Bagshawe: Gates now secured by Derbyshire Key

[underground]

In consultation with the custodian, the New Series and Snakes Pyjamas gates within Bagshawe have now been converted by the Eldon to a Derbyshire Key system. At present a 36mm adjustable spanner is needed for the nuts.

It is hoped that making access easier will encourage more trips to the area, whilst still offering a level of protection suitable for the cave in it's current state.

From the updated Use by Area Guide:
Only experienced cavers should access these controlled areas, the Full Moon Series and New Series. They should exercise extreme caution and be especially mindful of the areas not marked by tape. For these sensitive areas party size is encouraged to be limited to four people. These areas are now protected by gates using a Derbyshire Key.

You are no longer needed to inform the Custodian nor the Eldon Chairman prior to visiting these areas, although it is encouraged that you do contact the Eldon Chairman (or send a message to me via the forum) after the trip so that general numbers can be monitored.

For further details and info on Bagshawe access in general: http://www.eldonpotholeclub.org.uk/homepage/bagshawe-cavern

 

[alastairgott]

Is Rob Eavis the eldon chairman? Had some contact with him today on my way to the bar for some Calimochos after a good trip. Last time I saw him we strapped up my finger with some tissues and some zip ties at the miners. Good times.

 

[LarryFatcat]

In consultation with the custodian, the New Series and Snakes Pyjamas gates within Bagshawe have now been converted by the Eldon to a Derbyshire Key system. At present a 36mm adjustable spanner is needed for the nuts.

It is hoped that making access easier will encourage more trips to the area, whilst still offering a level of protection suitable for the cave in it's current state.

From the updated Use by Area Guide:
Only experienced cavers should access these controlled areas, the Full Moon Series and New Series. They should exercise extreme caution and be especially mindful of the areas not marked by tape. For these sensitive areas party size is encouraged to be limited to four people. These areas are now protected by gates using a Derbyshire Key.

You are no longer needed to inform the Custodian nor the Eldon Chairman prior to visiting these areas, although it is encouraged that you do contact the Eldon Chairman (or send a message to me via the forum) after the trip so that general numbers can be monitored.

For further details and info on Bagshawe access in general: http://www.eldonpotholeclub.org.uk/homepage/bagshawe-cavern
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Great news, saves the keys getting lost again...but...36mm is bigger than my large adjustable that goes up to 32mm- the nut in the pic looks much smaller??

 

[pwhole]

I find these are quite handy for such tasks, and not too expensive to get a specific size if you know you're going to use it regularly. Quoted from the first customer review

"This spanner has come in very handy on multiple occasions since I purchased it. I never thought that a 36mm spanner would be so useful until I needed it."

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/laser-5807-open-ended-spanner-22mm/

 

[Rob]

I suppose we should change the area designation to "For Experienced Cavers without toy spanners only".

If you need to borrow a proper one, please feel free to get in contact with any Eldon member. We know a big spanner when we see one! 😂