Newbie giving it a go!

[Malconquer]

Hi all,
Just restarting out at the age of 50 (last caved as a teenager!).
Myself and my 2 grown sons are looking to explore this as a regular activity, I have bought the basic (helmets, lights, boots etc and am sourcing some oversuits). Had a test of the lights etc down at yordas cave which we thoroughly enjoyed as a day out (we are from Tyneside), next trip out is for Great Douk (when weather looks good).
Anyone have any other cave suggestions for us to build our confidence - to be transparent, I am 6ft and about 18.5 stones so I'm probably on the heavy side for serious caving!.
Thanks everyone - great forum here by the way!.

 

[Ian Ball]

Hi I'm 6'1 and 16 and a 1/2 stone, loads of caves out there for you and a fair decent amount near you, mines too if that's your thing.

Great Douk is ace. Also Sunset Hole and Hardrawkin Pot if you stay back from the big pitches when you get there. Give them an explore.

Sunset will need some tactics on the climbs but a boost from your boys will be all that's needed.

Upper Longchurn around at Selside, connecting to Lower Longchurn, Wilson's Cave and Borrins Moor I believe another are a great day out.

Have a look at the map and descriptions of caves on the CNCC site, might find things nearer you. I've yet to get to Smelt Mill Beck cave, but it looks a cracker!

CNCC Cave Map

All the caves of our region on one interactive map!

cncc.org.uk

 

[JAA]

Some good suggestions there!
I’d thoroughly recommend joining in with a friendly club too, Swaledale Outdoor Club have members from up your way and have regular trips to the dales. My old club and they’re a very welcoming bunch

 

[Malconquer]

Hi I'm 6'1 and 16 and a 1/2 stone, loads of caves out there for you and a fair decent amount near you, mines too if that's your thing.

Great Douk is ace. Also Sunset Hole and Hardrawkin Pot if you stay back from the big pitches when you get there. Give them an explore.

Sunset will need some tactics on the climbs but a boost from your boys will be all that's needed.

Upper Longchurn around at Selside, connecting to Lower Longchurn, Wilson's Cave and Borrins Moor I believe another are a great day out.

Have a look at the map and descriptions of caves on the CNCC site, might find things nearer you. I've yet to get to Smelt Mill Beck cave, but it looks a cracker!

CNCC Cave Map

All the caves of our region on one interactive map!

cncc.org.uk

Thanks for those suggestions Ian, I shall be looking over the maps for these and shall certainly have a crack at them 👍

 

[Malconquer]

Some good suggestions there!
I’d thoroughly recommend joining in with a friendly club too, Swaledale Outdoor Club have members from up your way and have regular trips to the dales. My old club and they’re a very welcoming bunch

Thanks JAA, I shall have a look into the 3 of us joining a club, am lucky that we are only a couple of hours away from the caving locations in Yorkshire 🙂

 

[Loki]

Thistle and runscar at ribblehead. Do all sections for the full tick! Dow cave is great value.

 

[Ian Ball]

There is a Try Caving event on Saturday November 5th at the Yorkshire Subterranean Society. That would be a great intro to a club.

Try Caving - Yorkshire Subterranean Society

Active core membership and superb accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales

yssuk.com

 

[Ian P]

Another “New to caving/ Try caving” day in February, (suitable for accompanied under 18’s)

New to caving - Try caving hosted by The Craven Pothole Club

Suitable for anyone who wants try caving and possibly take it up as a hobby. A chance to experience the incredible underground world of the Yorkshire Dales. Hosted by the Craven Pothole...

cncc.org.uk

Other training opportunities (again suitable for accompanied under 18’s)

CNCC Training

The CNCC has been providing training opportunities for northern cavers for over 50 years, helping to deliver skills ranging from first aid, conservation techniq

cncc.org.uk

It is a fantastic pastime you will have a great time (mostly!!) whatever size you are.

 

[Malconquer]

Another “New to caving/ Try caving” day in February, (suitable for accompanied under 18’s)

New to caving - Try caving hosted by The Craven Pothole Club

Suitable for anyone who wants try caving and possibly take it up as a hobby. A chance to experience the incredible underground world of the Yorkshire Dales. Hosted by the Craven Pothole...

cncc.org.uk

Other training opportunities (again suitable for accompanied under 18’s)

CNCC Training

The CNCC has been providing training opportunities for northern cavers for over 50 years, helping to deliver skills ranging from first aid, conservation techniq

cncc.org.uk

It is a fantastic pastime you will have a great time (mostly!!) whatever size you are.

Thanks Ian, I shall definitely look into this! - yes I am looking forward to getting into it all again!

 

[paul]

Another suggestion would be Valley Entrance to the pitch down to the stream and back just up the road from Yordas in Kingsdale.

 

[Malconquer]

Another suggestion would be Valley Entrance to the pitch down to the stream and back just up the road from Yordas in Kingsdale.

Thanks Paul, we are heading back down to yordas area soon so will scope this out.