CAUTION!... and help needed in Rowter Hole

[Mark R]

It has come to my attention that the old electron ladder in the Icecream Trail in Rowter Hole has finally given up the ghost and partially snapped. Firstly, please be aware if planning a trip that this is now an extremely dangerous hazard and the lack of ladder will make exiting much, much harder.
Secondly I believe the ladder may have been left in place- obviously it needs removing and scrapping immediately so if anyone can do a trip down there to get it back straight away please speak up! (I can’t).
Mark

[Mark R]

SUSS to the rescue, they will bring it out today.

[owd git]

wot length  electron Mark ?I have possible replacement, not often used. can donate.OG

[pwhole]

Isn't it possible to rig it with something less perishable than an electron ladder? If one's snapped, surely another also will? A couple of stainless Via Ferrata staples resined in to the wall at the right spot perhaps? We've got some 8mm 7 X 7 strand 316 stainless cable too, if that can be fashioned into 'something'.

[Mark R]

SUSS COULDNT REMOVE THE LADDER due to rusted maillon so it’s still there. Anyone else heading down please say so.

[Tangent_tracker]

Isn't it possible to rig it with something less perishable than an electron ladder? If one's snapped, surely another also will? A couple of stainless Via Ferrata staples resined in to the wall at the right spot perhaps? We've got some 8mm 7 X 7 strand 316 stainless cable too, if that can be fashioned into 'something'.

Sounds a good idea does that Phil, those ladders are horrendous to use. I take my hat off to people who find them easy!

@Mark we have a chap in our club who has all the gear to repair electrons?

I would consider recovering as well so whoever does update this thread :-)

[Tangent_tracker]

SUSS COULDNT REMOVE THE LADDER due to rusted maillon so it’s still there. Anyone else heading down please say so.

Just thought to ask Mark, is it the second or first ladder?

[Mark R]

It’s the second (10m) ladder. The first short one was replaced with cord a long time ago.

[Tangent_tracker]

It’s the second (10m) ladder. The first short one was replaced with cord a long time ago.

With you suggesting it's the second ladder mark I will need a willing volunteers shoulder to stand on LOL

Anyway, if anyone is prepared to realise Phil's idea above I am prepared to help lug gear down and back and help out 

[pwhole]

These are what I mean - we've already installed some in one site as an alternative to ropes or ladders (it's doable as a free-climb, but much safer done like this), and will be fitting the rest soon. You'd probably only need one on each wall as I remember from my single visit!

http://www.bolt-products.com/ViaFerrataEquipment.htm

[Simon Wilson]

We installed some stainless steps in Notts Pot and I have some extra ones in my loft.

[alastairgott]

The ladder has been flipped, the bottom is now the top.

It's been fixed (temporarily)

Thanks mark, mark, mark, tom, and the badgers for a great trip.


We got into Sunrise, a truely bloody awesome place.

[MarkS]

Mark and I finally removed the offending ladder on Sunday. We have not left anything in its place but the accompanying hand-line remains. There are no immediate plans to install any additional fixed aids.

For those very familiar with the drop, it is feasible to free-climb it with care, but a ladder (or belay) would seem sensible for anyone unfamiliar with it or with novices in the group. Sustaining any significant injury at that point would be seriously problematic.

[A_Northerner]

So when will the via ferrata staples be put in? 

[Ethel.Bangrod]

So when will the via ferrata staples be put in? 

All materials and labor in Derbyshire has been diverted to Longcliffe pending the installation of a Stanna stairlift

[Tseralo]

So when will the via ferrata staples be put in? 

All materials and labor in Derbyshire has been diverted to Longcliffe pending the installation of a Stanna stairlift

We will need a bigger helicopter to get that up there!

[A_Northerner]

So when will the via ferrata staples be put in? 

All materials and labor in Derbyshire has been diverted to Longcliffe pending the installation of a Stanna stairlift

We will need a bigger helicopter to get that up there!

Is that an acquisition order you're putting in there? The Gods of UKCaving may yet provide.

[alastairgott]

Just need a proximity sensor for the gate to open on arrival and boot up a sound system for a fanfare.

[Tseralo]

Just need a proximity sensor for the gate to open on arrival and boot up a sound system for a fanfare.

FFS dont give Phill and Scott any more ideas!

[A_Northerner]

Just need a proximity sensor for the gate to open on arrival and boot up a sound system for a fanfare.

Proximity sensor with RFID that's implanted in all TSG members so only you guys can get down there? 

[alastairgott]

Nah, any visitors to the hut will have the matrix style bug implanted. (The one in the first matrix that crawls around the skin)

[Tseralo]

Nah, any visitors to the hut will have the matrix style bug implanted. (The one in the first matrix that crawls around the skin)

Nope Nope Nope, im out! Sam can I join the Eldon please?

[pwhole]

I'm watching my bank of IR camera monitors now...