Daren Cilau - Through Trip - Daren to Cnwc

AndyP

New member
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.
 

Johnnysatnav

New member
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.
 

GRJ

New member
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

New member
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

New member
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

Well-known member
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

Active member
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

Member
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.
 
Top