Caving Club Huts

[Pegasus]

WIN TWO FRAMED PHOTOS FOR YOUR CLUB HUT

Want to win a couple of fab pictures by Paul Deakin to hang on the wall of your favourite club hut?

Want to promote your club hut to fellow cavers, particularly those new to caving who may not know about the accommodation and facilities your club hut has to offer?

List your hut details below and one entry will be chosen at random.

This is also an opportunity to let folks know about your club hut so do feel free to include photos, website links, accommodation details - as much information as you like.

One entry per club.

Closing date Saturday 25th August at 10pm

Good luck!  ​

 

[Cartwright26]

What a lovely idea, our club hut south dartmoor bunkhouse could do with some new pictures to add to our modest collection. Founded in 1947, we are one of the oldest established caving clubs in the country. We have active members aged from 18 to 70+, and new members are always welcome.

Membership is open to anyone 18 or over who has an interest in caving as a sport including cave diving or the scientific aspects of cave biology, geology etc. The Society have recently seen an increase in the number of members, especially young people who are keen to explore the fascinating world that lies under our feet. Members meet weekly on a Wednesday evening at a variety of different venues throughout a month and are always pleased to welcome potential members

Our website can be found at http://www.devonss.org.uk or facebook page Devon speleological society, our club house is also a bunk house and can be found at south dartmoor bunkhouse both on google and facebook

The Bunkhouse provides very comfortable accomodation for 16 people, situated on the Southern flanks of Dartmoor, very close to the access points for canoeists paddling on the River Dart. A number of the most popular caves in Devon are very close by. Whatever your need the bunkhouse will provide comfortable accomodation for groups, wishing to be based in South Devon.

 

[andywebman]

Bullpot Farm, Base for Red Rose Cave & Pothole Club.
At the western end of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Bullpot Farm is the hub of the Red Rose C.P.C. activities and you will find members there most weekends of the year. Visiting clubs and individuals are welcome, and the Farm facilities for visitors and members have recently been upgraded. The building is fitted with full central heating. We now have separate visitors and members self-catering kitchens and three dormitories with Alpine style bunks (sleeping bags required)Bullpot Farm from the lane. The Club has upgraded the showers, toilets, changing and drying facilities. The changing area is serviced by electric showers, underfloor heating and has rope-washing facilities. There is also a separate heated drying room (cash needed). The two spacious common rooms have wood-burning stoves. Cooking is by butane gas and both kitchens have a fridge, hobs, oven and microwave. There is ample parking within our own compound at front and rear of building including security lighting and CCTV coverage. The rear garden can accommodate several tents if needed but is under development at the moment.
Club social events take place on some weekends in which guests are welcome to participate.

 

[GarDouth]

Greenclose, base of the Northern Pennine Club

Check out our lovely new website: https://northernpennineclub.org.uk

Greenclose House has been the headquarters of the Northern Pennine Club since the mid-fifties, and was purchased in 1967 (having previously been leased). It is a stone-built farmhouse half way between Clapham and Bentham.

The hut features a large common room with a big table, comfortable seating and a large wood burning stove. The open-plan nature is perfect for socialising. Next door we have a very well-equipped kitchen with our famous ?thermo-nuclear device? as it has become known (a huge industrial catering oven) plus 11 gas hobs, meaning mass-catering is made much easier.

Also downstairs are all the usual amenities you?d expect including electric showers, toilets, a gear storage area and an efficient drying room. There is also a members? library and tacklestore.

Upstairs there is loads of sleeping space. For visitors there are two 8-bunk rooms and a large alpine bunkroom, meaning 25 guests can easily be accommodated. There is also a separate members? bunkroom.

The hut is well covered by free WiFi, has ample parking, and is well heated in all the rooms. The cost is ?5/night for non-members and ?3/night for members.
We welcome all visiting caving clubs and we try to be as flexible as possible regarding bookings.

Check availability and book online:
https://northernpennineclub.org.uk/cottage

An Indian restaurant, good pubs and a selection of shops are just a few minutes? drive down the road in Bentham.

Clapham station is 1.4 miles away (30 min walk) and the caves of Gaping Gill and Newby Moss are reachable within 90 minutes on foot from Greenclose for those groups lacking a car but with ample energy.

The first weekend of the month is the Committee meeting weekend, when there is a large member turnout, a vibrant atmosphere and caving on both days. However, we still welcome visitors to the hut on these weekends as it?s the best way to get to know us if thinking about joining. You will receive a warm welcome.

NPC has become rather well known for our taste in red wine and fine cheese (in part a consequence of the clubs twice-yearly caving holidays in France). A communal cheeseboard and wine stash is a common sight around Ch?teau Greenclose. The rumours of a ?secret wine cellar? have yet to be confirmed.​

 

[Pegasus]

Thank you to the clubs who have told us about their huts - have shared the info on facebook and it's been seen by 5,300 people.  Any others wanting some free publicity enter your details here and I'll share 

 

[ogof addict]

Whitewalls
Home of the Chelsea Spelaeological Society​

​

The Hillside
Llangattock
Crickhowell
NP8 1LG​

http://www.chelseaspelaeo.org/​

https://www.facebook.com/chelseaspelaeo/​

Whitewalls has sleeping accommodation for up to 16 people over 2 bunkrooms (a small one for members), central heating, a well-equipped kitchen, common room, well stocked library, changing area and hot showers, and a garden including space for camping and BBQs. There is off road parking adjacent to the cottage. Large scale surveys of the major local caves are displayed on the walls, and are available to buy.

Whitewalls is situated above Crickhowell, on the tramroad adjacent to limestone massif of Mynydd Llangatwg (Llangattock Mountain). It has some of the longest and largest caves on the country on the doorstep, plus beginner-friendly caves, all within very easy walking distance. Our cottage is situated between Daren Cilau and Agen Allwedd. We are not far from Ogof Draenen and Ogof Craig a Ffynnon. CSS members know these caves better than most, and are still actively involved in their exploration and extension.  If you would like a trip into one of our local caves but are worried about route-finding or any other aspects, we may be able to help so do get in touch with us. Also get in touch if you would like to know more about overnight trips into Daren.

Caving clubs and student groups are most welcome. The cost is ?6 for non-members and ?3 for members, per night. You can check our bookings calendar here: http://www.chelseaspelaeo.org/bookings.htm and contact the cottage warden for enquiries and bookings here: http://www.chelseaspelaeo.org/emailer.htm

The cottage nestles on the edge of the Craig-y-Cilau national nature reserve, one of Wales?s most outstanding botanical sites. There is an exceptional variety of rare plants, as well as peregrine falcons, buzzards, and all sorts of other wildlife, even including wild ponies. It is a great area for walking, trail running and cycling as well as caving. We have magnificent views from the cottage.

Photos to come, once i can work out how to insert them!

 

[paul]

Orpheus Caving Club

https://www.orpheuscavingclub.org.uk

Orpheus Caving Club was founded in 1949 and currently has around 100 members, with regular caving trips all over the UK and visits abroad to places as varied as Norway and Thailand as well as other European countries.

Our HQ Cottage is situated in open countryside in the Peak District National Park south of Buxton, close to the caving systems of Monyash, Lathkill Dale and the Manifold Valley and less than 20 miles from the Castleton caving area.  The 'White Peak' is excellent walking country and both limestone and gritstone climbing areas are within easy reach.  We are also right by the Tissington Trail and Cromford & High Peak Trail with a National Park bike hire centre less than a mile away.

The Cottage normally accommodates visitors at weekends in an 18-bed bunkroom divided into smaller 6-bed ?cubicles?, although we can make special arrangements to accommodate up to 25.  Members have their own separate bunkroom and it may be possible to make a second smaller bunkroom available for mid-week youth groups.  There is enough space within the cottage compound for several tents to be put up on the grass or for small camper vans to use the carpark.  Currently the visitors fee is ?6.00 per bed-night, members pay ?4.00.

The Cottage has storage heaters are so there is always some background warmth and in addition there is a stove and an open fire in the common room and an open fire in the dining room.  There is a changing room with hot showers and a drying room.  The kitchen is fully equipped with gas rings, 2 gas cookers, fridges, microwaves, electric kettles, toaster, etc.  There is plenty of car-parking space within the cottage compound.

The Cottage hosted 18 foreign cavers for the Eurospeleo2016 Peak District Week and visiting clubs are always assured of a friendly welcome.

 

[Timwillows]

Penwyllt ? South Wales Caving Club

photo by Pete Francis

SWCC has a fantastic caving hut, consisting of a converted terrace of 10 small cottages in Penwyllt, near Abercraf, in the upper Swansea Valley. We welcome both experienced cavers and guests alike to stay and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, spectacular caving and beautiful views (when it?s not raining).

Bunkroom accommodation is provided upstairs for up to 30 visitors and ~30 members. Furthermore, we have a campsite and room for perhaps a couple of campervans and caravans.

The long common room is usually where all the action takes place in front of the large log fire, with members and guests planning caving exploits or discussing today?s escapades, either with a cup of tea or a pint, depending on the time of day.

Downstairs in the main cottages is a large communal kitchen with four stoves and refrigerators, a dining room and WIFI. Further along the cottages we have ladies and gents changing rooms, with hot showers and a heated drying room for damp kit. There is also a library and workshop, which can be used with prior permission.

We also have our own on-site pub (The Ruined Strumpet) which is opened for special occasions and serves some of the best local beers. Hog roasts, bands, ceilidhs, fireworks and large parties are a regular feature of our active and friendly club.

In terms of caving, South Wales has some of the finest caving in the UK. Directly below our cottage lies the spectacular Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, the second longest cave in Wales and the deepest in the United Kingdom, whilst across the valley is the stunning Dan-yr-Ogof. Most of the other major systems (Ogof Daren Cilau, Ogof Draenen, Agen Allwedd etc) are within a short car drive. The cottage, bordering on the Black Mountain and the Brecon Beacons, is also a great area for walking, hiking and cycling

Our membership is of all ages from 0-90+ and includes many family groups, with children of all ages. We also have our own family cottage, specifically designed for families with children.

If you are interested in visiting or joining the club, then a committee weekend (which is once a month) is the best time to get to know us, as there will be plenty of members around and trips going on.

The best way to book is to contact: bookings@swcc.org.uk or to find out more information see: www.swcc.org.uk  or https://www.facebook.com/SouthWalesCavingClub/

We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

[alastairgott]

TSG Caving Hut,
Castleton, Derbyshire
S33 8WE


A hut with an unrivalled position, step out of the front door and civilisation could well strike you down. 6 Pubs, a fantastic Bakery and a post office, all within a short walk. If you become snowbound in winter, there couldn?t be a better valley to get snowed into.

So convenience is high on the agenda, so what?!? Is there any caving to do nearby, I hear you cry!

As it happens, yes, however it is Derbyshire style caving, Mines play heavily on our cards. The top trumps of Mines of Derbyshire would probably see Maskhill mine and James Hall Over Engine Mine feature quite highly. But if you fancy a steadier trip for the Sunday, then Peak cavern is a short walk away and caters for the Beginner caver quite easily but can also provide a lot of interest to the more experienced of cavers too.

In short there?s something for everyone.

?So, I?m planning on doing a Titan to Peak trip via the White river series, when I get out I?ll have had a great day. But why do I want to set foot into the TSG? It?s just a concrete Jungle!?

Your first thought on exiting, irrespective of the time of year, will probably be ?I?m cold!?. Our members understand this and so will try and get a pot of tea under your nose as soon as possible. You may find yourself in one of the excellent showers, around the time the tea arrives under your nose!


One of our divers with a long-term diving project is also known to have his cup of tea in the shower. If it weren?t already defined, I?d probably call it a fireman?s lift.

For more details about what it costs for an overnight stay, please refer to our website.

http://tsgcaving.co.uk/content/accommodation

If it?s a Peak or Titan trip you?re after, then you?ll need the Peak-Speedwell website.

https://www.peakspeedwell.info/index.php/access-information/peak-cavern-access

https://www.peakspeedwell.info/index.php/access-information/titan-shaft-access

Our hut is quite popular for it?s size, catering for visitors all year round, but if you?re searching for a quieter time of year. Then the months of summer from July to the middle of September are often quieter, and some of the months just after Easter also see less visits, due to school holidays and looming Exams!

 

[mrodoc]

Nobody has mentioned the Grampian Speleoological Groups Field Hut. I can confidently assert that it has the best view from any caving hut in the UK, is within walking distance of several caves, has excellent facilities including a drying room, super hot showers and a very well equipped kitchen. Breakfast in the conservatory provides you with the famous view.

http://gsg.org.uk/the-club-hut

 

[alanw]

SWCC has a fantastic caving hut

As seen on TV: http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/powellstreet. Watch out for the locals, though http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Countrycide_(TV_story)#Filming_locations .

 

[cavegirl99]

If you are planning a weekend on Mendip then come and join the Shepton Mallet Caving Club for a weekend at our hut, the Mineries, near Priddy.  Our newly extended and re-furbished hut is the closest caving hut to the centre of the universe (a.k.a. The Hunter?s Lodge Inn).

The hut is a great base for caving, climbing, walking, mountain and road biking or as a field studies centre.  We welcome other caving clubs, climbing, walking and outdoor clubs, youth groups and scout groups, and can accommodate visiting groups of up to 25 people.

The sleeping accommodation consists of one main bunk room and two smaller rooms with alpine style bunks.  Alternatively, there is plenty of room to camp in our sheltered garden, and space to park camper vans in our large parking area if you prefer.  The garden also has a kit and rope washing area and our drying room will ensure you have no excuses for not going caving the next day.

In addition to our well-equipped kitchen and dining room, there is a large lounge room with wood burning stove and our unique squeeze tables.
We can issue cave keys and CCC permits to bona fide cavers and we have leaders available for Reservoir hole, St. Cuthbert?s Swallet, Charterhouse Cave and the Fairy Quarry Caves. These must be booked in advance by contacting the Caving Secretary.

Best of all hut fees are just ?5 per person per night or ?3 for clubs with reciprocal rights.

For more details see our website www.shepton.org.uk/hut-details or Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/SheptonMalletCavingClub/

 

[droid]

C'mon Maj.

Missing a trick here....

 

[Pegasus]

Hi All, have been away for the week with no wifi (bliss), however back now and about to choose a winner for the framed photos.  I will also share each hut description on the UKC facebook page (and to other caving facebook pages) over the coming days so all huts gets some promotion. 

If you would like to promote your club, post about it here and I'll share.  You won't be eligible for the comp, however it is a great way to let your fellow caver know about your hut 

Pegasus

 

[Timwillows]

Go on, tell us who won......

 

[Pegasus]

Go on, tell us who won......

Here's the link to the winners  : https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?topic=23955.0

There was a huge amount of interest on all of the club information I shared to facebook, some posts reaching over 4000 people with lots of comments and likes - all free publicity for some excellent huts.  Why didn't some clubs take advantage of this I wonder?  Popular enough, fully booked, other??  :-\

Must remember to take the photos to Hidden Earth...

 

[CatM]

Bradford Pothole Club
Brackenbottom

The Bradford Pothole Club?s Headquarters, Brackenbottom, is a traditional Dales longhouse located in the hamlet of Brackenbottom near Horton-in-Ribblesdale.

Our address is: Bradford Pothole Club, Brackenbottom, Horton in Ribblesdale, Nr Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0EU

Google Map View

Known to members as ?The Dump? (a historical term dating from the ?old days? when the club only had a tackle dump in the Dales, not descriptive!), Brackenbottom provides an ideal base for caving and other outdoor activities in the Dales. The footpath up Penyghent starts just outside the door, and it?s a good starting point for local caves such as Penyghent Pot, Little Hull Pot, Hunt Pot etc.

The Dump is very well equipped, with Changing room, Toilets and Hot Showers; Kitchen (crockery and pans provided); Common room; Two mixed sex alpine-style bunkrooms, plus men only and women only bunkrooms; Library; Tackle store; and a dehumidifier equipped drying room. The downstairs rooms are underfloor centrally heated. Members have lockers to store food etc. Our guest room sleeps a maximum of 15 persons, we also have a lawned garden, where there is room for 3 medium sized tents.

There is ample parking in our private car park.
In addition, we also have a pressure washer for washing gear or bikes (or particularly dirty cavers!), a rope washer, and a separate garage for storing larger items, bikes etc.

To try and keep the Dump fit for human habitation, we have a ?task system? where everyone using the place is expected to do a small housekeeping job, such as cleaning a window, a work surface, a floor or some other similar job. Each job only takes five minutes or so, but if everybody does one job, no one has to do them all!

Guests wishing to stay should book in advance in order to check availability.
Brackenbottom is only available for UK cavers with BCA insurance, non UK cavers should email for more information.
Please book early by e-mail as we have guests staying most weekends.

Fees are ?6 a night for guests with BCA insurance, ?3.50 for members.

http://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/wp/brackenbottom/