member
Tony_B said:
As Andy says, there are no bolts or other permanent anchors on the OFD III traverses. You'll need to use the numerous naturals. However, while the traverses have a high degree of exposure they are not technically difficult and most cavers don't rig traverse lines to cross them. There are big ledges for your feet, on either side, most of the way along and good handholds on the bits where the ledges are more sketchy. 

I found the scariest bit was the scaff bar across the following pothole, the traverses themselves were not an issue.
 

Long Drop

Active member
Thanks everyone for the comments and the helpful input, on the thread and by e-mail.  We didn't attempt the trip this weekend - water levels were (are!) ludicrous and we'd not have been able to get up the streamway to Smith's Armoury - instead had a potter round Nyth Bran Series.
 
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