I'm guessing Long Hensler's would be the best approach for sections of ladder....I can't see amphibian being useful and the other routes would be too tortuous unless it was made in very short sections.
Yes still open (not tried the original entrance). CPC team were down there quite recently and bumped into the farmer. No access issues.
Wet!
You could tie it in with some other caves nearby. NB Parking is now an option at LOW Birkwith.
Quite a few years ago (probably 10+) I came upon what I think was a Barn Owl (white face, pale plumage) a good way into Dowkabottom (beyond the calcite flows).
Great pic.
Soon after the arch the ground drops away quite sharply (enough to need to swim)
I guess there is quite a strong current out to the left when it is this full.
There is a short pitch from where you duck under the rock arch to get to the shelf at the top of the big pitch (where the p hangers start). There are some solid bits of ironmongery which lead you to a y hang and a rebelay on quite a straightforward pitch. Nice for a change.
Bar Pot Alternative is a great ROUTE in (and out), which consists of three pitches....
To my mind... South East Aven (a great PITCH) is the alternative to Bar Pot Big Pitch . Trouble is that the pitch sometimes acquires the whole itinerary's name, even if done after a traditional Bar Pot...
We are starting to derigg today (Thursday) (Corky's, Pool Tx SE Aven, Small Mammal), and more will be taken out later tomorrow.
Friday Evening, Saturday all day will require no access to the main chamber on safety grounds (risk of falling objects).
It is always a shame when the trees don't get appropriate aftercare.
If anyone in the Yorkshire Dales has a significant number of tree tubes to dispose of, Mike Appleton at YDMT is organising a collection for recycling at the end of June. He can be contacted directly on 07957 623 970 for info...