Hunters Lodge Inn Sink - Where has all the water gone!

[Razzerip1]

A Thursday evening trip to this fine cave under the Hunters Lodge Inn, I was surprised how many people have not visited the cave which is much larger than people might think!
The cave is split into three obvious sections, The upper levels contain some fine formations and the lower levels 1 x 15m ladder contains a water filled traverse and a large Aven.

The upper level contains many Prehistoric bones so great care must be taken.
The ladder climb to the lower level is always good fun, the initial squeeze and then a turn midway, we always life line the ladder as it is no quick climb.
We were planning on taking some pictures around the water and were disappointed to find it had all drained away, a possible new muddy dig site perhaps!

Above the traverse minus the water.

The rest of the party climbed the Aven and back down into the chamber.
It would be interesting to know if the water has drained away before.

A trip soon to be repeated,

The below link tells the complete story and is well worth reading.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/extra/series-1/Caves/index.shtml

 

[Peter Burgess]

The water was there in February! Has it been so dry since then? It has been pretty dry in the South East.

 

[anfieldman]

That is very surprising Steve. I've been there four or five times now as it is one of my favorite caves on Mendip and the traverse over the water is one bit I really enjoy. When you look down into this water it is usually very clear but looks very black as if it is really deep in one spot. Had the water disappeared out of this also and if so how deep did the shaft look?
Nice pictures once again.

 

[Razzerip1]

At its deepest point probably 2 meters from the previous water level, you can see a cavity below this, it now resembles a boulder choke.
It looks like something gave way and the whole lot went as the mud is saturated.
It would be worthwhile taking another look for some second opinions.

 

[anfieldman]

At its deepest point probably 2 meters from the previous water level, you can see a cavity below this, it now resembles a boulder choke.
It looks like something gave way and the whole lot went as the mud is saturated.
It would be worthwhile taking another look for some second opinions.

Thanks for the info. I'd love to go again soon to check it out.

 

[eastwater]

Hi I went down last night and looked at the old dig  where we useto pump the water out .
The water levels are very low was quite surrprised to see it as normaly you are greated with the sump and digging skips bobbing about on the top of the water  .  its a lovley bit of cave very different to the rest
of the cave very sharp and clean similar to eastwater in places with all the sharp bits in the right places  . this is one of my favourate parts of this cave with a lovly little rope climb twards the end and that cracking flat out bit before wriggleing up and over the top  at the end .

Mad Fi