Daren Cilau - Through Trip - Daren to Cnwc

[AndyP]

Just after some advice on this through trip. I've been through the Daren Cilau entrance series previously ( many years ago...) but have never done the through trip.
Are there any issues with water levels or flooding at this time of year and is it still possible to exit out via Cnwc without needing a key ?

Thank you for any info.

 

[Ali M]

Great trip.

 

[Johnnysatnav]

My last through trip was in December a couple of years ago when the weather conditions were very similar and there was no flooding issues. The only noticeable increase in water was the cascade between antler and busman’s and at the sump bypass (though still well below the scaffold pole). The Cnwc gate is the same as the OFD style in that it can be opened from the inside without a key.

 

[mrodoc]

Don't get lost at Cnwc end as has happened to a few!

 

[GRJ]

Just after some advice on this through trip. I've been through the Daren Cilau entrance series previously ( many years ago...) but have never done the through trip.
Are there any issues with water levels or flooding at this time of year and is it still possible to exit out via Cnwc without needing a key ?

Thank you for any info.

As already mentioned, can exit from Cnwc without a key. No major flooding issues for through trip. The duck/seasonal sump at Cnwc end is now entirely bypassed.
Cnwc has become a bit of a bat hotspot so extra care needed in the entrance passages. Best not to throw any bags ahead without checking the route ahead for our little caving friends.

See the CSS (newly revamped) website for route descriptions etc

 

[AndyP]

Thank you for all the posted information, especially about the bats ! Much appreciated. Yes, I have the CSS through route description and some previously posted surveys on an old thread - so hopefully it’ll be a good trip !

 

[RNCM]

I am looking to do this in 2023. I have been through the entrance series solo twice. Last time I got to Urchin Oxbow.

 

[Babyhagrid]

I did the thru trip a few ago and it was very fun. Made a diversion to see the time machine which was well worth it but added a bit of time on. The CSS description was very helpful , especially getting from antler to busmans and for finding the route out of Cnwc.

 

[Stuart France]

Last time I got to Urchin Oxbow

May I suggest that you do the route inward from Ogof Cnwc to Urchin Oxbow / Antlers and then go back out the way you came in so as to learn what the route looks like approaching from either direction. The tricky navigation is practically all in this section because of the changes of level, some with fixed ladders, others just scrambles, and knowing the place to leave Busmans for the exit where several groups have gone wrong.

 

[FionaH]

Did this trip with a group of 4 yesterday, cncw to daren direction. The CSS route descriptions from the newly revamped website were very good (had them printed for both directions in case we needed to backtrack). 3 of us had never been in daren before and we had one member who had recce'd cncw to the start of antler passage before; had no navigational errors, saw the urchins. We did it in textbook time of 6 hours. We appreciated having harnesses and couple carbiners for lifelining with the insitu gear on the ladders in antler passage. The entrance series of Daren was really wet - we were basically sideways thrutching through water the whole way and were all very chilly by the exit. Top trip, we had a grand time, just don't underestimate it and give yourself plenty of time.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Bumping this old thread to ask the same, is everything still as above, or are there any new "gotchas" to be aware of?

(Noted a January trip mention the entrance series as being cold and wet)

 

[skippy]

Bumping this old thread to ask the same, is everything still as above, or are there any new "gotchas" to be aware of?

(Noted a January trip mention the entrance series as being cold and wet)

The only thing I will add is that although there are no major difficulties, it a long trip out of Cnwc and its certainly not an easy alternative to the standard entrance.
Enjoy though ..its a superb through trip

 

[Babyhagrid]

Bumping this old thread to ask the same, is everything still as above, or are there any new "gotchas" to be aware of?

(Noted a January trip mention the entrance series as being cold and wet)

The water run entrance was partially chilly last night. But I don't believe there's any gotchas . As long as you bring a description and survey. Both available form the CSS website you should be fine

 

[BigDyl]

Bumping this old thread to ask the same, is everything still as above, or are there any new "gotchas" to be aware of?

(Noted a January trip mention the entrance series as being cold and wet)

A few people entered/exited via Cwnc for the Daren cleanup effort recently, no issues

 

[The Old Ruminator]

If this old bloke can manage it cant be too bad.



Sump bypass. Dont fall out on your head.



As ever the usual issue with slippery rocks.

 

[David Rose]

I did it Daren to Cnwc on 5 January. It had been raining on and off for a few days, and when we went down there was a lot of snow on the ground - we only just made it up the hill to Whitewalls, although we drove the less steep, longer way round. While we were underground it rained heavily and all the snow melted. The Daren entrance crawl was cold and wet, especially in the Calcite Squeezes, but afterwards we soon warmed up. We had to swim for about 5 metres in Antler Passage through a very slippery, mud floored phreatic bit and there was a lot of water coming down the scaffolding through the Cnwc dig. The low entrance crawl beyond was half full of water, to the point where in places we each got an ear wet. The hillside on the way back to the car was running with water everywhere. I think 30mm of rain fell that day, and on top of that there was the snowmelt. So I doubt it would ever get much wetter other than in truly extreme weather. However, while sporting, it was always perfectly passable, and all in all, a good day out. That said, if Cnwc ever does sump, it would be rather tiresome to have to retreat all the way back to Daren. We didn't bother with harnesses, just belts and cows' tails. And plenty of food.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Thanks David! The knowledge that the longer way is less steep is very useful in itself during frost/snow
but which way is that? Hafod Road all the way to other end from Brynmawr/Pontygof, or via half way along Hafod Road from Llanelly?

Antler swim sounds "fun" I wasn't expecting anything deeper than chest deep water... thanks for warning that swim is possible, and that Cnwc crawl could be an ear-wetter in bad enough conditions.

 

[Cantclimbtom]

If this old bloke can manage it cant be too bad.



Sump bypass. Dont fall out on your head.



As ever the usual issue with slippery rocks.

Well you're smiling so it can't be all bad! (Unless that's the result of a recent Botox session and it's a fixed expression)

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Well you're smiling so it can't be all bad! (Unless that's the result of a recent Botox session and it's a fixed expression)

Ooo its not me. I am older than him and far more haggard.

 

[Minion]

Thanks David! The knowledge that the longer way is less steep is very useful in itself during frost/snow
but which way is that? Hafod Road all the way to other end from Brynmawr/Pontygof, or via half way along Hafod Road from Llanelly?

Antler swim sounds "fun" I wasn't expecting anything deeper than chest deep water... thanks for warning that swim is possible, and that Cnwc crawl could be an ear-wetter in bad enough conditions.

Go up the heads of the valley from Abergavenny to Brynmawr Secondary School. Once you’re off the dual carriageway, it’s absolutely level until you get to the turning into the Daren car park or further to Whitewalls