Just moved to Derbyshire

[Deepfrog]

Hi,

I just moved to Derbyshire, am a keen hiker and did a little rock climbing when I was younger. Now, I would really like to try caving. I did some serious Google searches and came to the conclusion...that it was all very confusing.

Between the fancy outdoor activities websites and caving instructors that won't give you a price range online (and are probably too expensive anyway), and the clubs that sound like serious professional affairs, I must say I'm a bit at a loss where to start.

So, to sum it up: if I want to go and explore some caves, say, in April, along with a friendly bunch of people, who do I call?

Thanks.

 

[Stu]

http://www.trycaving.co.uk/

Bit of a plug for this.

Many clubs in based in/around Derbyshire e.g. Masson, TSG (Castleton based), Orpheus, Crewe plus some more obscure ones.

http://w01-0504.web.dircon.net/pdc/caveclub.htm

Call or email (remember they are clubs and not pro's so sometimes emails can take a day or two to be replied to). I live in Sheffield but am a member of YSS (Dales based) but the club has an active core of Derbyshire based cavers, so widen the net maybe.

 

[AndyF]

Whereabouts in Derbyshire are you.... ??

A local club to where you are would be probably the best place to begin with...

Andy

 

[Deepfrog]

Thanks for answering my posts and sorry it took so long to get back to you (Easter Holidays abroad!!!)
I live in Creswell, east of Chesterfield, near Worksop.

I'm going to check this list of clubs and send some emails. 

 

[paul]

Well, I admit I'm biased, but I would recommend considering the Orpheus Caving Club!

Do contact a few different clubs as you may prefer one to another. Some are more amenable to relative beginners/novices than others and some prefer more experienced newcomers.

It may be worth considering whether the club has a hut (only Orpheus and TSG in Derbyshire do) if you like the idea of having somewhere to stay at the weekend. I only live 15 minutes from the Orpheus hut but often stay - especially when there's a beer barrel around...

 

[MDS]

Well, I admit I'm biased, but I would recommend considering the Orpheus Caving Club!..........

Well! of course I'd have to agree wouldn't I!!!! 

 

[Deepfrog]

So are Orpheus, amenable to newbies, would you say? Also, will I need to buy some equipment straight away?
Thanks a lot for your advices.

 

[paul]

So are Orpheus, amenable to newbies, would you say? Also, will I need to buy some equipment straight away?
Thanks a lot for your advices.

Sure - in the short term we can usually lend enough equipment for a simple caving trip. Contact secretary[at]orpheuscavingclub.org.uk for more information.

 

[tubby two]

Caving clubs are neither professional nor serious, don't worry. You should be able to find a club thats more like a group of friends with a similar interest like... going caving together. They should also be quite happy to take you on some simple trips first without joining or buying any expensive equipment to know wether you like it or not, and wether you want to join and do more.

And if you don't find a club you like, try another!

The only danger is that you might enjoy it....

tt.