Damaged fixed rope in Far Sump extension

[AlexR]

The fixed rope down from Fingernail Chamber towards RoTV has a badly cored section which we’ve isolated for now.
This rope is not a maintained fixed aid but has historically been in place. I’ll replace it on the next WH digging trip.

Also, the single (!) bolt of the first pitch in Calcite Aven (from bottom) is spinning in its hole, to be rectified in the near future.

 

[AlexR]

The issue has been fixed.

There are now new fixed ropes in Balcombe’s Way between Fingernail Chamber and Ride of the Valkyries. I’ve also re-bolted/ bolted existing hangs that relied on ancient hardware or suffered from rope rub after consulting with the Peak keyholders.

Old rope had seen better days, rub point below


New Y hang

The ropes in Balcombe’s Way are not a maintained fixed aid of the Peak-Spweedwell system, so their presence and safety should not be relied on for planned trips.

The bottom pitch of Calcite Aven is now a Y hang from solid hardware, though the highly suspect spinning bolt is still there as I couldn’t extract it.

Calcite Aven original hang (single bolt)


Calcite Aven new Y hang

Thanks to Pete for the rope as well as Hannah and Alex for the company & rope ferrying.


And remember kids - always hold your drill sideways, you’ll look more gangster. Also, don’t lock off your rack properly. Keep it exciting!

 

[AlexR]

PS (ran over the 10min edit limit):

The cost of metalware was kindly covered by the Peak fund, a portion of the money you pay for Peak access is used for maintenance work like this - thank you.