P
Paul C
Guest
Has anyone caved alone in the UK.
Is it possible or too dangerous.
If it is possible what areas would be recommended?
Is it possible or too dangerous.
If it is possible what areas would be recommended?
M
Mine Explorer
Guest
Paul C said:
Yep, have done (OK, not caves but mines - but who's being picky?)
Not something I'd recommend if someone isn't already familiar with underground, and preferably they should already know where they're going.
newcastlecaver
New member
I was going to say it depends on how experienced you are but in my view it still doesn't matter, there isn't really much point (except i have met quite a few people who go on solo digging trips where they know the system intimately). Cave diving is a solo sport but 'dry' caving should be done in groups.
I also don't think that any area is better than another for solo-caving, each type of cave has different risks and it is the unexpected or downright unlucky things that can happen which have always put me off (apart from the fact i think that half the fun of caving is the team work involved) and the fact that there is almost always someone willing to go with you. Surely it would be a bit lonely?
maybe you should try golf instead?
I also don't think that any area is better than another for solo-caving, each type of cave has different risks and it is the unexpected or downright unlucky things that can happen which have always put me off (apart from the fact i think that half the fun of caving is the team work involved) and the fact that there is almost always someone willing to go with you. Surely it would be a bit lonely?
maybe you should try golf instead?
D
Dave H
Guest
I did a solo down the entrance series of the Berger once; as it was the last day of the trip, rain was forcast, my kit was below the entrance pitches and the others who were supposed to be with me were still nursing hangovers. It took all that lot to make me consider it, even though I had been through the entrance series a few times in the preceeding days. It was really pretty scary, and not something I wish to repeat!
Caving is a team activity!
Caving is a team activity!
M
Mine Explorer
Guest
Nah, it's not loney.
My 'solo' trips are usually so I can spend time on photography - it's not easy finding someone who's happy to sit doing nothing whilst I play with a camera for hours on end... and when there is someone sitting there I inevitably end up feeling rushed and make mistakes. Having said that, there are only a limited number of places I'll go to alone.
Oh, and I don't like golf
My 'solo' trips are usually so I can spend time on photography - it's not easy finding someone who's happy to sit doing nothing whilst I play with a camera for hours on end... and when there is someone sitting there I inevitably end up feeling rushed and make mistakes. Having said that, there are only a limited number of places I'll go to alone.
Oh, and I don't like golf
T
tubby two
Guest
Ah, it's not that bad.
I've been down a few short trips on my own- but generally only easy ones that are quite safe and not that long. Normally because i can find no-one else willing/ daft enough to go. I kipped down carlswark on my own once because the hut i was in in stoney was pretty crowded- i was also with a bunch of climbers for the weekend and was right into caving at hte time so needed a little fix!
It's quite nice when you just keep moving, and safe enough if youre careful and give someone a time out.
I would imagine doing really long trips alone would be different, and also there gets to be a tackle carrying problem i suppose.
tt.
p.s. what i meant to say was its possible, but be sensible, and you really need to be a competent caver and know what your'e doing- you cant start caving alone as you need people to teach you a lot of stuff. It's definately better with others to share it with!
I've been down a few short trips on my own- but generally only easy ones that are quite safe and not that long. Normally because i can find no-one else willing/ daft enough to go. I kipped down carlswark on my own once because the hut i was in in stoney was pretty crowded- i was also with a bunch of climbers for the weekend and was right into caving at hte time so needed a little fix!
It's quite nice when you just keep moving, and safe enough if youre careful and give someone a time out.
I would imagine doing really long trips alone would be different, and also there gets to be a tackle carrying problem i suppose.
tt.
p.s. what i meant to say was its possible, but be sensible, and you really need to be a competent caver and know what your'e doing- you cant start caving alone as you need people to teach you a lot of stuff. It's definately better with others to share it with!
M
Mole
Guest
Mine Explorer said:Nah, it's not loney.
My 'solo' trips are usually so I can spend time on photography - it's not easy finding someone who's happy to sit doing nothing whilst I play with a camera for hours on end... and when there is someone sitting there I inevitably end up feeling rushed and make mistakes. Having said that, there are only a limited number of places I'll go to alone.
Oh, and I don't like golf
Entirely agree with the above,I feel my best pics have been taken while soloing mines,even other photogs can get in the way a lot of the time.
Golf = a good walk ruined.
SamT
Moderator
On a serious note (not that the other posts havent been serious)
Im assuming you are an experienced caver. If not, then under no circumstaces should you consider solo caving. Join a club and learn the ropes.
Solo caving is something that shouldn't ever be undertaken lightly. It doesnt matter where or what grade the cave/mine is, the simplist of accidents can become fatal very easily. the kid in the story bubba linked to is very very lucky to be alive. :freak:
A kid from our year at school died in Stoney Dale in the Eighties. Got into caving - had no-one to go with started exploring the local caves alone.
Ended up having an asthma attack and died. His remains werent found till about a year later.
This isnt to say it shouldnt be done at all. Ive done solo trips as have most of the people I know.
If you do decide to go ahead then several simple rules should be (and always be) followed.
Take enough spare lighting for the trip i.e. Main lamp, Backup and backup-backup.
For me that would be my caplamp, my side mounted maglite and as a last resort a snap type glow stick that is gaffa taped to the inside of my helmet.
Also - a bivvy bag and food should also be taken.
It should be cave you have been in before and know quite well.
Tell someone when you are going underground - preferably from a mobile the moment you are leaving the car.
Agree a call-out time - take a watch so you wont run over.
Stick to the call out time. so that no time is wasted.
Phone in as soon as you return to the car.
Personally I find solo caving a bit boring/lonely - and one time really quite frightening - certain parts of the bagshawe mine area really really spook me. :uhoh:
Im assuming you are an experienced caver. If not, then under no circumstaces should you consider solo caving. Join a club and learn the ropes.
Solo caving is something that shouldn't ever be undertaken lightly. It doesnt matter where or what grade the cave/mine is, the simplist of accidents can become fatal very easily. the kid in the story bubba linked to is very very lucky to be alive. :freak:
A kid from our year at school died in Stoney Dale in the Eighties. Got into caving - had no-one to go with started exploring the local caves alone.
Ended up having an asthma attack and died. His remains werent found till about a year later.
This isnt to say it shouldnt be done at all. Ive done solo trips as have most of the people I know.
If you do decide to go ahead then several simple rules should be (and always be) followed.
Take enough spare lighting for the trip i.e. Main lamp, Backup and backup-backup.
For me that would be my caplamp, my side mounted maglite and as a last resort a snap type glow stick that is gaffa taped to the inside of my helmet.
Also - a bivvy bag and food should also be taken.
It should be cave you have been in before and know quite well.
Tell someone when you are going underground - preferably from a mobile the moment you are leaving the car.
Agree a call-out time - take a watch so you wont run over.
Stick to the call out time. so that no time is wasted.
Phone in as soon as you return to the car.
Personally I find solo caving a bit boring/lonely - and one time really quite frightening - certain parts of the bagshawe mine area really really spook me. :uhoh:
Yes I have, as have a lot of people by the look of it..
Its more than possible as long as you are well prepared (being happy with your own company does help)..
Anywhere is possible including srt (not sure a ladder trip would be a good idea) although sticking to somewhere you know is probably a good idea.
Knowing your limits and being able to stop before you reach them is good, as has been said giving someone a callout time and sticking to it is recommended and taking spare lights, maybe a spare sling, spare jammer (petzl tibloc is very light but does the job if needs be).. consider problems and prepare for them.. you get the idea..
If you do go alone then safe caving!
cap n chris
Well-known member
Most written sources on the topic of caving state NEVER to go caving alone. At the very least it would be unwise to engage in solo caving without first having a great deal of experience of all the various problems and hazards likely to occur on even a simple trip without major obstacles or the involvement of technical equipment.
People DO go solo caving - but just because someone sniffs butane it doesn't mean it's a good idea to do the same. My advice would be to err on the side of caution and get some years of experience under your belt before considering going underground alone.
People DO go solo caving - but just because someone sniffs butane it doesn't mean it's a good idea to do the same. My advice would be to err on the side of caution and get some years of experience under your belt before considering going underground alone.
I've done absolutely heaps of solo caving! It feels much more challenging than with company and of course the consequences of an incident are dire but that for me adds to the adventure - and of course I tell somebody where I'm going etc. etc.
Decent sized SRT trips are my favourite especially when I havn't done them before. Any more than two tackle bags full of rope becomes over-arduous unless you get rid of one on a surface entrance pitch - and you have to pace yourself carefully cos you don't get any resting time waiting for people on pitches! I reckon it's safer than solo rock climbing for example cos in theory you can't fall off. I'm more wary about long horizontal trips, for example in Easegill cos of all the slippery muddy boulders and climbs where it would be very easy to incapacitate yourself.
Solo highlights include Dihedral in Gaping Ghyll, Flood Entrance, Little Hull Pot and many others.
Take plenty of spare lights in different places not all in one tackle bag!!
Decent sized SRT trips are my favourite especially when I havn't done them before. Any more than two tackle bags full of rope becomes over-arduous unless you get rid of one on a surface entrance pitch - and you have to pace yourself carefully cos you don't get any resting time waiting for people on pitches! I reckon it's safer than solo rock climbing for example cos in theory you can't fall off. I'm more wary about long horizontal trips, for example in Easegill cos of all the slippery muddy boulders and climbs where it would be very easy to incapacitate yourself.
Solo highlights include Dihedral in Gaping Ghyll, Flood Entrance, Little Hull Pot and many others.
Take plenty of spare lights in different places not all in one tackle bag!!
cap n chris
Well-known member
While there are many of us who have engaged in solo caving and lived to tell the tale please remember that the original enquiry was from someone who may not necessarily have the experience and knowledge of you guys - I feel it may be important not to have a "it's OK, I've done it loads of times" thread which may encourage someone to jump straight in at the deep end.
P
Paul C
Guest
Thanks to everyone who has replied to this enquiry you have helped tremendously in some research I am doing.
No more answers needed.
thanks again and great to see the enthusiasm dispalyed
Paul C.
No more answers needed.
thanks again and great to see the enthusiasm dispalyed
Paul C.
M
Mine Explorer
Guest
SamT said:
Yes
...but the food's not bad, it's warm in here, and I've never worn so much make-up before :wink:
(just don't mention the names of those 'gone missing' :roll: )
kay
Well-known member
Yeah - but remember as well as all those who post, half the registered users of this site have never posted, and there are dozens (hundreds?) more who read but haven't registered - that's the real audience you are writing for, not one individual who thinks he can get his research done on the cheap.
Lack of openness in his original posting, yes, but a catalyst for an interesting thread.
