Whalf Climbing Shaft - Safety Warning July 2026

[DCA]

Report received from local cavers "...we had a trip in wharf climbing shaft last night and it looks like one of the head sized blocks has come out of the pack wall right next to the first rebelay leaving it looking rather unstable - it looked like a relatively recent change."

DCA has now investigated this and think that some repairs are needed due to the potential instability of the remaining packwall. Caution is advised if you plan a visit, as a kick to the wrong wall could cause a rockfall.

We think some rock-mesh and a few metal stemples will secure this area, but will need time to action this repair. If anyone can offer DCA a section of flexible rock mesh, approximately 1m x 0.6m then please get in touch.
Pete Knight
DCA Projects

 

[georgenorth]

I can provide mesh if someone’s passing Tebay in Cumbria - I dare say there’ll be a more local offer though!

 

[Pete K]

I think we've sourced some locally now, but thankyou for the offer.

 

[owd git]

I've a little more time lately,when you have a plan call me.pm-ed no'.

 

[Pete K]

The necessary hardware for this fix is being sourced now but it might be a couple of weeks before any work can be done. Cavers should take great care if using the shaft in the mean time and DCA will update everyone when we have a work day in the diary.