Knotlow East level to Fourways question

[Brains]

On Sunday (15 Dec 19) we had a look at the East Level. The squeeze from the usual trade route to Waterfall Pitch is quite badly silted and needs clearing, and the ladder on the 8' climb has finally died. From the top of the climb we could hear the East Level stream flowing well and see it rushing into the coffin level. On closer inspection the cobble floor had about 10 to 15 cm of fast flowing water. We went in only a few feet to the first bend where I could turn around as the water was backing up over us in the coffin level crawl, those that backed out said it was over their kidneys, and once I managed to turn round it was over my elbows and up to my chest. I stopped it getting worse by twisting myself to let the flow past.
The guide says the level is 380m long to the junction with Crimbo Pipe, that connects to the coffin level downstream of Fourways (about 300') that in turn leads to the 210 (about 500').
The guide describes Crimbo Pipe from Rift Chamber up to East Level as "fierce" and bouldery crawling with squeezes and ducks...

So we plan a return in dry weather but, the question!
How tight are the squeezes, how desperate the ducks? I can pass the narrows in Nettle easily, and Bar Pot is a squirm. The Vice in Giants is doable. I am XL to XXL in shirts and not barrel chested.
Will I get through in dry kit or neoprene if needed, will I drown, is it best going downhill in Crimbo Pipe or up?
Who has been there, done that and got the T shirt?
Thanks
B

 

[Rob]

Very little info on here about Crimbo Pipe so thought i'd answer this post for any people interested in the future, we we got the T-shirt this week.

Firstly the East Level is defs not 380m, i could believe 380' which is maybe what you meant...

Crimbo Pipe is not particularly tight anywhere, more just a bit awkward in places where it's flatout crawling over sharp boulders. I think most body sizes should get through as long as you have some flexibility. A tackle bag is annoying. I'm not convinced either direction would be much different, but going clockwise means you have one less pitch to prussick....

I can't comment on the wetness firsthand as it is currently totally dry (definitely the time to do it!). However my understanding is that if it's flowing at all then it is pretty desperate. I can believe this, as a few vertical narrow sections would be totally in the flow, and the ducks would be miserable. In very wet weather i'd be surprised if it doesn't sump in multiple places.

Brill round (square) trip though, especially if you chuck in Crimbo Swallow!!!