Smeltmill Beck
- Thread starter kay
- Start date
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George North
Guest
It should be fine by the weekend. The water levels aren't that high at the moment, and the forecast is for a dry spell starting tomorrow. The duck isn't that bad at all - infact I'd say it was my favorite part of the cave! If it does chuck it down then you could always carry on to Knock Fell Caverns (IMHO a much finer caving trip anyway)
GN.
GN.
G
George North
Guest
I'd say the entrance is sufficiently wet to qualify as a duck. It's certainly more interesting than some other well known 'ducks' in the Dales. (Valley Entrance and Simpson's Pot for instance.) Anyway, I agree it's nothing worth worrying about!
As for Knock Fell - it's only a long walk if you don't know where it is :wink: (10mins otherwise).
langcliffe
Well-known member
The Kingsdale duck has drained itself in the past 30 years. One used to get an ear wet (and that was without falling over the boulder on the far side!).
G
George North
Guest
Hmmm! Legend has it that it was dug out by a certain caving instructor in order that his clients (boy scouts, squaddies etc) didn't have to get a wet ear whilst passing through the duck!
G
George North
Guest
The top of the hill.
Cumbrian Neil
Member
You wear knickers underground?? I think you should browse the Underwear Underground thread!!
:roll:
CN
:roll:
CN
kay
Well-known member
back to Smeltmill - Just got back. The culvert was completely dry, and water about 6 inches deep at the entrance. So water levels inside fine - didn't even have to tip my head sideways. Bloody cold, though! - really glad to have a neofleece. Really nice trip - very glad to have done it, and recommend it to everyone else.
And the flowers round there were looking good, rock roses in abundance. A nice spot.
And the flowers round there were looking good, rock roses in abundance. A nice spot.
G
George North
Guest
Eeeh Bugger!
You haven't had the full Smeltmill experience until you've got properly soaked in the entrance!
Glad yo jhads a good trip!
Pissed Geporge.
You haven't had the full Smeltmill experience until you've got properly soaked in the entrance!
Glad yo jhads a good trip!
Pissed Geporge.
Cumbrian Neil
Member
So you didn't get your knickers wet Kay??
CN
PS. You brought it up!! :roll:
CN
PS. You brought it up!! :roll:
newcastlecaver
New member
do you need a wetsuit for this trip then? I'd have to go and borrow one if I do, how manageable is it in a fleecy and an oversuit?
kay
Well-known member
newcastlecaver said:
When we went last year, those of us in wetsuits or neofleeces were fine, the chap who discovered in the car park that his wet suit appeared to have shrunk and who went in in a furry got chilled and headed back out before the end.
It's basically in 4 parts 1)[wet (you will get soaked) 2) pretty 3) easy passage which is far too long 4) crawly. Parts 1) and 2) are the most interesting. If you can't easily get hold of a wet suit, just go in as far as you want, and turn round when you start to feel a bit cool - you'll find it a worthwhile and enjoyable trip.
