Can anyone/ clubs take me and my friend on a beginners trip from 25th-29th May

[basic_abysstch]

Hi
Can anyone/ clubs take me and my friend on a beginners trip from 25th-29th May
we'll be based in Doncaster but can drive to yorkshire and will be for the gaping gill. I'm trying to get him into caving with me so suggestions for specific caves that are fun/impressive for beginners also appreciated, thanks

Steph

 

[CNCC]

Hi Steph

This event is on 30th May, so one day outside of your specified date range... but maybe of interest if you have some flexibility?

New to caving - Try caving hosted by the CNCC

Suitable for anyone who wants try caving for the first time and possibly take it up as a hobby. A chance to experience the incredible underground world

cncc.org.uk

We run these events roughly every 4-6 months to provide an opportunity for enthusiastic newcomers, who think caving could be the hobby for them, to try our caving as part of a fun and educational day. There is support and information available to help you continue your journey too.

If this date is unsuitable, our next one is 3rd October:

New to caving - Try caving hosted by the CNCC

Suitable for anyone who wants try caving for the first time and possibly take it up as a hobby. A chance to experience the incredible underground world

cncc.org.uk

If these don't work for you, then hopefully some individuals or local clubs will be able to help you. In terms of good trips for newcomers, popular choices for novice trips in northern England include Long Churn, Great Douk, Crackpot Cave, Wretched Rabbit or Link Pot/Mistral in Ease Gill (these are slightly more demanding option), Calf Holes (requires a single entrance pitch so needs some knowledge of vertical technique), Valley Entrance (as far as the pitch to the Master Cave), amongst others. You can find route descriptions for all of these here:

Cave Route Descriptions

A selection of free navigation route descriptions for caves around our northern England and Scotland.

cncc.org.uk

Plus lots of other information on safety (including the importance of considering weather conditions and leaving callout), trip planning and cave conservation etiquette on the same website.

Finally, a useful website listing local clubs that you might consider contacting:

New To Caving

All the advice you need to take your first steps underground!

newtocaving.com

Good luck!

 

[basic_abysstch]

I actually might be able to stay a little longer.... I hope so anyway! Thank you very much either way the workshops look great and that's a lot of really helpful links to know

 

[alanw]

Hi, Steph. You say you are "trying to get your friend into caving". All the entrances to Gaping Gill require SRT, and some require far more skill than others. Have they done any SRT? Bar Pot has no difficulties such as deviations or re-belays, although exiting the top pitch often causes problems. That can be bypassed at the expense of a squeeze via Small Mammal. Booking for the chair is anticipated to open "midday 4th May". Popular slots were booked quickly last year, which was the first year we did booking in advance. Keep an eye on https://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gg-winch-meet/

There are always lots of friendly knowledgable BPC members around who can give you advice on entrances and routes through the system. If you do go down/up on the chair, you'll still need a harness and cow's tails to get past Mud Hall or the bottom of South East Pot. There's a lot to see down there even without SRT. The Braemoor web site has a lot of information, e.g. the "circular tour".

Braemoor: Index of Caving Articles

Description of selected caving routes in the Dales

braemoor.co.uk

Gaping Gill: Bar Pot to Main Chamber Route Description

Description of route through Gaping Gill

www.braemoor.co.uk

 

[langcliffe]

Hi, Steph. You say you are "trying to get your friend into caving". All the entrances to Gaping Gill require SRT, and some require far more skill than others. Have they done any SRT? Bar Pot has no difficulties such as deviations or re-belays, although exiting the top pitch often causes problems. That can be bypassed at the expense of a squeeze via Small Mammal. Booking for the chair is anticipated to open "midday 4th May". Popular slots were booked quickly last year, which was the first year we did booking in advance. Keep an eye on https://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gg-winch-meet/

There are always lots of friendly knowledgable BPC members around who can give you advice on entrances and routes through the system. If you do go down/up on the chair, you'll still need a harness and cow's tails to get past Mud Hall or the bottom of South East Pot. There's a lot to see down there even without SRT. The Braemoor web site has a lot of information, e.g. the "circular tour".

Braemoor: Index of Caving Articles

Description of selected caving routes in the Dales

braemoor.co.uk

Gaping Gill: Bar Pot to Main Chamber Route Description

Description of route through Gaping Gill

www.braemoor.co.uk

I would not recommend the circular tour of GG, or indeed any other route on the Braemoor website, as being suitable for beginner cavers.

 

[basic_abysstch]

I meant we're seeing the GG via the winch chair by the craven pothole club where they open it up to the public to be lowered, we're doing it the lazy way (for now) don't worry. I found someone who will take us to longchurn caves where I could practise SRT while my friend uses ladders. I haven't been before, what are your thoughts on that for a beginner?

 

[langcliffe]

I meant we're seeing the GG via the winch chair by the craven pothole club where they open it up to the public to be lowered, we're doing it the lazy way (for now) don't worry. I found someone who will take us to longchurn caves where I could practise SRT while my friend uses ladders. I haven't been before, what are your thoughts on that for a beginner?

Sounds good, although I would prefer to see two experienced people involved.

 

[cavingbiker]

Information on the Bradford Pothole Club winch meet can be found at https://www.facebook.com/p/Gaping-Gill-Winch-Meet-61574033252155/ and also at https://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gg-winch-meet/

 

[basic_abysstch]

oops yeah I got the clubs mixed up sorry!

 

[Lankyman]

Making your way to Sand Cavern from GG Main Chamber is good if you can get hold of a survey. I did it when I was 14 with hand torches and a few friends. You could have a trundle up Beck Head Stream Cave (on the left below a little cliff just past the Beck Head resurgence itself). Also did this with torches as a teenager.
You can do a lot around Long Churn without vertical gear. There's lots of beginner stuff around Ribblehead as well.

 

[Ian Ball]

I think I'm going with a novice to the GG winch meet on the 26th. We'll be travelling from York.

 

[basic_abysstch]

I think I'm going with a novice to the GG winch meet on the 26th. We'll be travelling from York.

ooh cool! I think that's the day we're hoping to go so maybe we'll find each other in the queue haha
Also this is random but assuming your screen name is your real name, we share a surname! I'm Steph Ball. Very nice to meet another Ball, hope our paths cross on the day!

 

[georgenorth]

You might both be better going on the August winch meet. Balls to the Craven Pothole Club.

 

[Ian P]

You might both be better going on the August winch meet. Balls to the Craven Pothole Club.

Took me a moment, but that’s quite funny
But obviously they are going to the RIGHT winch meet

 

[Ian Ball]

ooh cool! I think that's the day we're hoping to go so maybe we'll find each other in the queue haha
Also this is random but assuming your screen name is your real name, we share a surname! I'm Steph Ball. Very nice to meet another Ball, hope our paths cross on the day!

Showing a lack of creativity, yes my name is Ian Ball


Excellent, see you there