Easy non-SRT Peak Cave??

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ShaunMc

New member
Hi folks, wondering I could pick peoples brains as to some easy cave options in the Peak District. Or indeed a little further afield into Yorks. (Or a mine)

Before I end up with the all too expected trolling responses, heres the deal - Looking for something to take my 10yo niece down for a bit of an adventure. Personally I'd have no issues looking out for the little one's safety but I hadn't caved up north before so a bit green as to what's around.

Hopefully understandably up country has the infamous reputation of deep deep holes and epic SRT outings!

So preferably walk in and perhaps short pitches; rather than full SRT.

And if possible somewhere with a survey in the public domain so I can avoid having to splash out on a guide book straight after Christmas!!

Thanks in advance
 
SamT

SamT

Moderator
Hi,

Giants - as far as Garlands pot is the 3 star classic,
Bagshawe as far as you want - contact Amanda Revell to arrange access.  http://eldonpotholeclub.org.uk/index.php/homepage/bagshawe-cavern
Carlswark Cavern - Nice little through trip. (one small ladder pitch, but not necessary if you want to do a 'there and back'

Various surveys available here -  https://thedca.org.uk/sssi-monitoring/sssi/castleton

Using the search function on this site will most likely bring you all the info you require as this topic has been covered numerous times.

Good luck , hope you enjoy!

(Id do the giants entrance series as far as Garlands pitch and back.)

 
alastairgott

alastairgott

Well-known member
I seem to Remember there being a couple of lovely ones in Matlock.

Devonshire only requires an Adjustable spanner http://thedca.org.uk/dca-cr/registry/sitedetails.php?id=347

I guess you could nip and get the key for youds level from the mining museum at matlock bath.
http://thedca.org.uk/dca-cr/registry/sitedetails.php?id=399
but, sadly, I think the Mining museum may be closed at this time of year.
http://www.peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk/visit-us/the-museum#opening-times

Otherwise, Jug holes http://thedca.org.uk/dca-cr/registry/sitedetails.php?id=368

And Brightgate is also worth a shout http://thedca.org.uk/dca-cr/registry/sitedetails.php?id=342
Proof if you needed it from Zomjon https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=12132.msg288983#msg288983
 
R

RichardB1983

Member
ShaunMc said:
Hi folks, wondering I could pick peoples brains as to some easy cave options in the Peak District. Or indeed a little further afield into Yorks. (Or a mine)
Click to expand...

Mouldridge Mine at Pikehall is quite an easy walk-around - with a couple of crawling bits to keep a sense of adventure for most kids of about 10. There's a survey on the pdmhs website I think - but you can't really get too far lost.
 
alastairgott

alastairgott

Well-known member
Access fees.
?3 for Giants

Off Topic but...
it's ?1 for P8 and other caves on his land.

?2 for Oxlow, Nettle, maskhill, etc.

Also ?2 for JH, Rowter, etc.
 
SamT

SamT

Moderator
mrodoc said:
And if you have a ladder it is a very short pitch at Garlands Pot.
Click to expand...

Indeed - but for a 10 year old?, Once beyond Garlands, the aqueous crabwalk etc might entice people on further than they should do really (I have no idea of experience/ability). 
Best just stopping at Garlands.  A furtle upstream from basecamp chamber, can extend the trip, and even returning down the ladder pitch into basecamp chamber for the more experienced/able.  Quick crawl through the teapot handle.  Jobs a good un.

 
pwhole

pwhole

Well-known member
That pitch is probably the most dangerous in Derbyshire, if the call-outs for exhaustion, injuries and fatalities are all added together... ;)
 
Madness

Madness

New member
Assuming you have the rope and harnesses, it's easy to lower someone down Eyam Dale Shaft into Carlswark and then abseil down yourself. Then you can do the trough trip and recover your rope later.
 
Z

zomjon

Member
In the Matlock area, I think Jugholes is ideal, offering scrambles, possible short pitches, bit of route finding fun, short crawls, some sliding, and do the lower section and if there is still a thirst for more, enter the upper section.
 
Fatman

Fatman

Member
Hi,
Personally Giants to Garlands offers a great little trip with little/no technical issues. Garlands is worth popping down in LOW water conditions but I would not go far down the crab walk as its a long way down and can flood. The cave up to Garlands has some good bits and there is the opportunity to pop into some other bits but I've never bothered with these personally so not sure how difficult they are. As long as you find the entrance route finding in the cave is simple, just one left turn.

Other possibilities include Carlswalk, the route finding and logistics are a bit more awkward; and there's even Hillocks mine near Monyash if you like grubbing around old mine workings. Personally though its Giants every time.

Enjoy your trip.
 
     
 
Z

zomjon

Member
Not to play down Giants, which is definitely one of the finest sporting caves in the U.K, taking my youngster in there, admittingley when he was about five, proved a cold challenge that put him off, rather than encouraging his early exploration. I wished I had waited for the better conditions offered by the summer rather than winter conditions.
 
AR

AR

Well-known member
For a trip for a youngster, I'd go for Mouldridge - quite a lot to see in a relatively small area, easy to get to, and probably the most dangerous part is crossing the A5012.
 
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