Smeltmill Beck Cave + area (North Pennines)

[snebbit]

Hey guys,

On my way over the A66 yesterday I decided to stop by Smeltmill Beck Cave (on the small local access road coming down past North Stainmore) after reading the 'Memoirs of a Moldywarp' article here.

As I was in a bit of a rush I didn't have time for a thorough look around, I climbed over into the storm culvert running under the road which led to a very definitive-looking barrier just before a plunge down to a depression where I could hear running water, probably the cave resurgence.

Has anyone been recently (or ever)? I've read the description in NC before but can't recall any access info. Does anyone know an easier way to the entrance than the somewhat dodgy-looking cliff drop? And how wet is the entrance series?

Any information on the cave itself, or any other fairly easy noteworthy caves in the area would be much appreciated. I seem to remember reading about some others around Borrowdale Beck.

thanks
-snebbit

 

[dunc]

I don't recall the way down being overly difficult from that small road - that is certainly the best place to park as it's only a short walk!

The entrance series can be a tad chilly and damp (some people would say a wetsuit is nicer) - depends on water levels too I guess. Beyond it is pleasant and easy going for a fair distance, then there's some crawling and damper going near the end.

Only other caves that I've done that are nearby apart from Knock Fell Caverns, which is an entertaining outing, are at Stenkrith park, Kirkby Stephen - Angels Drainpipe and Devils Grinding Mill, both of which I would highly recommend. On a dry day...

 

[kay]

Access in NC, if I remember correctly,  is walking up from the farm - ie the long way round.

Easy access is to pick up the 'stream' as it comes out of the culvert and follow it down. Easy climb down of a few feet, not in the slightest bit dodgy, cave entrance is on your right. (if it's an actual stream, then Smeltmill Beck will probably be too wet). Entrance series when I've been in has been between shoulder height and chin height (but then I'm only 5ft 4). I've been glad of my neofleece. Others in the party who were in furries got cold and left before the end. Entrance series is trivially short compared with what's beyond, so don't let it put you off.

Tread carefully all around here - the wildflowers are stunning, so even if they're not your thing, watch where you put your feet and try not to cause any damage.

Smeltmill Beck is well worth doing, and is about a mile long. I'd also agree the Angels Drainpipe and Devil's Grinding Mill, on a dry, preferably sunny, day, although they're tiny by comparison.

 

[graham]

Smeltmill Beck is well worth doing, and is about a mile long.

Certainly is, though the water, about shoulder deep in the entrance when we did it, was bloody cold.

 

[JAA]

Of course the best trip in this area is Ellerbeck head cave where vast progress could be made if only local divers had the support........

 

[Getwet]

I would agree with all that's been said about smetltmill beck cave, access point etc. The entrance section is certainly wet, but as long as the weather is not wet its not a duck. There are some nice formations which are fairly unspoilt. Some on the tighter sections of passage towards the end are sharp and shred an oversuit nicely! I would agree its a cold cave.

On a solo trip once, I  paused in the entrance wallows to enjoy the gurgling noises and was rather alarmed to hear a distant rumble. At first I thought it must be a flood pulse heading my way, but after a few anxious moments I realised it was the noise of HGV`s overhead on the A66! Its certainly worth pausing for a listen in this area of the cave.

 

[Getwet]

Of course the best trip in this area is Ellerbeck head cave where vast progress could be made if only local divers had the support........

I have often thought of having a look into Ellerbeck Head Cave, its fairly local to me, but the "tight wet and very arduous" description have put me off a little! However If any local divers need support then let me know.

 

[diggerdog adam]

Good  cave well worth a trip *Warning* if your a larger caver take a old oversuit and gloves as some parts are very sharp

ive done the cave twice 1st time water to shoulders

2nd time splutter deep  Yes the waters cold but only short lived i seem to remember the way out from the water is about 2 o Clock but memory fades am i right?

 

[Getwet]

Yea, heading at 2 o'clock sounds about right from the entrance. There are other options that all seem converge after a few yards of crawling around in the water.

 

[mrodoc]

The only time I did it was when we had to struggle through a foot of snow to the entrance and yes it was extremely cold

 

[graham]

The only time I did it was when we had to struggle through a foot of snow to the entrance and yes it was extremely cold

They were 'ard in them days.

 

[Alex]

Despite being grade 2, be-warned with the exception of Sleets Gill Hyperthermia. On a day like today this is the coldest place on earth!

 

[Alex]

Well it was cold with just a furry.