Low Eglins Hole Blocked

[Getwet]

I tried to go do Low Eglins Hole, Nidderdale, this weekend and was disappointed to find it has been deliberately blocked with large boulders and a tree trunk.

While this cave is probably not a classic it seems such a shame, anyone know why this has been done?

 

[george]

Have you found anything out yet? Did you ask Stan of the Gorge while you were there? I'm up there again next week so will ask around. Also if 'Goydenman' reads this thread, he seems to be the local expert.

George

 

[Getwet]

No I didnt ask Stan, I was waiting to bump into him but didnt see him before we left. No other information.

 

[Goydenman]

First I have heard of this. I tend to fcous most of my time on the Manchester-New Goyden stretch. Ian Lawrence usually is in touch with what is happening at Howstean I will ask him. Asking Stan is a good idea if anyone is around.

 

[Goydenman]

Just got the following information from another club member:
The hole has been blocked by the farmer for a while with pallets. It has been possible to pull away the pallets get in have a trip and then replace them. I am not sure whether the stones and wood you mentioned is on top of the pallets or now been put there instead of the pallets. We believe Stan is trying to sort out access arrangements from the How Stean Gorge and likley cavers in the meantime jumping over the wall is not helping his efforts.

I will try and find out more information, in the meantime it might be a good idea to refrain from trips assuming Stan is organising access. Soon as I get to know more will let you know.

 

[george]

Spoke to Stan today, he insists that it's not blocked and also re-iterates that it's not on his land. Him and the land owner (who is not keen on caving) are discussing gating it and having the key available to suitable cavers. I didn't find any more out as this lead on to a ridiculous but funny discussion of what constituted a 'suitable caver'.
I guess if the land owner isn't keen then, like Goydenman says, it's best to stay away until something is sorted rather than risk future access.
Incidentally, I found an excellent 'geode' in Goyden which i've never seen before dispite it being in a blindingly obvious place!

George

 

[Getwet]

I suppose it depends on your definition of blocked. As I was on a planned solo trip at the time it was certainly blocked for me, but I guess a team of half a dozen strong men and a rope would have been able to move the tree trunk and the boulders would move without too much effort. As suggested, best stay away at present though.