Recommend me some local trips to do.

[Paul Smith]

Evening all,

I've after some recommendations on local (Mendip/Bath) trips to do, that aren't gated/locked, I'm not after really tight stuff or anything particularly technical from a rope work point of view.

I'm currently not that interested in the faff that is trying to get hold of keys (not that there seems to be much information on exactly where to get keys from anyway), but I am enjoying going adventuring relatively near to home!

So far in the last couple of weeks I have visited the following:
Coaley/Uley Rift Cave
Jackdaw Quarry Cave
Aveline's Hole
GoatChurch
Swan Mine
Box Mine via the Back door and Cathedral.
East Twin Swallet down to connection.
Had a look in both Lionel's Hole (didn't fancy the tight squeezes to leave the main entry chamber) and Sidcot Swallet (again put off again after descending about 10 metres due to the narrowness)

And in the past have done various trips down both slate and metal mines in North Wales as well as an early-ish (2004) through trip on Titan to Peak Cavern.

 

[rhychydwr1]

I can recomend Sandford Levvy

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/Mines/Sandford-Levvy-Lead-Mine_14891/

 

[Les W]

Lots of information on access to caves on the CSCC website, including how to get the keys.

http://cscc.org.uk

As to recommendations, well it would help if you gave us more info on your abilities, but looking at the caves you have already visited I would suggest maybe Swildons Hole or Drunkards Hole. Given that you say you have been through to Titan, I would perservere with the keys and visit some of the other Mendip Caves such as GB, Longwood (though if squeezes are an issue then perhaps not) or perhaps Stoke Lane Slocker (in settled weather...). If you don't mind getting red then Compton Martin Ochre Mine is a nice little trip...

 

[Paul Smith]

Thanks for the recommendations so far guys.

Les, what sort of information do you want to know with regards to my abilities? With regards to Ropework, I hold my MIA and run various Mountain Training awards such as the SPA, CWA, likewise climbing/scrambling is not really an issue. Navigation, again I'm pretty happy, but will admit to having to restart from the Back Door of Box mine three times due to getting disorientated, before I finally managed to 'start' to understand the survey.

I can't find the bit on getting access to the keys to CSCC padlocks on the CSCC website, I had a look the other day and again just but to no avail, but I do like the access notes page.

 

[Duncan S]

I've been introduced to Mendip over the last 10 months and I'll offer a big +1 to Les's suggestions.

Swildons is a notable omission from your list. Plenty of decent round trips above the ladder on the 20.
If you can borrow a ladder the streamway down to Sump 2 is fantastic; still my favourite caving trip in the area.

 

[Les W]

Unfortunately you will need to know the name of the cave you wish to visit and then put that into the access guide..
Maybe an issue if you don't actually know the name. 
Try searching for "CSCC caves" and the access guide will offer you the general access for ALL CSCC controlled sites...
Equally try "Charterhouse" to find out about all Charterhouse Caving Co. sites...

Other sites that are locked, such as Tynings, St Cuthberts, Upper Flood, and Bone Hole have their own pages.
Also a copy of Mendip Underground will give the procedures at the time of going to press, although these should be cross checked with the CSCC site to ensure you have the latest info.

 

[Paul Smith]

Thanks Les. I've got a copy of the latest Mendip Underground - arrived last Friday, but was working in the Peak District for the weekend and haven't had much of a chance to have a read of it.

Is there on any news on the 'Wiltshire and Bath Underground - an explorers guide' that is mentioned in it? Haven't been able to find much out about it.

 

[Les W]

Is there on any news on the 'Wiltshire and Bath Underground - an explorers guide' that is mentioned in it? Haven't been able to find much out about it.

I believe it is still being compiled...

 

[Cookie]

Unfortunately you will need to know the name of the cave you wish to visit and then put that into the access guide..

Top Tip. Leave the search box empty and click the search button. It'll list all 200 odd entries.

 

[Paul Smith]

Top Tip. Leave the search box empty and click the search button. It'll list all 200 odd entries.

That would produce 200 options to go through and find the un-gated ones. Now I'm after recommendations as you lot know the systems better than I do, where do you think I should visit Cookie?

 

[JoshW]

few trips up at burrington that are good for a wander around, with some climbs and squeezes but nothing to taxing.

Rods Pot
Sidcot Swallet (to the top of the lobster pot - down it if you're not a total FB)
Pierre's Pot

EDIT: took out Sidcot after your comment about tightness (it's not actually that tight)

If Sidcot was too tight then potentially the entrance to Rod's would put you off, but perseve it does open out.

 

[mikem]

Hi Paul

CSCC key is available from most clubs, I can sort you out with one.

Mike

(Note to others - I do know Paul)

 

[Paul Smith]

Thanks for the recommendations guys.

Mike thanks for the offer, I was going to pop by the centre next time I'm down that way. Probably a week or so, as I'm off to the Peak to run a SPA before heading to North Wales to run a BCU Level 1 course.

 

[PeteHall]

Plenty of good suggestions here, but my best advice if you're wanting to do some Mendip caving would be to join a Mendip caving club.

It's much easier to recommend trips over a beer, with people you've been caving with than just throwing out a load of random cave names over the internet. 

 

[Paul Smith]

Well I've been down Swildons Hole as far as Sump 1 now. Thanks to Duncan for the guiding. I owe you a couple of pints!

A few photos from the trip are here - https://www.facebook.com/rockandwateradventures/posts/1099222513451981

 

[Duncan S]

Fantastic photos - came out amazingly well.
Shame there isn't one of Rebecca being baptised as a Son Of Mendip; that was a classic moment!
Good trip last night topped off by a Cheese & Onion Roll and a pint at the Hunters' - perfect

Sump 2 next time or a different cave?

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Hi Paul. I think most of us dont consider its a faff to get keys for caves. Generally they are locked to protect them from damage. Take a look at Goatchurch if you want an unlocked cave but beware the smell of piss in The Dining Room. Most of the better caves on Mendip have an access arrangement. Fairy Cave Quarry, GB Cave, Reservoir Hole, St Cuthberts. If you want to see the best of underground Mendip join a local club. You get the liability cover too.

 

[Paul Smith]

I was out underground yesterday at another new venue, to me at least. Can you guess where went? https://www.facebook.com/rockandwateradventures/photos/pcb.1104337306273835/1104337289607170/?type=3&theater