MCG Log - Trips and Digs

 

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  • Mike Moxon (Tuesday, August 05 25 08:25 am BST)

    Stainsby's 4/7/25 Ed ford and Mike Moxon met at hut 5.15pm and left for cave about 5.30. We tidied up pile of full bags at bottom of 2nd haul, then Ed went on his front into the new connection and started digging his way through. I followed on my back, but initial U bend was at my limit, so I lifted loose rock ahead from left onto pile on right, then widened the depression by backfilling Ed's original dig down the right side of the offending boulder. I filled one empty bag that I found buried at this point. By this time Ed had got through to the chamber and took several photos and video (about 6.30pm - see his MCG Facebook post), and he started digging back towards me from the other end. This allowed me to get through and I took various photos (now on Facebook - some impressive timber stemples left from the 1840s and more recent mud formations) between 7.30 and 8pm, whilst Ed had a brief dig under the furthest stemple, at the top of the continuing miners' level, where a small hole, noted yesterday by the others, was draughting well. We then headed back, moving 4 bags from just before breakthrough point (similar number still there), back to the bottom ladder, plus all the bags from further along the passage. Including those awaiting the sloping haul there must be 20 bags still to come out, plus a load of rocks along the bottom passage, before it'll be more accessible to rest of team.

  • Becks Vials (Sunday, February 23 25 10:48 am GMT)

    Trip Report: A Journey Through Ogof Draenan
    Date: 22/02/2025
    Becks Vials Kay Matthews Dave Cook Nikki Paterson John Sheehy Johann Wilsker.

    Getting to the Nunnery Entrance involved an adventurous approach—scaling down the muddy, treacherous cliffside leading to the entrance nestled on the rock face. The recent rain had made the descent slick, requiring care to avoid an unexpected slide.
    The entrance series consisted of a mixture of tight crawls and low passages, which eventually opened into Midnight Chamber, a large, dark void that provided a good resting point. The chamber's towering walls and high ceiling gave us a moment to appreciate the sheer scale of Draenan’s hidden world.
    Navigating onward, we reached the Fireplace. Continuing along, we encountered the Snowball, a passage with a striking white calcite deposit resembling a snowball.
    We progressed into Rift Passage, a long, narrow corridor with sharp walls. The Bold step traverse loomed ahead—an intimidating traverse over a void, requiring both nerve and technique. The Traverse Line here offered a degree of security, but the exposure still made for an exciting challenge.
    Past the rift, we made our way through a winding crawling route leading into the aptly named SDRR (Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll) and Pillars. (Maybe not exactly in that order ??)
    At this stage, we had covered a fair bit of ground, and made our way into the The Last Sandwich which was around 500m (according to Dave) of crawling and flat out thrutching which encouraged a world of sounds coming out of the team and a few cave tattoos (bruises) to take home .
    We pressed on towards Circus Maximus, a vast chamber with impressive formations and an eerie stillness. Beyond lay the Unnamed Chamber, a lesser-known yet equally striking space, where we paused to take in the atmosphere.
    With time pressing on, we retraced our steps, tackling each obstacle in reverse, including the Bold traverse and the grueling crawls. Popping out the cave just before the sun went down gave us a stunning view of sugar loaf mountain. The final challenge was climbing the muddy cliff back out—a fittingly exhausting end to an incredible underground adventure.

  • Becks Vials (Saturday, October 19 24 02:56 pm BST)

    19/10/2024 Becks Vials, Hairie Tahir, Bala and Aisha, A Malaysian Caving Adventure : Gua Tempurung sections 1-4.
    My visit to one of the largest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia, spanning nearly 4.5 kilometers with 3 Malay caving companions.

    1. Golden Flowstone (Section 1)
    We entered in the 'show cave' section seeing massive flowstone formations, a highlight of Gua Tempurung's geology. These smooth, rippling rock surfaces are golden under the right lighting, giving the area its name. The temperature here is relatively cool for Malaysia around 24-26°C, but compared to Mendip Caving I was very hot. Stalactites and stalagmites are plentiful, giving you a taste of the cave’s natural beauty.

    2. Top of the World (Section 2)
    As we ascended into this section, the difficulty increased slightly and the excitement grew. The climb up to the "Top of the World" point required us to scramble over rocks and through narrow spaces. We pass several impressive formations, including flowstones and curtains. Spiders were replaced by crickets and a huge root of bats flew around the chambers ceiling. Next chamber on, the ceiling dips, requiring careful navigation through tighter passages with a welcome streams to cool down in.

    3. Gergasi (Section 3)
    Known as the "Giant Cavern" (Gergasi), this area is filled with enormous rock formations and large columns. Me and Hairie our lead particularly enjoyed the challenge as it involves crawling through small passages and navigating some areas where water flows more freely. We were crawling on all fours through shallow streams, with the cave walls closing in. The temperature droped in these water-filled sections, sometimes making it feel like 22-24°C, with a few points where you must squeeze through ducks, adding to the thrill here.

    4. The River Adventure (Section 4)
    The final section took us through the underground river. Here the real adventure began. We waded through waist-deep water and at times fully submerge ourselves, to pass through low-hanging rock formations. The sound of flowing water echoes throughout the chamber. You have to use your hands to guide yourself through some parts as the strong river current picks up. The experience was exhilarating.

    5. Respite in the Jungle
    After completing the river adventure, we took an exit into the surrounding jungle. The humidity outside is a sharp contrast to the cool cave air. This rest area offered a chance to relax and dry off while surrounded by tropical foliage and the sounds of the rainforest. The jungle trail led us back offering a chance to reflect on the amazing journey I spent in this beautiful Malaysian cave with new friends.

    Becks Vials x

  • Various (2021-2022) (Monday, September 23 24 10:43 pm BST)

    David Lossl 18/10/21
    Anyone fancy a rapid trip to the Black hole series tomorrow Tues 19th. We would need to meet at 6.30 on Priddy Green, changed and ready to go. I will bring the kit. There is a very bold step across the black hole...not for the faint hearted! Cows tails or 2 slings needed. Max me plus 3. [Don’t think it actually happened until 9th Nov, as forecast was pretty wet]

    Neil Jackson 7/11/21 Cavefest
    A few [videos on FB group] from the weekend and our trip to GB
    Take note of the communication between Bill and Mark on the pitch climb.

    David Lossl 11/11/21 CHRISTMAS CLUB WEEKEND [pics on FB group]
    3rd to 5th December. Friday evening trip... Longwood/August. 5 places.
    Sat trip....Upper Flood to Neverland. 3 places plus a trainee Warden. Other trips will be available.
    Sat Evening...., Christmas meal. Complete with Secret Santa. Contact Nicky Pearce to book.
    You can join in for caving or just the Christmas Dinner. Stay overnight or go home....or let your fate be determined by your level of alcohol consumption.
    12/11/21 Great news....Julie Hesketh and Bill Chadwick have offered to take trips down Upper Flood on Sat 4th Dec so ....***6 more places now available ***
    Never been to Neverland? This is a great opportunity to see this phenomenal cave.

    Neil Jackson 15/11/21
    The next Weekendwildness vid is out Wednesday.
    Here is a short clip starring a few of the MCG members who took part and provided such great subjects to film [on FB group] 18/11 The finished product https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwDUvu6XDyM
    Thanks to Bill, Mark, Dave and Dave

    Dave Cook & Neil Jackson 18/11/21
    Anyone wanna do waterwheel this evening

    Becky Vials and Chris Barrington 17/11/21 Hunters Hole Pt2 [report already on here but photos can be found on FB group]

    David Lossl 20/11/21
    The Log for Stainby's and Waterwheel is now in the tackle store in a folder. The Log for Upper Flood is in the charging area cupboard in the hut. Please make sure you log all trips in these systems as it is a condition of access arrangements with the landowners. Cheers!

    Becky Vials , David Lossl , Tim Cockle 23/11/2021 GB Cave [report already on here, photos on FB group].

    Leigh Slomer 27/12/21 Trip to the frozen river in OFD 2 today. [photos in FB group]

    Mark Edwards 14/01/22 Anyone fancy a upper flood trip tomorrow ? One space available?

    Mark Edwards 16/01/22 So ! Who's up for Caving this Tuesday evening? I was thinking GB ?

    David Lossl 25/02/22 Upper flood. Tourist trip to Neverland tomorrow, Sat. Room for 1 trainee warden. meeting at 10.0.0

    Becks Vials , Mike Moxon , James Wilfred Harrison , Robin Harris. 01/03/2022 Shatter Cave [report already on here, but photos are on FB group]

    Mark Edwards 14/03/22 Hello I will be doing newbie trip to swildons tomorrow as well as ladder rigging practice,at 20 .

    Becks Vials and Chris Barrington - 20/03/2022 Charterhouse Cave [report already on here, but photos are on FB group]

    Mark Edwards 28/03/22 I am doing newbie swildons upper tommorow evening ,people are welcome to join me or organise there own trip

    Dan Mstthews [& others] 4/4/22 Excellent agm weekend. Few photos from the daytime activities. [& dinner at Mendip Inn]

    David Lossl Club weekend. Sat 7th May 2022. Short Round trip in Swildons. Any takers? These days it's a dry weather trip as the mud sump closes easily, so a good time to go.

    Becks Vials Wessex Challenge 3/7/2022.... First set of pics ( Chris Barrington upload the rest please... ) [several sets of photos on FB group]
    Mike Moxon The shepton won...
    Jackie Bishop so we will have change of venue next year then. Yay! They’re a bit scrubby at BEC lol

    Mark Edwards 02/08/22 So this weekend is club weekend,there will be caving,digging ,bbq,talk about bats [by Chris Barrington]
    I am doing newbie trip swildons Saturday am, maybe up for something more advanced Saturday after 3pm?Or Sunday?

    Mark Edwards 08/08/22 I will be doing another swildons newbie trip on Tuesday meeting 630 at hut

    Mark Edwards 12/08/22 Anyone fancy a refreshing round trip on Sunday meet at hut 1030am?

  • Tim Cockle (Monday, September 23 24 10:39 pm BST)

    Tim Cockle is with Chris Barrington and Becks Vials.
    ·
    Wednesday 4th Jan 2023 - Sludge Pit Hole
    It was insisted that I wrote the report… This is how I remember it.
    Chris was feeling bullish and insisted on being the leader – I think he had been getting excited about the new series of The Apprentice.
    The plan was to go to Sludge Pit and try out the new link between Shale and Tributary.
    We got to the cave around 19:00.
    Chris took us down Shale, past the new turn off which we only realised as we hit the crossroad. No one criticised Chris leadership skills. Chris didn’t blame the quality of the map at all.
    We went down through the triple arch across four pots and attempted in the other (much simpler to find) route.
    As we headed into a very muddy dig, mentioning no names, there was some questioning if the dig team had heard of bags and removal of spoil.
    Given the amount of spoil that Becks kicked down at me she has now claimed to have supported the dig.
    Becks made the observation that Chris looked like he had had an trouser accident – not hear exact words.
    Anyway – Mission Objective achieved we took a spin through Aragonite rift to the exit. Amazingly finding two other parties had come down since we entered – Wednesday night must be Sludge night.
    We went on to the Hunters, Chris looked like he needed a crisp banquet. We went for one of each for Salted, Salt and Vinegar, Ham and Beef with a second round of the Ham which Chris was particularly keen on. This is despite the fact that the first to go was the Beef – however notably the beef was also closest to Chris and probably just an indication that he was seeking to minimise how far he had to reach.
    The Pot Holer was excellent.
    The Christmas décor was up and gave a very cheery feel and the main bar being so full we had to sit in the side room.

    Chris Barrington [replied]
    It was a nice trip with some lovely friends and Tim....
    Tim missed out the best bit. we rigged with just a rope only to come back and find both Cheddar and Wessex had turned up and rigged with ladders and ropes and all sorts. I've said next time we rig it with Baling Twine becuase it will be good for our reputation. 😎🦖

  • Dave Cook (Monday, September 23 24 10:37 pm BST)

    7/12/22 Great trip down sludge pit last night a quick 3 hours.
    Mark Edwards ,Matty Dredge ,Newbie Owen and myself.
    Did the new muddy connection and down to the bottom of Skeleton passage.

  • Linda Milne (Monday, September 23 24 10:27 pm BST)

    Fantastic Christmas dinner! With Santa and pressies and everything 🤩.
    Thanks Jackie for all your efforts. Thanks also to the teams on tables, chairs and washing up. It all came together perfectly on the night. Secret Santa was hilarious! [photos on FB group by various people]

  • Jackie Bishop (Monday, September 23 24 10:23 pm BST)

    MCG Christmas Dinner update
    Only 2 more sleeps until our party! Please wear your Christmas clobber!
    I will be arriving on Friday afternoon and would appreciate some help with peeling all the veggies in the evening.
    The fridge will be out of bounds so make sure you bring a cool bag or something and leave outside. I'll bring enough milk for everyone.
    Also, once you've had your breakfast on Saturday morning, please wash up your dishes and then stay out of the kitchen - i will be using both ovens and most of the hobs.
    Looking forward to our fun and frolics!! x
    [previous post]
    Well places have been quickly taken! here's a list of those who have paid and are attending this year's Christmas Dinner Delights at MCG.
    Jackie & Julian
    Bill Chadwick
    Keith Knight
    Mark Edwards V
    Brian Snell
    Ben Cooper
    Kay Matthews V
    Russ Porter
    Lisa Gibson
    Jason Cardwell Kirby
    Tim Francis
    David Lossl V
    Doug Harris & Angela
    Mike Moxon
    Alan Allchorn
    Charlotte Dawes
    Becks Vials
    Daniel Matthews
    Edward Ford
    Stephen Church
    Linda Milne V & Jane Baldwin
    Dave Cook
    Peat Bennett & Caroline
    Chris Barrington
    David Mcg
    Kat Rosier
    If you are vegetarian and don't see a V against your name, please let me know, so that we can cater for you. That also goes for any allergies (i'll do my best not to poison anyone)
    Looking forward to seeing you all soon! x

  • Tom Harrison (Monday, September 23 24 10:19 pm BST)

    23/11/22 Stainsby's Dig Update
    https://youtu.be/FqQcdBq7rVQ

  • Mike Moxon (Monday, September 23 24 10:09 pm BST)

    19/11/22 Digging awards - no entries from Scotland, so in 3rd place Mike Kushy at White Rabbit Hole / Tuska's Last Dig with about 100m, 2nd Trevor Hughes at stock hill mine cave, bit over 250m & this year's winners were the youths of the shepton in home close hole, just under 500m. Each did a presentation, along with Pete glanvill on their mine shaft / adit in the quantocks (that plus 3rd can also be found on ukcaving)

  • Matty Dredge (Monday, September 23 24 10:04 pm BST)

    6/11/22 Really enjoyed the introduction to leading course this weekend, can't wait for the next installment. Thanks John 🙂

    Mark Edwards [previous post]
    NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCTION TO SAFE, SELF LEAD CAVING TRIPS
    2 day workshop 5th and 6th Nov 2022, based at MCG 1000- 1700 for MC
    John Crowsley a professional cave instructor also a member of MCG is offering this course
    The workshop is aimed at new members who are also new to caving. There is a programme including preparation, rope work, weather & flooding, cave formation, conservation, survey interpretation, dealing with emergencies and more. However the idea is to expand on participants existing knowledge, so the amount of time spent on each topic will depend on the current skill level of the group. Most of the activities will be practical and I will endeavour to make sure they are not intimidating for a beginner. It will be fine to say no and sit out any particular activity.
    The best number of participants would be 6. Participants will need to book your place. This can be done as soon as you like but must be done by 1st Nov 2022 if you want to join in. The workshop is free but participants will need to supply all their own food, Personal kit and pay hut fees. It may be possible to borrow some kit if you have none. There is no certification of attendance and no requirement for new members to attend, it is merely a chance to share best practice
    Please let me know Mark Edwards Caving Sec on the Mcg facebook group or via my email on MCG website, if you would like to attend, if there is more than 6 ,I will make a waiting list

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 10:00 pm BST)

    6/11/22 Hi all little update stainbys dig had some good progress thanks to Tim and Bill Chadwick Saturday we headed down to tern the winch round and re-bolt it we had sume success but the bolts we replaced did not work so I will cem fix them in but on a more existing note Tim and Bill continued after I left and Bill broke through the floor of the dig head to find a passeg they stuft Tim in up to he's shoulders and he reported that there is plenty of room I'll live Tim and Bill to fill in the blanks but needless to say I'm gutted I mist it by 5mins but vary keen to get back down next club weekend. A big push would be really good if any one can help that would be amazing [photos on FB group]

    Bill Chadwick [replied]
    Saturday saw Tim, Jason and myself going to work in "Possible Passage". First we winched up 8 full drums from last time. Whilst Tim emptied those, Jason and I attempted to rebolt the winch but unfortunately the new bolts did not bite, so some more work is now needed before it can be used again. We then all dug for a while, refilled the 8 drums and lugged them to the shaft.
    After a break for tea, just Tim and Bill returned to the dig. After just a few minutes of digging by myself, a hole appeared in the floor with a view several feet down into an exciting looking void. Tim took a turn and soon we had the chockstone dropped. Tim then disappeared up to his neck whilst probing the new space with his feet. He then attempted to invert himself to get a look in but did not quite manage it - he said something about being better at handstands when he was a bit younger! We worked on and cleared another chock stone and some fill including another large carrot sized stalactite, some galena and a bit of miner's tailings. It really does look as though we have broken through to the next level down. No big draught from the new void but the air still stays good for digging. Sorry, no photos as neither Tim or I had a camera.
    The next session should be quite exciting.

  • Becks Vials (Monday, September 23 24 09:42 pm BST)

    22/10/2022 GB Cave, Becks Vials and Maria Hunter ....Girls trip into GB for some exploration and photography. Maria's caving skills and confidence are coming on in leaps and bounds. We went down to the gorge and into main chamber. After a few photos we went down to rift chamber , round the loop then as we got caught squeezing chest to chest past another party we decided to renamed it cleavage passage haha😉. We progressed back into the main chamber down to ladder dig and then back out again in good time overtaking the boys group 😁 . Great trip with lots of laughs and smiles.

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 09:41 pm BST)

    18/10/22 goatchurch,sidcott Pierre's
    11 of us,3 teams.
    Me,alex Atkinson,Dave cook,Jamie.
    We did goatchurch 1st Alex and Jamie's first trip with MCG,in normal giant steps drainpipe Alex and l climbed out Jacobs ladder, others coffin lid out tradesman's 1hour.
    Then down past sidcott met Mike teale,Vicki everard,Cameron turley Jett John exiting and on transit to goatchurch. David Vidal Matty dredge and irenei were also in sidcott having done Pierre's
    We did Pierre's climb up step over chasm down tight rift look at very tight rift to lower series climb the rift bellow step over out same way ,meet up with others then hunters via hut.

    Dave Cook [replied]
    Gotta say for a Tuesday it was just like the old times ....great evening and all 11 of us turned up at the Hunters ...Result lets keep up the momentum ...only im not around next tuesday 🙄 Well done Mark

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 09:28 pm BST)

    11/9/22 A few of us are doing bone hole tiny cave nr cheddar there is a limit of 4 on that trip , maybe one spot left,if not you could maybe go to cutler's with Mike moxon

  • Becks Vials (Monday, September 23 24 09:25 pm BST)

    09/10/2022 Swildons Hole Becks Vials Maria Hunter
    Robbie Fleming
    A quick intro trip into Swildons Upper Series for Maria to build confidence underground and her fella Robbies first ever caving trip 💪. Both did really well and are now to become our newest MCG members.... Give them a welcome everyone 👍😁!! [photos on FB group, also for Sept Thrupe trip]

    Chris Barrington [replied]
    God help us all 🙏 ooops I totally meant to write welcome to the club Maria Hunter and
    Robbie Fleming . 😁😎💪

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 09:23 pm BST)

    8/10/22 Thanks so much for the few people that ternd up to help get the hut ready for winter I really appreciate you help and support. And the rest of you humm I would appreciate if next time you are up that you make a massive effort to clean up after your self's and stay on top of the hut

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 09:13 pm BST)

    Cottage work weekend this coming members weekend
    Hi all as you will remember Oct 7th to 9th 2022 is work weekend at the cottage iv spent some time putting together a list of jobs I would appreciate if MCG members that are available to do most of you will remember the usual jobs I have no major plans this time but would be really grateful if we can get on top of these listed below
    1. Guttering
    2. Tidy up gardens and driveway cut grass strem edges clean down tables
    3. Cleaning of shower rooms this should be a deep clean please removal of shower heads and hoses and place in a bucket of hot water with descaling agent in and then disinfected
    4. Changing room wash down and scrub
    5. Library Hover and dust
    6. All sheds to be tidy up and any left behind items to be bag up and removed from sheds
    7. Kichen this one is a big one deep clean the whole kitchen on top of cupboards and inside and under fridge to be cleaned thoroughly cookers as well I will bring up some cleaning materials as this is particularly bad
    8. Language normally bits to be dune here Hover sets wash down marks on walls sweeping the floors and mopping after chimney needs sweeping
    9. All windows need cleaning in and out
    10. Loft there will be some work to do up there but that’s a surprise would appreciate if you can help may need gloves and a respirator
    11. Drains need to be checked for any problems
    12. COSHH cupboard to be tidied up and kept in a tidy order after.
    13. Bedrooms all blue mattress to be wiped down mirrors to be cleaned thoroughly and floors dust down window leges and remove any think that has been left over the last year
    14. All parties that have achieved there targets will be treated to an amazing trip to stainsburys shaft where you will be treated to the finest mudolergy and breath taken tore of the early workings and, latest finds and if sport cavers like to prove that there not wimpy and have a go at digging at the dig head we can make that happen
    Or you can drink beer a chat how cavey you are in the pub up to you
    See you all there Jason kirby (WORDEN)
    AND I KEEP TRACK ON THEM THAT DON'T TERN UP 👀 JUST KEEDING NOT
    Please email or message me if you feel you can't make it I'll arrange a task for you on your next visit 😂😂😂

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 09:11 pm BST)

    1st October 2022,Upper Flood,me,James,benta,mo Clarke from Exeter uni club.
    Overnight rain not made much noticable impression ,first crawls dry,some formally aqueous crawls just gloopy mud great for the complexion.streamway still nicely wet.Neverland was well received,James had been before this time brought a camera but luckily didn't faff to much.my bin liner tank top and waterproof trousers kept warmth in.then a steady return with some singing, slight awkwardness getting lid open,James managed to lever catch with mion, lubricant next time.6hours

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 09:10 pm BST)

    27/9/22 Swildons to sump2 David Vidal,Ireni,me.
    Dave lead us via very very dry wet way; no water at entrance,puddle in lavatory pan dry water chamber,Dave rigged 20,bit more water now ,sump 1 about15cm air space,as we were warm went through to sump2 can see 5 or 6m off to the right in sump2. Back via wet way 2hrs 10 mins,not bad for Ireni's first ever caving trip.

  • Linda Milne (Monday, September 23 24 08:59 pm BST)

    24/9/22 I’ve just enjoyed a fab week in Scotland. It just so happens to be great area for caving too. Julie Hesketh is very familiar with this area of Durness limestone, Assynt, absolutely riddled with holes. We noticed, after period of rainfall, that water was bubbling up out of the ground all over the place! (See videos below). I’m not aware of any recent club trips up this way, it would be great place to come with fab walking on offer too. A few photos and videos below..[on FB group]

    Julie Hesketh [replied]
    Got home last night after a great weekend with trips down Rana hole and Knockers. All with the SCRO which includes me & John C from the MCG! If the MCG want to do a long weekend or something just shout and I can put you in touch with the hut booking warden. It’s a long drive from Mendip (it’s a long drive from Edinburgh!) But well worth it whatever the weather. I’ll post my weekend photos separately

  • Becks Vials (Monday, September 23 24 08:56 pm BST)

    19/09/2022 Thrupe Lane Swallet to Hob Nail Hole Becks Vials Stephen Hawkins Mark Edwards
    A first time visit to this cave for Becks and Steve, but when Mark asked us to join him for a rope test and review session of the Cavefest UK sponsors Spunk Ropes sample rope, we happily took part.
    Mark rigged the first pitch and we all abseiled down the rather squeezy 'Ferret run' pitch with no issues followed by the 2nd pitch perseverance pot. We went through the wet cowsh crawl and down to the marble streamway passage to look out into Atlas pot... Lots of seeds planted for future SRT trips!!
    We went out via hob nail hole where Mark had pre rigged the ladder to exit. A nice intro to the cave for me and Steve and I am sure we will be back for more.

  • Becks Vials (Monday, September 23 24 08:55 pm BST)

    06/09/2022 Becks Vials Kay Matthews Matty Dredge Goatchurch Cavern.
    Mattys first time in Goatchurch so as we went in through the main entrance Becks shared the history of it being an old show cave pausing for the classic victorian photo shoot before heading down the Giant stairs.
    We looked for orange peel passage but it was blocked up with rocks so we continued to the coal Shute.
    We slid down a little to look but with no handline we returned back up and went down the midget steps instead where Matty took the lead to explore lots of routes round the boulder maze to get to the boulder chamber where we did the superman squeeze and twins as a little challenge. Down to the coffin lid followed by the drainpipe. Kay looked at the Dexion extension but unsure of how it was down there we left it for another day. Kay and Matty climbed up Jacobs ladder and we headed to the tradesman entrance climbing up the slippy coal shute. Bumping into our dear friend Mike Moxon who was at the top of the coalshute with some mini cavers was a lovely addition to our trip. [photos on FB group]
    Looking forward to introducing Matty to more caves.

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 08:45 pm BST)

    4/9/22 Bit of a photo binbel to Gb down to lader dig and back out with Matty Dredge [pics on FB group]

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 08:43 pm BST)

    Thanks to all for a fun and quite productive club weekend.Special thanks to Kay for fine octoberfest food
    Friday2/9/22 GB Forrest hunt,me,Kay Mathews David Vidal ,devils elbow bridge white,loop back via balcony,very sweaty,.
    Saturday 3/9/22 swildons round,me David Vidal,Dave cook Forrest hunt
    Plan Dan Jason would rig 20 with their new ies,but caught up at water chamber,20 was rigged questionably ladder on one bolt,rope threaded through other,l re rigged it with crab and back up and then off Barnes loop tratmans Dave v,mostly lead with Dave c bringing up the rear with a lot of chat.mud sump dry,troubles damp but no bailing needed,2 look at sump then back through1 Forrest's first sump.out Dan had rigged ladder around stall boss,quite good keeps you off wall and out of water ,out via wet way 3.5 hrs ish

    Bill Chadwick [replied]
    Just 3 dedicated diggers at Stainsby’s on Saturday. Still looks promising though the spoil haul is fairly strenuous. Great to have sausages etc for supper- thanks Kay.

  • Fiona Kempston (Monday, September 23 24 08:42 pm BST)

    Gruta das Torres. 14/9/22 · Madalena, Portugal ·
    Today Roy and I went on the lava tubes tourist tour at Gruta das Torres on the island of Pico in The Azores. Fascinating to learn about the different lava flows and size of the tubes. Pico is a relatively young island being only about 300,000 years old. It is topped by a very large volcano and has extensive vines on its slopes. We’re heading to the wine co- operative now. Yesterday we visited the youngest volcano on the island of Faial which erupted in 1957. [photos on FB group]

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 08:31 pm BST)

    Sunday 4/9/22 bath rods Forrest hunt,Kay Mathews,me bath rods
    Planned pull through with 20m rope
    I abbed down first then Kay exited cave with jippy tummy, I climbed back up with prussic back up make sure Forrest had Italian hitch correct l tied it left crab on rope then abbed down Forrest followed.slight climb up to retrieve other end this 20m rope
    more like 17.5m rigged 2nd pull through sent Forrest down,then me bag up rope off purplee pot rods out

  • Charlotte Dawes (Monday, September 23 24 08:28 pm BST)

    2/9/22 To all our MCG friends …
    It was great to see all of you who attended the cave fest 2022 and all the new friends we met, after a long period interrupted by covid.
    We are still on holiday and caving in Crickhowell, Wales after enjoying a weekend at cave fest.
    We had a great time. Thanks to all the hard work of Dan and Kay (Neil in the background) and all their colleagues for making it an enjoyable and entertaining experience and look forward to going again next year.
    We enjoyed the talks and the disco and we even went round to see Martin Farr in the following days to buy another book from him.
    We have since explored Ogof Clogwyn which we thought was similar to great Duke in Yorkshire, And also Eglwys Faen where we crawled in and out various entrances which was great fun. We have been blessed with great weather so continuing to make the most of it. Hope to see you all soon,
    Charlotte (Yvette) and Alan x

  • Neil Jackson (Monday, September 23 24 08:27 pm BST)

    29/8/22 So that's it then for another year.
    Happy cavers everywhere, and tired ones to boot for sure.
    Some of you may indeed travel home with a lot more than you came with, ladened with prizes, but all of you will be traveling home with some fantastic memories to treasure.
    It's thanks to you, the caving community, that events like the Cavefest 2022 Festival. Crickhowell are a success, as without your support and involvement, it just wouldn't happen.
    We very much look forward to hearing all about the fun you all had as you tag us in your posts, and we ask that you please continue to share your pics with us here at CavefestUK.
    We also look forward to next year's event and hope that you will all be joining us with your friends because you've told them all just how brilliant a time you had this year at Crickhowell
    A special thank you to our guest speakers
    Stuart France
    Keith "caver keith" Edwards
    Mark Burkey
    Martyn John Farr
    Your time and effort was greatly appreciated and our warmest thanks is yours. Each talk was thoroughly enjoyed by all and surely captivated everyone attending.
    We would also like to thank Tony Seddon for bringing the traveling shop Starless River along. We hope the caver magpies swooped up plenty of sparkly goodies for their cave nests and kept you busy.
    As always, we would like to thank Chelsea Speleological Society for the use of Whitewalls facilities during the event and taking care of our visitors. Its always a comfort to know you guys are there.
    Also a very big thank you to Crickhowell Rugby club for the use of their grounds and facilities. It's was a pleasure to return and feel so welcomed and we look forward to seeing you again in 2024.
    Good luck with the renovations.
    Lastly, but by no means least, we would like to give a very special thank you to our sponsors for this year's event.
    Warmbac.
    A supportive force since the very beginning. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to the year ahead.
    Spunk Ropes.
    A generous supply of rope and accessories for us all to try and some of us to keep. Our new sponsors this year, we think they did you proud, so thank you from all of us, Spunk Ropes we love you.
    So before the final curtain falls, CavefestUK would like to thank each and every one of you who came along and caved with us here in South Wales.
    Without you, the caver, our event would not have been the success it was.
    Thank you once again from us all here in the CavefestUK team.
    See you next year.

  • Chris Barrington (Monday, September 23 24 08:11 pm BST)

    Fairy Cave Quarry – 31st July 2022 Becks Vials and Chris Barrington A virgin cave !! First time for both of us. 🤣 Bumped into Richard and Andrea at the cottage who gave us some handy tips on where to go, they mentioned in passing a few bits where squeezy and that one word I took with me into the cave system…… We got into the cave at the Hilliers entrance and dropped down the slot into the streamway (completely bone dry) and the guide said we should go downstream now to be fair it wasn’t completely obvious which way was downstream, jokingly I said this stick pointed the way and we set off. We and soon hit a few crawls which then became flat out crawls….. then squeezy flat out crawls…. Now we should have maybe consulted the guide book at this point but I was quite enjoying the challenging crawls, and they must go somewhere right ! We continued on and there were a few bits now that where properly challenging, I was definitely upgrading this trip to challenging fun and I was very glad this was going to be a one way trip so I wouldn’t have to go back the other way. I did think wow Richard was right it really is tight in here…. Eventually Becky came to clay filled sump and couldn’t go any further and I took a look and the 6 inches of head space was definitely not going to work… At this point we decided to get the paper guide out rather than follow our inner spiritual caver guide and on reading it was pretty obvious that we might have gone the wrong way. 😅 I think looking at the map we must have got either down to the either sump or mud pit before we got stopped. It’s a pity we couldn’t get though it would have been hilarious to have popped out the entrance to Hillwithy cave and wonder where the hell we where. 😂 On the plus side we have got some great video footage !! On the way back I channelled my inner turtle and dug through the sand a bit first to enlarge the space so I could get through it and after about 40 minutes exploring the wrong way we got back to where we started and then headed off in the right direction (there’s a reason we always have a long call out) Going in the opposite direction it was noticeable how considerably larger the cave system was with more pretty bits, many photos below. We did pretty well at not getting lost this time as we occasionally consulted the guide. Found the connection with fairy cave, I was getting a bit tired by this point so we skipped Cambridge grotto and onto the red room as something to do next time. Loved the tree roots at the end of fairy as we came out they where amazing !! All in all a good fun trip 😊

  • Bill Chadwick (Monday, September 23 24 08:11 pm BST)

    26/7/22 Hi all,
    We gave had two guest groups recently who have been disappointed about the state of our hut on arrival.
    Please can you all make an effort to leave the place clean - kitchen, shower rooms, changing room, toilets etc. There should be ample cleaning supplies available. Please empty all the waste bins at the end of a weekend visit.
    We rely on guest groups for some of our income. We can't afford to have a poor reputation for the state of our hut. Keeping the hut clean is solely the responsibility of our members and guests.
    Thanks,
    Bill Chadwick MCG secretary

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:57 pm BST)

    2/7/22 hilliers,fairy,me dave cook.
    Decided to check out hill,ers first,after returning to car for cscc key,entered,quite pretty few squeezes and boulder chokes,got to 4th decided to leave red room till another day ,back to tar hall then back to connection with fairy,seemed to go on for a while quite a tight squeeze after drop out rift then a welcome pool some roots then out 2hrs 40 mins,shandy in the natterjack oakhill and a cheese and onion roll, cheaper than hunters.

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:56 pm BST)

    25/6/22 me ,david vidal,lee andrews,swildons short round with blue pencil.no bailing,david enjoyed blue pencil,I popped out head first made slightly quicker descent than planned as hand slipped on chain,no bother put a sling on chain for others,nice trip out long dry ,trying to avoid another party on short dry 4 hrs

  • Dave Cook (Monday, September 23 24 07:55 pm BST)

    29/6/22 Great little trip with Mark Edwards down to a very dry Easterwater last night... very strange changed the look of the cave and the lack of water made the going less than frictionless.
    Through upper traverse quick look at the start of technical masterpiece down HH ...recce of twin verts then out through bakers chimney? rather than woggle press.Back in to boulder chamber still looks weird without the wet stuff.
    Finished by super shower at the Wessex and drinks with the obligatory cheese and A Onion roll.

  • Nicky Pearce (Monday, September 23 24 07:44 pm BST)

    25/6/22 Cornwall weekend - Two mines and a history tour of wheal Coates followed by a bbq between showers, not bad for a days entertainment. [photos on FB group inc. some by Dan]

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:40 pm BST)

    7/6/22 sludge pit,wilf harrison ,me.jethro tulley.
    I rigged pitch with long sling making y hang for lifeline. we took a left early on towards shale series,climbing over a large hole,then a tightgish descending tube,straight over at a crossroads,then tight flat out squeeze in top of a rift,probably 4 pots rift,past y hang bolts that drop down to a short stretch of stream way we have visited in past, onward last bit of rift jethro struggled so I became a human ledge.on to main stream way down to digging wire then back via argonite rift to pop out by ladder,l climbed the pitch the others used the ladder.nice trip 2 hrs

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:39 pm BST)

    4/6/22 Swildons ,David Vidal and I.
    First post covid trip for both of us. Not much water,in the barely wet way,20,was a ladder already rigged,we added a life line and carried on passing two wessex on the way .Sump 1 via Barnes loop,four or five inches of air space, road sign on other side reflected our light. Little rest then return omitting barnes loop,we both breathed a bit coming up.Out wet way 1.5 hours nice.

  • Dave Cook (Monday, September 23 24 07:29 pm BST)

    19/5/22 Nice little trip down Honeymead last night, but Not much air breathing out of all holes....Rob Davis ,Steve Church and Dave Cook

  • Chris Barrington (Monday, September 23 24 07:25 pm BST)

    12/5/22 If I type this fast and don't stop maybe I can actually pen out a trip report ! Let's see....
    Cow Hole ! Any Cave that has in it's description rotting timbers and rusty framework is obviously a must see 😀. I did promise Tim Cockle that I would sort the kit out but I got distracted with Mint Tea and the view so by the time he turned up I hadn't actually started. 😅😂 The Cow Hole tackle list appears require the entire inventory of the tackle shed with a total of 40 metres of ladder and 115metres of rope, which we carried across a couple of fields. We followed Graham Price's description which was spot on and the lovely lady from the house down the road pointed us in the right direction as well. It's definitely going to be a fun find in a month's time in a full hay meadow.
    So first important point, there is a mistake in the bible, the entrance pitch requires a single 10m (33ft) ladder and 25 metres of rope. (Not the 20m and 50m lifeline as described) I'll alter the copies in the library when I get chance.
    I've taken some photos of the timbers and framework and as you can see you definitely want to take "quite" a lot of care passing through and trying not to touch anything. (Also don't be fat, that's another good tip for this cave).
    The fossils on the way down to the main pitch are amazing as is the black calcite, I've taken some pictures and I'll post them below after this report, Are they fossil shells or something else ? they look amazing.
    The bolts for the main pitch could be a bit better positioned, the carabiner for the lifeline rubs against the rock so Tim suggested putting it on a sling which was a good call and freed it up nicely.
    The main pitch is pretty cool, you go through a tight squeeze feet first straight onto the ladder which opens out onto a pitch that reminded me a bit of hunters hole. (but on ladders 😂) . (I've not got photos of this, because someone kept complaining about the time and the fact that I might have got distracted with tea rather than sorting tackle out. (such a moaner )).
    We went further down towards another small pitch, the stones here are very loose and I snagged a small boulder in a rip on my suit and could feel it start to shift.
    I want to get to the bottom next time so another trip is on the cards with the tight spaces it's definitely a two or three people type trip
    All in all a great trip worth a visit but a lot of care is needed.
    Graham Priceif you want to do a bit of remedial work to shore up some of the bits with stones and cement, I'm happy to try and find some time to help you out.

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:23 pm BST)

    26/4/22 waterwheel,me,paul quinton,steff hoole,wilf harrison,rio bowen-jones.
    We walked from the hut hot,Nice shinny new lid,rios first time she borrowed a wetsuit with a broken zip.quite a bit of water in aquious parts lovely and clear till l muddied it.forgoten the pretty bits black stall and gower pools incongruous solitary bright white straws,seemed somehow recent paul rigged pitch we all went down to the lake for a dip quick look at passage beyond,then back,rio enjoyed it,said she was still recovering two days later 1.5hrs

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 07:11 pm BST)

    Saturday 23rd april 2022 gb trip Mark E Jason k David c and Adam the first blind person iv taken caving Adam has been caving for many years and travelled on caving trips to Spain and many other places he is thinking of becoming a mcg member and after the great trip to Gb down to lader dig and back I'm shore he will fit well with mcg.

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 07:09 pm BST)

    19/4/22 swildons upper,becky vials,steven hawkins,mark date,zara lovecraft, charlotte smith.rob davies, me.
    Wet way not very,40,down to stream 8ft look up,20 back long dry,zig zag almost to end then down rift,wet crawl,tight sharp rift to upper shower bath chamber out tree 1.5hrs

  • Paul Quinton (Monday, September 23 24 07:06 pm BST)

    12th April 2022 Swildons Hole
    Mark Edwards Becks Vials
    Jorden Treacey Lee Andrews and Paul Quinton
    Entered Swildons at 19:25 down the short dry way to the 20, ladder and life line rigged by me (now signed off on my checksheet), all belayed down safely.
    On to Barnes Loop, Tratmans Temple and through the recently reopened mud sump.
    Up Greasy Chimney, Bum Traverse and over Blue Pencil Passage.
    The first trouble had too much water to bail in the time we had left on our call out so turned back via fault Chamber and had a look up at the various rope climbs upto Aven and Churchill Traverse, retraced route back with exception of Barnes Loop.
    Exit 22:45
    Great evening trip enjoyed by all.

    [previous entry looks like it was Jason writing on Mark's FB account, as Mark did Eastwater]

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 06:10 pm BST)

    Jason's Dig Saturday the 5th March
    Digging trip blacknore shaft 50 scift filled and emptyed host institution completed and good progress made with a howling drafted now its looking vary good we had Tim, Ben, Peter, and Dave Cook, and my self would be really useful to have 2 more people but it is what it is next month planned for club weekend so see you there I hope 😁

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 05:57 pm BST)

    22/2/22 swildons upper,me,paul quinton,stefan hoole,james major,in start of zigzag then down rift then up to top of jacob's ladder down it turn right kenny's dig wet way 40,20,long dry,then first ox bow squeeze keyhole passage back to wet way downstream then return via short dry.1.5 hrs

  • Jason Kirby (Monday, September 23 24 05:54 pm BST)

    20/2/22 Thanks Mark E becks V dave V mike M Crag And Dan and kay for my birthday party had a great night stumbling around in the dark and hugging woood liss to stay warm joking it was great fun [electric off at hut]

  • Neil Jackson (Monday, September 23 24 05:46 pm BST)

    14/2/22 Another great trip this weekend.
    Joined by Marc & Bobby, Paul, Suze & George
    and 'D',
    we all trundled off for a Sunday afternoon trip into
    Swildons Swallet
    2hr mooch around the upper series was plenty, and fun was had by all.

    So much fun this weekend. The young ones did so well. [pics on FB group]

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 05:33 pm BST)

    8/2/22 swildons 2,me ,lee andrews,jordan treacey,jethro reading.
    Wet way 20 ,got to 1 party was keen onto 2,back via short dry and zigzags 2hrs.

  • Mark Edwards (Monday, September 23 24 05:32 pm BST)

    6/2/22 me,craig robinson GB
    Devil's elbow bridge loop oxbow back via hall to bridge out normal way 2hrs

  • Nick Thorne (Monday, September 23 24 05:32 pm BST)

    8/2/22 Grebe Video: for those interested in this mine/cave, there’s a video here: https://youtu.be/xL2MzTM9BPM Enjoy! It may even inspire you to join the digging effort… or maybe not. 😉

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