First time in Great Douk Cave

[arcticklein]

Hi, was just wondering how many lights you should take with you when going in a cave alone? Went in Great Douk cave the other day, my first cave ever. Was really peaceful not a soul in sight but was only had one light with me and was alone so started to get anxious that my light might die or break from the water so didn't end up going right the way through. May go back this weekend to complete it fully.

 

[Badlad]

Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hours.

 

[LadyMud]

To answer your question, I always take some spare batteries for my main light, plus a completely separate headtorch. And a tiny keyring-style torch.

What's the plan for future trips? Are you going to join a club? Or get some training?

 

[CNCC]

Hi Arcticklein. Really hope you had a good time in Great Douk. Many cavers will cite this as one of their earliest trips, and some will have then gone on to have caving as a lifelong passion!

A few useful resources for you...

Safety:

Safety in Caves

Some advice on how to stay safe in the caves of our regions. Research, weather and knowing the capabilities of your group.

cncc.org.uk

Specifically in response to your question... always two totally independent, robust, fully charged, and for a wet cave, waterproof light sources, ideally one being helmet mounted. Robustness and redundancy is key. Also take note of the advice in the above link regarding setting a callout just in case the worst happens.

Conservation:

Cave Conservation

Most of the caves and potholes in the North of England have SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status, either for botanical, biological or geological in

cncc.org.uk

Other useful advice to help get you more involved in caving, including a list of clubs who accept less-experienced new members (a club is an excellent way to get involved in caving, although we know lots of people cave outside of clubs too):

New To Caving - You'll always remember your first steps underground...

Caves are a fascinating part of the great outdoors and their exploration is full of adventure. As with many activities there are risks. Good preparation and learning from the experience of others is key to caving safely.

newtocaving.com

Plus loads of cave access information, route descriptions and other advice on our website, covering caving in northern England and Scotland. If you haven't already see the following document for Great Douk:

https://cncc.org.uk/file/237d2e8a-ef23-2f9a-4ea5-af71052caefa

And...

Great Douk Cave

Access information and route description for Great Douk Cave (Chapel-le-Dale)

cncc.org.uk

Hope this helps!

 

[arcticklein]

Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hour

Follow your instincts on survival pal. Never a good idea going alone at this stage of your caving career. Have a watch of 127 hours.

Yeah I would have rather been with someone, I wouldn't take any big chances on my own. I did ask a couple of mates if they fancied it and got a swift no haha.

 

[arcticklein]

To answer your question, I always take some spare batteries for my main light, plus a completely separate headtorch. And a tiny keyring-style torch.

What's the plan for future trips? Are you going to join a club? Or get some training?

I will get myself a spare headlight, the keyring is a good idea too better to have as much back up as possible. I haven't really picked out any specific caves I'd like to visit yet. I'd be interested in approaching a club, would be nice to speak to some people with a good knowledge of caving and maybe meet some new comers like myself. Do you find it's better caving with a club?

 

[arcticklein]

Hi Arcticklein. Really hope you had a good time in Great Douk. Many cavers will cite this as one of their earliest trips, and some will have then gone on to have caving as a lifelong passion!

A few useful resources for you...

Safety:

Safety in Caves

Some advice on how to stay safe in the caves of our regions. Research, weather and knowing the capabilities of your group.

cncc.org.uk

Specifically in response to your question... always two totally independent, robust, fully charged, and for a wet cave, waterproof light sources, ideally one being helmet mounted. Robustness and redundancy is key. Also take note of the advice in the above link regarding setting a callout just in case the worst happens.

Conservation:

Cave Conservation

Most of the caves and potholes in the North of England have SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status, either for botanical, biological or geological in

cncc.org.uk

Other useful advice to help get you more involved in caving, including a list of clubs who accept less-experienced new members (a club is an excellent way to get involved in caving, although we know lots of people cave outside of clubs too):

New To Caving - You'll always remember your first steps underground...

Caves are a fascinating part of the great outdoors and their exploration is full of adventure. As with many activities there are risks. Good preparation and learning from the experience of others is key to caving safely.

newtocaving.com

Plus loads of cave access information, route descriptions and other advice on our website, covering caving in northern England and Scotland. If you haven't already see the following document for Great Douk:

https://cncc.org.uk/file/237d2e8a-ef23-2f9a-4ea5-af71052caefa

And...

Great Douk Cave

Access information and route description for Great Douk Cave (Chapel-le-Dale)

cncc.org.uk

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the detailed response. Will have a look over these pages you've provided.
It was a great day out really enjoyed it, looking forward to exploring more. I can see why people get hooked on it after being there for myself.

 

[mikem]

Most clubs have trips you can attend before joining up & CNCC have organised some new to caving events, although dates not yet available:

New to Caving

I'm interested, so what's the next steps? Getting started, training and how to take it further.

cncc.org.uk

 

[LadyMud]

although dates not yet available

They are now!

 

[mikem]

Still not on website, but are in today's newsletter linked in retrieve SRT thread

 

[alanw]

https://cncc.org.uk/training/ (but not yet on training/new-to-caving)

 

[CNCC]

Hi Alanw... our 'new-to-caving' website section is currently reserved for events aimed at providing a first-time-underground experience. This is part of the following initiative:

Host clubs wanted for new-to-caving events

Want to help inspire others to get involved in caving?

cncc.org.uk

The first event ran last week very successfully thanks to the Craven Pothole Club...

Our first New to Caving event

Successful First New to Caving Event.

cncc.org.uk

However, as yet we have not been contacted by any clubs/groups to volunteer to run further sessions. Therefore, no events are currently listed under the new-to-caving section of our website sadly. Hopefully this will change 🤞

 

[Pegasus]

Hi, was just wondering how many lights you should take with you when going in a cave alone? Went in Great Douk cave the other day, my first cave ever. Was really peaceful not a soul in sight but was only had one light with me and was alone so started to get anxious that my light might die or break from the water so didn't end up going right the way through. May go back this weekend to complete it fully.

...welcome to the forum. May your new found love of caving take you to some amazing places and introduce you to some fab cavers