Mistral to Cigalere streamway

[James Goldberg]

I've been doing a lot of research recently about southern Easegill because at some point I want to do a trip in Mistral however there are a few things I am slightly confused about. Is the hall of the mountain king the only way to enter the Cigalere streamway? and does it require SRT? Unfortunately that section of the cave is not included in the Pippikin, Link and Mistral survey that I have, and I am quite interested in seeing the grand cascade. Also is there a map of that section of Easegill? Because I can't seem to find one anywhere.

 

[samueld]

I think that should be covered by the new Sheet 5 of the RRCPC survey (available from RRCPC and Inglesport I believe).
I don't think you should need any SRT to get to the Cigalére streamway itself, and I think there's another route (perhaps via the main Pip streamway?) but having not been there myself that's as much as I can give confidently.
@Samouse1 should be able to confirm

 

[langcliffe]

I think that I have only entered it from the passage in the roof of the Pippikin streamway, on the true left. My memory is vague, though.

 

[James Goldberg]

I do have the sheet 5 of Easegill, however nothing south of hall of the ten is included. There also is something close to dusty junction called the grand cascade, is this the same one that's in the Cigalere streamway?

 

[Samouse1]

It's not covered by Sheet 5, but I believe it will be on sheet 6. No SRT required to get in there via HotMK or Pippikin streamway. HotMK route definitely easier navigationally, just drop down through the boulders at the bottom of the chamber, then follow the water upstream. It is a hell of a lot muddier though.

Pippikin streamway route involves climbing up in Ratbag and a short crawl before climbing back down in Leck Fell Lane, short distance away from a prominent bend in the streamway. It's a fine bit of passage to the Grand Cascade (which is on sheet 6, the Grand Cascade on sheet 5 appears to be in Misery Street)

 

[James Goldberg]

Thankyou, the two grand cascades were quite confusing. Out of curiosity do you know when sheet 6 will be released?

 

[Samouse1]

Of course, there is the other way to visit the Grand Cascade, from above via Bye George! This way does require SRT (and a bit of willpower to get through some squeezes).

Sheet 6 will be out when the wonderful folks at the RRCPC are happy with it and when the diggers stop poking new holes in Leck Fell!

 

[James Goldberg]

Unfortunately I am the completely incorrect build for Bye George, but hopefully I'll be able to go via the hall of the mountain king through Mistral, thanks for your help!

 

[Groundhog]

Unfortunately I am the completely incorrect build for Bye George, but hopefully I'll be able to go via the hall of the mountain king through Mistral, thanks for your help!

If you can find your way to The Hall of the Mountain King you'll have no trouble finding Cigalere.
Drop through the choke at the bottom of the Hall into Leck Fell Lane streamway.
Go upstream and shortly a cascade comes in from the right. This is Cigalere.
Going up the several entertaining cascades to The Grand will remove all the mud you have picked up on the way in.
Only to collect it all again on the way out!
Very good trip and no srt.

 

[James Goldberg]

The CNCC description of hall of the mountain king describes the pit with the cigalere streamway as quite intimidating, is it a particularly difficult climb/is there a correct way to approach it?

 

[Samouse1]

The CNCC description of hall of the mountain king describes the pit with the cigalere streamway as quite intimidating, is it a particularly difficult climb/is there a correct way to approach it?

From memory the worst bit the slippy mud, so taking care on it is the main thing? It's been a while since Ive been down it, but upwards it's a relatively straightforward boulder climb (with all the inherent risks of boulders possibly moving etc)

 

[langcliffe]

The 'orrible mud is probably the reason why we went via the alternative route.

 

[caving_fox]

The most important thing is be last one down the climb and first one back up. This way you can send the mud towards your teammates without being in quite so much risk of retaliatory action.

It's a very fine mud I'm sure good for skin and hair.

If you do have a mudfight there remember it's a long way back out, don't get it in the eyes, and make sure people can free their legs before you push them over - it has been quite deep.

 

[JAA]

For those with short legs the cigalere stream passage can be quite intimidating! The pools are deep. Trust me…

 

[mrodoc]

Nothing really to add but a photo of my daughter Sally in the Cigalere streamway.