Discovered by Mike Barnes in October 2005, this is situated in the first large shakehole on the right after going over the stile. The cave comprises around 65m of dry passage, including a short section of active streamway ending in upstream and downstream sumps. A 6m ladder is needed to reach the stream. The upstream sump has been dived for a distance of 180m from base, reaching a maximum depth of 27m although the current limit is at a depth of only 3m in a large underwater tunnel.
The discoverer seems determined to gate the entrance despite the long-standing tradition of open access to caves on the Black Mountain. By doing this he is deliberately ignoring the wishes of local cavers. Anyone intending visiting the cave is advised to keep a low profile and to be prepared for major hassle. If you see a white camper van parked nearby it would be best to go elsewhere as this belongs to Mike Barnes. Be warned - he is a highly unstable character and he does not want anyone else near the place!
Survey data for the dry part of the cave is available from me if anyone is interested.
The discoverer seems determined to gate the entrance despite the long-standing tradition of open access to caves on the Black Mountain. By doing this he is deliberately ignoring the wishes of local cavers. Anyone intending visiting the cave is advised to keep a low profile and to be prepared for major hassle. If you see a white camper van parked nearby it would be best to go elsewhere as this belongs to Mike Barnes. Be warned - he is a highly unstable character and he does not want anyone else near the place!
Survey data for the dry part of the cave is available from me if anyone is interested.