Ireby fell cavern - Blocked

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Benfool

Member
Tried to go down ireby today and the entrance is blocked by a massive boulder. It's obveosouly fallen in from the side of the shakehole and has landed straight on top of the pipe in the entrance, completely blocking it.

We tried to haul it out with a 18:1, but it was going nowhere, it really is a beast. Suspect it'll need breaking up into more manageable bits.

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Roger W

Roger W

Well-known member
At least you were on the outside,  :)

Rather unpleasant to find that had happened if you were inside the cave on your way out!
 
Badlad

Badlad

Administrator
Staff member
Just last week Mick was recounting the tale of the installation of the concrete pipe.  Apparently it was lifted into place by the air/sea rescue helicopter.  Just after it was installed a large rock rolled out the side of the shakehole and smashed that chunk out of the pipe that everyone will be familiar with. 

Seems as quick as we are finding new caves old one are being sealed up again.
 
Cavematt

Cavematt

Well-known member
We are finishing off anchoring in Mayday Hole tomorrow but if we get done in time will head over to Ireby Fell to deal with this. But if anyone else is free to go tomorrow drop me a PM so to avoid duplication of effort.
 
nickwilliams

nickwilliams

Well-known member
Here are a couple of pictures of those pipes being first installed in August 1990.

First picture, left to right, Mick Nunwick, Bob Mackin, Jonathan Sims, Max Midlen
 

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T

Trogger

Member
Great pics, how about a few 'before and after' pics of the boulder and (presumably) its imminent demolition and removal?!
 
Badlad

Badlad

Administrator
Staff member
Brilliant pics Nick.  great to see.

The rock has been destroyed and Ireby is open again.  I've seen some photos and will try to get them posted on here. 
 
S

SimonC

Member
The boulder has been dismantled, the bank where it came from appears to be stable and Ireby Fell is open for business once again.
 
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