Sleets Gill

[knuckledragger]

Can anyone enlighten me as to what the "Ramp" is at end of Sleets Gill? Various accounts including Northern Caves describe it as "impressive" but have never seen it myself. Have been through the Main Gallery on my first visit there and on my second trip doubled back in Hyperthermia Passage as the forecast wasnt brilliant and my head said turn around you daft b...ard. Is it similar to the entrance ramp?

 

[NigR]

Yes, it is well worth going there but wear a wetsuit and watch the water levels (sounds as though you are already aware of this).

 

[langcliffe]

A 6 m wide tunnel ascending at an angle of about 35 degrees for 150 metres to a height of 60 m The last 50 m is a lot bigger and well decorated. It terminates in a calcited boulder choke.

 

[knuckledragger]

cheers you two. So.. next question, being a bit of a geoligist, how was this formed? Phreatic lift? Very angled bedding plane? Fault? Have tried to work this out but theres a few possibilities I think. Anyway, comments welcome... P.S question 2 : Is it safe at the top of there if water is encountered on the return leg? (Providing i've got some spare batteries, some battered snickers bars, decent clothing etc) ? Again, comments welcome.

 

[NigR]

Is it safe at the top of there if water is encountered on the return leg? (Providing i've got some spare batteries, some battered snickers bars, decent clothing etc) ?

Er, yes it would be safe at the very top but you could end up spending an awfully long time there .

 

[Simon Beck]

A 6 m wide tunnel ascending at an angle of about 35 degrees for 150 metres to a height of 60 m The last 50 m is a lot bigger and well decorated. It terminates in a calcited boulder choke.

I recall been unable to comprehend the sight in front of me the first time i saw the ramp, seeing and climbing the ramp would be better refered to as science fiction than caving.

 

[knuckledragger]

Well I'm just gonna have to wait for a period of 'dry and settled weather' and go and have a look myself. Its fun enough just going down the entrance slope on yer belly.. Lot harder coming out!