First time in Great Douk Cave

arcticklein

New member
Hi, was just wondering how many lights you should take with you when going in a cave alone? Went in Great Douk cave the other day, my first cave ever. Was really peaceful not a soul in sight but was only had one light with me and was alone so started to get anxious that my light might die or break from the water so didn't end up going right the way through. May go back this weekend to complete it fully.
 

Badlad

Administrator
Staff member
Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hours.
 

LadyMud

Active member
To answer your question, I always take some spare batteries for my main light, plus a completely separate headtorch. And a tiny keyring-style torch.

What's the plan for future trips? Are you going to join a club? Or get some training?
 

CNCC

Well-known member
Hi Arcticklein. Really hope you had a good time in Great Douk. Many cavers will cite this as one of their earliest trips, and some will have then gone on to have caving as a lifelong passion!

A few useful resources for you...

Safety:


Specifically in response to your question... always two totally independent, robust, fully charged, and for a wet cave, waterproof light sources, ideally one being helmet mounted. Robustness and redundancy is key. Also take note of the advice in the above link regarding setting a callout just in case the worst happens.

Conservation:


Other useful advice to help get you more involved in caving, including a list of clubs who accept less-experienced new members (a club is an excellent way to get involved in caving, although we know lots of people cave outside of clubs too):


Plus loads of cave access information, route descriptions and other advice on our website, covering caving in northern England and Scotland. If you haven't already see the following document for Great Douk:


And...


Hope this helps!
 

arcticklein

New member
Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hour

Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hours.
Yeah I would have rather been with someone, I wouldn't take any big chances on my own. I did ask a couple of mates if they fancied it and got a swift no haha.
 

arcticklein

New member
To answer your question, I always take some spare batteries for my main light, plus a completely separate headtorch. And a tiny keyring-style torch.

What's the plan for future trips? Are you going to join a club? Or get some training?
I will get myself a spare headlight, the keyring is a good idea too better to have as much back up as possible. I haven't really picked out any specific caves I'd like to visit yet. I'd be interested in approaching a club, would be nice to speak to some people with a good knowledge of caving and maybe meet some new comers like myself. Do you find it's better caving with a club?
 

arcticklein

New member
Hi Arcticklein. Really hope you had a good time in Great Douk. Many cavers will cite this as one of their earliest trips, and some will have then gone on to have caving as a lifelong passion!

A few useful resources for you...

Safety:


Specifically in response to your question... always two totally independent, robust, fully charged, and for a wet cave, waterproof light sources, ideally one being helmet mounted. Robustness and redundancy is key. Also take note of the advice in the above link regarding setting a callout just in case the worst happens.

Conservation:


Other useful advice to help get you more involved in caving, including a list of clubs who accept less-experienced new members (a club is an excellent way to get involved in caving, although we know lots of people cave outside of clubs too):


Plus loads of cave access information, route descriptions and other advice on our website, covering caving in northern England and Scotland. If you haven't already see the following document for Great Douk:


And...


Hope this helps!
Thanks for the detailed response. Will have a look over these pages you've provided.
It was a great day out really enjoyed it, looking forward to exploring more. I can see why people get hooked on it after being there for myself.
 

mikem

Well-known member
Most clubs have trips you can attend before joining up & CNCC have organised some new to caving events, although dates not yet available:
 

CNCC

Well-known member
Hi Alanw... our 'new-to-caving' website section is currently reserved for events aimed at providing a first-time-underground experience. This is part of the following initiative:


The first event ran last week very successfully thanks to the Craven Pothole Club...


However, as yet we have not been contacted by any clubs/groups to volunteer to run further sessions. Therefore, no events are currently listed under the new-to-caving section of our website sadly. Hopefully this will change 🤞
 

Pegasus

Administrator
Staff member
Hi, was just wondering how many lights you should take with you when going in a cave alone? Went in Great Douk cave the other day, my first cave ever. Was really peaceful not a soul in sight but was only had one light with me and was alone so started to get anxious that my light might die or break from the water so didn't end up going right the way through. May go back this weekend to complete it fully.
...welcome to the forum. May your new found love of caving take you to some amazing places and introduce you to some fab cavers :)
 
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