I wouldn't recommend taking SRT novices into Maskhill. Depending on how novicey they are, they would probably be ok going in and out of Oxlow. There's a deviation on the 3rd pitch (down to West Swirl Passage). As long as they're ok with that, I think you shouldn't have too much to worry about.

I would definitely recommend a Maskhill-Oxlow exchange... if you have enough rope & people. Oxlow is fairly straightforward, while there's a bit more technical difficulty to the SRT in Maskhill.

A simple photo, taken after a winter trip to Notts Pot

If this was a whoozit, I'd guess Mrs rm128.

The hole through into Damocles Rift from the top of Millers Chamber, Eldon Hole?

Does it really? Or are we in danger of getting a bit carried away here. PS - this thread is nowhere near as much fun as it used to be ;)

... and drops one nicely onto the traverse to the 2nd pitch. I don't think this will be causing any confusion re the current discussion.

Were you going for the anchor or the natural? The anchor is indeed interesting to reach. Last time I was there in conditions wet enough to use this deviation, I managed to reach the anchor, but decided against using it in the end out of consideration for my derigger. It was only after the trip...

My best recollection is that it was quite high and towards the left as you look out from the pitch head. But my memory isn't necessarily the best thing to rely on these days 😔

We did this trip last year and I can confirm that the deviation does exist (https://kendalcaving.org.uk/2024/01/28/tatham-wife-hole/). I can't remember much about it, except that one member of our team struggled to pass it. I think that may have been more due to lack of recent experience, rather...

Stunning photo. Nice one Steve 👏

Monastery route in Lost Johns is always fun

Notts Pot, Twilight Zone, but be sure to go all the way to the bottom for the full rigging experience. Stream Passage Rumbling. Be sure to rig the hanging rebelay on the surface pitch

I could certainly give you some old caving rope. I think I have 20m, 25m, 35m & 75m at least that you could have. Probably a few others too. They're not really suitable for caving anymore, but are all perfectly safe. Happy to drop them off in the Dales.

That's a pity. The 3rd pitch is the nice bit 😉