The Derbyshire Caver No. 130

Lands End to John O'Groats by Bike in Aid of DCRO Longstone Edge Saved! Orpheus CC Extensions and New Cave in Dove, Lathkill and Manifold Areas DCA at "Cliffhanger 2009"

The newsletter of the DERBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION £1.50 THE DERBYSHIRE CAVER No. 130 Winter 2009

EDITOR: Material for inclusion can be sent hand-written, phoned in, Paul Lydon sent on disk or e-mailed. Please send contributions for the Kirby House next Issue to the Editor. Main Street The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily Winster those of the Editor or of the DCA. MATLOCK DE4 2DH Tel: 01629 650482 Email: [email protected] The DCA website is at: www.theDCA.org.uk

Cover Photo: "The Cog", Owl Hole Photo by: Chris Jackson Contents Diary Dates...... 3 News From Around the Peak...... 4 Festival of Outdoor Learning...... 6 Knotlow Cavern Pollution Records Update...... 6 Lands End to John O'Groats by Bike for DCRO...... 7 Longstone Edge Saved...... 10 Orpheus CC Extensions and New Cave in Dove, Lathkill and Manifold Areas...... 11 DCA at "Cliffhanger 2009"...... 13 DCA Matters...... 15 Long Rake Mine - Danger!...... 15 Contact Details...... 16

THE DCA - WHAT WE DO AND HOW TO JOIN US DOING IT

The aim of Derbyshire Caving Association (DCA) is to protect the caves and promote good caving practice within the Peak District and surrounding areas. Membership is open to all clubs, individuals and outdoor activity providers with an interest in caves and caving or mine exploration. Check out the DCA website for further information. Membership enquiries to the Secretary (see last page). The Derbyshire Caver (the newsletter of the DCA) has been in uninterrupted publication for over thirty years and is of paramount value as a forum for cavers in the Peak District. The Editor welcomes contributions from all cavers, whether DCA members or not. News, articles, etc. should be posted or emailed to him at the above address, or give him a ring.

The Derbyshire Caver is posted free to DCA members; non-members may subscribe by sending a cheque for £7 (payable to DCA) for four issues, to the Secretary/Treasurer (see last page). Some back issues are also available for sale. Half-page adverts are £5 per insertion.

Current issues of The Derbyshire Caver are available from the following outlets: Hitch'n'Hike, Bamford The Old Smithy Teashop, Monyash Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 2 June 2010 This will be led by Professor John Gunn, and Diary Dates the Meeting Secretary will be Gina Moseley, DCA AGM email: [email protected] A date will be announced as soon as possible Saturday 13th February 2010 10:00 AM Monyash Village Hall ------

------Cave Science Field Meeting, Scoska Cave, Yorkshire Dales BCA AGM September 2010 Saturday 20th March 2010 This will be led by David Hodgson, and the 10:30 AM Baptist Hall, Alvechurch, Worcestershire Meeting Secretary will be Graham Proudlove, email: [email protected] ------A date will be announced as soon as possible. BCRA Cave Technology ------Symposium 2010 Hidden Earth Saturday 17 April 2010, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire. September 2010 See http://british- This year Hidden Earth will be held in Leek, caving.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=354 Staffordshire. A date and more information will be ------announced as soon as possible. Karst Science Field Meeting, Derbyshire

Fight For Life - The Neil Moss Story A Film by Dave Webb

Some written comment and reviews of the DVD:

“It was fascinating and everyone I've talked has been really impressed with it!” (K.D. SUSS) “Very well done with the Neil Moss film, I was captivated from beginning to end! “ (M.B. BPC) “What a superb piece of film….I am now in my 85th year and memories came flooding back - I would dearly wish to see all the old folks and share a pint or two.” (J.L. Spain) “……fascinating and well worth the wait!” (J.H. Peak Cavern) “Brilliant, riveting! Should be on mainstream TV!” (F.B. CCC) “…the first account since George Cooper's articles that has offered any sensible and objective account of the events. Impressed.” (J.Mc. Safariquip) “…a well-researched, evocative film, packed with interviews from surviving participants and images taken at the time….a very creditable thought-provoking film….” A.J. “The standard of the filming is better than many professionally produced documentary films seen currently on TV, and (his) knowledge of his subject matter and feel for the story have produced a film which deserves a wider audience than just the caving world.” J.P. (DCA) “…a well researched DVD (which) gives a vivid and thought-provoking impression of the trip and the rescue attempts and their ultimate failure. It also asks the question, would the outcome be the same today?” (R.H. CPC)

The story of the attempted rescue of Neil Moss from Peak Cavern in March 1959. DVD 50 mins. Price £14.95 from caving shops or post free from: Dave Webb, 3, De Vere Gardens, Woodthorpe, Nottingham NG5 4PH Tel: 0115 8401109

3 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 News From Around the Peak "Titan From the this has a solid roof and Flower Pot which the Chamber was so is not going to try and formed closed down Top" collapse on us. Also Entrance to there which made it On Sunday, 2nd there are some nice Carlswark easier to support a shaft. November 2008, there mushroom-like Unfortunately, the was standing room only formations at the bottom Cavern diggers soon reached at Litton Village Hall for and it gives us an A group of younger solid rock. a pre-release screening excuse to survey the members of Eldon PC of Dave Webb's new cave again. became interested in the Titan on video, "Titan from the survey: farther reaches of Top". The evening http://www.flickr.com/pho Carlswark Cavern Ladders started off with one of tos/48651817@N00/3255 beyond the tight Porth Cavers from various Dave's earlier videos 553686/ Crawl in the Dynamite clubs and others rigged "Mud and Water" which photos: Series. Flower Pot, which Titan with Electron showed various http://www.flickr.com/pho had been dug by ladder on Friday 24th undergrond locations in tos/48651817@N00/sets/ Keyhole Caving Club October, 2008. the Peak with cavers, 72157613161350367/ back in 1994, is on the including such gems as Report by Tim Webber East side of Eyam Dale. Meccano Passage in the This was found to Pollution in Hillocks-Knotlow Oxlow Cavern connect with the farther Youd's Level complex. parts of the Dynamite After this was the main Following reports of Series and had been Cavers on a trip in attraction with the story failures with the old lined with plastic barrels. Youd's Level found a of how the connection "spit" anchors at the top Unfortunately, over the serious amount sewage from the surface to the of the pitch leading years the barrels had was found along with top of Titan was created. down into Oxlow's East collapsed. So the Eldon rats "with an attitude"! It Chamber, DCA have team, including Jon was decided not to issue replaced these with Eco- Pemberton, Sam the key until the Crematorium anchors. The dig in Jim's Pemberton, Sam problem has been Pot Crawl has also been Townsend and James resolved. At a UCF reported as having Wood assisted by Mark Meeting, the While some of the become too tight for Noble (Eyam EG) plus Environment Agency SUSS projects in Peak further progress, SUSS members Rob announced that Youd's Cavern have dashing hopes of a Eavis and Jeff Wade and Level can now be dramatically "gone" over possible connection Keyhole CC's Pete Dell, considered clear of the the in recent months, between the Giants managed to excavate pollution/sewage there are still SUSS Hole/Oxlow Cavern the old barrels and leakage that has dogged members plodding away System with nearby surrounding soil on this site for almost two at the more "long term" Nettle Pot. Saturday, 25th October decades. projects. Dan Sullivan's 2008. The following day A great deal of effort project in Pindale gets Plantation Jon, Sam and James and money (over attention most weeks were joined by local £15,000) has gone into and is steadily heading Swallet cavers Mark Noble and solving the problem towards Dirtlow Rake. John Beck and between which has involved Dave Crematorium Pot has Dave Ottewell, Mike Webb, the Environment been dug on and off, it Salt, Dan Hibberts and them they removed the some other cavers have last barrel at the bottom. Agency and Severn Trent seems, since the year Over following Water who have picked dot. Many generations of been digging in up the bills. SUSS diggers have spent Plantation Swallet after evenings, Eldon freezing winter evenings finding an appreciable members continued to on Bradwell Moor pulling draught despite the prepare the excavation Bad Air in mud and rocks out. Over unstable surroundings. for installing the new Nettle Pot the last couple of years Having shored up the plastic pipes and over progress has been approach to the known the weekend of 8th and It was reoprted in the made, helped in part by end of the cave and 9th of November 2008, Eldon Pothole Club a cunning bicycle made some progress by the task was completed. newlstter that Bob powered winch. A moving boulders, they There's a nice new Toogood and Dan horizontal passage has encountered a steep, Flower Pot entrance Hibberts found that they slowly been followed, muddy crawl. With the providing a through trip were suffering from interrupted by the obvious need to remove in Carlswark Cavern. symptoms of lack of occasional cross rift / the mud to progress any oxygen when on a trip to aven. Recently much further, a pipe was Eldon Dig in Red River Passage at the excitement was installed with water fed bottom of Nettle Pot. generated by a distinct from a large tank on the Eldon Hole echo in the passage surface. With the Some members of Bagshawe ahead. Was this the end? supplied pressure, they Eldon PC started a dig in Were we about to break began to use this the Main Chamber of Cavern Work through into the makeshift "water- Eldon Hole. They chose Inspected Bradwell Master Cave? cannon" to do a bit of the North end of the Would it "go" in just "mud-mining". Progress Chamber as this was the Dave Carlisle, as PICA three more trips? No. continued... lowest point and also Mines Inspector, gave Another aven. although because the joint from the "all clear" for groups

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 4 to use Bagshawe Cavern the other other walls Saturday and again Dan after all the work carried which Dave Carlisle had was back, this time with out by members of Eldon identified as needing Sam Townsend, Dave Mandale Mine Pothole Cub and other work. They may need to Ottewell, Jon Pemberton Pollution Claim cavers. An Eldon PC go back to Dave to and Nigel Strong. He newletter also reports on discuss. tried continuing through Investigated the installation of a bat the hole, but then there John Beck investigated box near to the coe to The Codeine was another collapse! Mandale Mine in October provide an alternative Luckily it only required 2009 after cavers on a roost for bats. Connection a single rock to be trip reported a "nasty After restoring the shifted. Once that was smell". Slitting some Progress in quicker access to done, scaffolding was suspicious polythene Carlswark Cavern's passed through, followed bags and large sheets of Doom's Retreat Dynamite Series via by the other cavers. black plastic revealed Jim Lister has set up Flower Pot (see earlier While Dan stabilised the that they had probably an engineering project to report), Jon Pemberton, dig, the others had a been there for some assist with moving heavy Sam Pemberton and look at the chamber, time and all were empty. boulders at his ongoing James Wood of Eldon which has been named The (very) nasty smell project at Peak Cavern's Pothole Club have been Earth Leakage Chamber. came from a dead rabbit "Dooms Retreat". busy making use of it. floating in the sump, and Progress continues and They were trying to find JH's Bitch Pitch a dead weasel on the looks promising. a bypass to Porth Crawl bank. The air was a bit allowing easier access Collapse stale beyond the into the further reaches Jules Barrett reported forefield shaft. This is Digging of the Dynamite Series. that the top of Bitch worthy of caution, but Continues at They managed to dig a Pitch in JH was beginning John went almost to the route to bypass Porth to suffer from collapse end. The dark deposit on Styx Inlet Crawl, but even that is which made reaching the the floor of the stream During last winter, not very roomy! first P bolt tricky. A beyond the shaft is John Cordingley has compression anchor had being investigated, but been working on the been installed by the water did not appear choke which is reached Earth Leakage, somebody in the to smell. after swimming through Giant's Hole Cartgate to help in 100 metres of low, Dan Hibberts decided protecting the reach to Carbon Dioxide muddy tunnels at Styx to have a look at Ghost the P bolt. This was not Monitoring in Inlet in Peak Cavern. Of Rift in Giants Hole last installed by DCA. Any course the digging January and investigated debris which falls from Peak District activity doesn't help with the choke below a this area will follow the Caves maintaining good chamber found in 1990 line of the rope rigged visibility, so boulders which he had been told below. It was also noted For a number of had to be stacked on the by Mark Noble was woth that a couple of places in months now Christine next trip. As the investigating as a lead the Cartgate also is Wilson, Ralph Johnson potential for a route to with good prospects. showing deterioration. and others have been the Dirtlow Rake mineral A few days later he Subsequent work by using meters to monitor vein seemed very good, was accompanied by DCA's Martyn Grayson Carbon Dioxide levels in taking the Peak Cavern others from Eldon PC, involved placing metal a number of caves and system into a totally new including Bob Toogood, plates in the side walls mines in the region. This direction, the difficult James Wood, Nigel to assist traversing and involved regular daily conditions were worth Strong, James also work to make the trips to a number of sites putting up with. Pemberton and Sam top of the pitch safer within each cave or Pemberton, and work was carried out. mine, so it was no small Remedial Work began on stabilising the task! Weather and choke with scaffolding. A Gautries Hole barometric levels are in Knotlow couple of days later, also recorded and even Cavern some loose boulders Cleanup - Part the number of cavers at were dealt with and it Two each site within the PICA members Simon was decided to leave cave, because that also Mee and Alan Brentnall, things for a while to After a major cleanup is known to have an along with Dave Webb, settle. Returning the at Gautries Hole in effect. Mick Biggin and Jim following evening with October 2004 (see The There has been steady Alder spent a day others, they found a Derbyshire Caver 121) level of increase in working at Knotlow large collapse with a by members of Masson reports of excess Carbon Cavern at the end of large hole leading to CG Dixoide in caves and April. Mick did the blackness and an echo! and others, a return mines in the region over walling with labouring Unfortunately, more visit was made at the the past decade; help from the others and work would be needed to end of February 2009 by although, as is normal, has finished the make things safe before John Beck, Mark Cope, the levels generally have supporting pack for the investigation was to Martyn Grayson, John dropped just at present large boulder in the roof. proceed. Highfield, Ian Smith and as the outside air All considered the pack The following day he Dave Webb. They made temperature falls below to be both sympathetic returned with Bob to use of a skip paid for by the underground and sound. move boulders and a grant from Natural temperature in winter. Mick was not able to complete the England. A large amount However, there is come up with a solution stabilisation work in the of rubbish was removed considerable variation which would significantly from a natural shaft at between caves/mines, improve the stability of choke. By now it was the side of the shakehole.

5 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 from site to site within zipping up and down rebelays which are the same cave/mine and pitches at a rate of knots permanently rigged with Pitch 2 Rope: 30m also for different times in the near future! fixed ropes. These fixed Rigging: 3 Eco at the same site. This ropes are attached to anchors, 1 sling has now developed into Winnats Head Spits. Arriving at the top Notes: Easy traverse a full-scale scientific of this pitch a short to pitch-head. Descend investigation, which may Downstream crawl leads to cascading past a deviation to floor. well have relevance to Pitches Bolted water and the start of other regions and also to the three Downstream Pitch 3 Rope: 30m wider problems of global With Eco pitches. The following Rigging: 4 Eco warming. So watch this Hangers equipment is required: anchors, 1 sling space! Notes: Traverse to DCA Equipment Pitch 1 Rope: 35m pitch-head. Descend Officer, Jules Barrett, Rigging: 6 Eco past a deviation to floor. Dave Webb reports that the anchors, 3 slings, 1 bolt Back In Action! Downstream pitches in and hanger for 8mm Spit A good trip, but those We’re delighted to Winnats Head Cave are Notes: Easy traverse boulder chokes need hear that Dave Webb is now equipped with eco to pitch-head. Descend care, and the back in action after anchors: past two deviations downstream pitches are surgery on his knee. Immediately after The (second one from 8mm wet so best avoided if Sewer is a short "up" Spit) to rebelay and the it's very wet! Expect to see him pitch with a couple of floor. Knotlow Cavern Polution Records Update

n December last I removed the waterlogged "air these records, which will provide valuable evidence quality" record book from Knotlow to compile a should the pollution problem ever return. I fresh set of records. Unfortunately I have been Note: Following a number of reports of "bad air" a unable to return to replace the book until last similar record book is now in place at the base of weekend March 21st 2009. The new book is now in the shaft in Water Icicle. Members of the Crewe a waterproof box within the ammo box and I have Climbing and Pothole Club are conducting an included all the records for 2008. ongoing sampling of oxygen/CO2 levels at a number The records revealed that the air quality of popular sites in the Peak and the results will be continues to be of acceptable quality, although one published when sufficient data has been obtained. recent visit (March 2009) has recorded an isolated and unexplained "strong smell of sulphur 1/3 way Dave Webb down climbing shaft -air seemed heavy". Thanks for your continued help in completing Festival of Outdoor Learning

CA were present at this annual event sponsored by Peak Instructed Caving Affiliation (PICA) in March 2009 and we mounted display stands and material on the conservation work we do - with D especial mention of the restoration work at Bagshawe Cavern. Festival workshops on a variety of outdoor topics were attended by centres from all over the country, some of whom may know very little about caving, conservation, and the work of the DCA.

The DCA Display at The Festival of Outdoor Learning Photo by Dave Webb

6 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 Lands End to John O'Groats - A Bike Ride in 10 Days in Support of DCRO Over the period from 5th June to 14th kindly guided me through Bristol out to the Seven June, 2009, Malcom Bailey of Derbyshire Bridge. Our chairman had contacted a friend of his, Caving Club rode his bicycle from Lands Peter Ward who lives near Preston. Peter, a keen End to John O’Groats and raised several club cyclist, took me through Chorley, Preston and hundred pounds for Christies Cancer Lancaster up to Kendal. All three of my guides are Hospital in Manchester and also for "End to Enders". I thank them for their time and Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation. company. All of them had excellent knowledge of Here is Malcolm's story: their own area and it made the rides most enjoyable.

lanning had started back in September 2008 On the way out of Lands End, I’d not gone more and had consisted of reading reports on the than a mile when I spotted another cyclist heading P Internet and following the routes on a map. towards me laden with rear panniers. He looked Notes were made of places to avoid, bad sections of over and shouted "Where are you going?". I replied road, etc. and gradually a route was formulated. "John O’Groats". He said "I’ve just come from there". Each route is entirely a personal thing; you start at "Well done" I said. He wished me luck, we one end and ride to the other. I had decided to ride exchanged our thanks and goodbyes and continued south to north to make use of the prevailing winds. our journeys. The day had started out cold and Unfortunately, nature in its infinite wisdom, turned windy but brightened up as I travelled east towards the winds around and I had north-easterly winds all Penzance, and my first rendezvous with Rachel at the way. The original route plan had shown the Hayle. The next few days were to be a learning distance to be 876 miles, this proved to be curve for us: how far to ride before meeting up? We somewhat shorter than the final total of 942. This had decided to make it about every hour. This was was despite a route change only days before to prove costly in time as later we altered it to 30 departure, to shorten it slightly, by missing out miles or 3 hours and progress was improved. Dumfries and Kilmarnock and taking the NCN 7 (National Cycle Network 7) from Gretna to Loch It wasn’t before long that I suffered my first Lomond. puncture. I think it was just before Indian Queens on the A30. I’d got a spare tube so I made a quick Support and encouragement was given at home change and I was soon back on the road. At Indian by Denise my wife, our two daughters Rachel and Queens I turned off the A30 towards Wadebridge on Sarah, other members of the family, and friends at the A39 only to find the traffic slowing due to an work and in the Derbyshire Caving Club. That event at the Royal Cornwall Showground. I’d had a support was invaluable, and I thank everyone whole message from Mick to say he was in Camelford and heartedly. Accommodation was to be a mixture of waiting. I was now a bit behind, but pushing on. I Youth Hostels, Bunk Houses, Bed and Breakfast, got diverted away from Wadebridge town centre due friends, relatives and home. Support en-route was to show traffic. given by Rachel. At the end of each day she became quite adept at taking the wheels off the bike to get I’d spoken to Rachel and asked her to look out for it into the car while I was trying to find dry clothes. Mick in Camelford. I’d told her to look for a cyclist on a red Mercian bike; its Mick’s pride and joy. He was I had decided to make the trip into a charitable waiting in the town centre as she walked down. Mick event and had chosen to support Christies the knew Rachel was around and they spotted one Cancer hospital in Manchester and The Derbyshire another. I arrived shortly after and saw them as Mick Cave Rescue Organisation. Two web pages were set looked up he saw me and we both waved to one up on the "Just giving" website to collect funds and another as I rode down into the town. benefit from the Gift Aid scheme. I approached the chairman of the company I work for, for sponsorship Onward, and with Mick’s expert guidance, we and he made a most generous donation to the covered the next few miles to Okehampton, down charities, but I had to complete the ride. It was now the A39 to Davidstow, turning onto the A395 where, a challenge. I now had something else to spur me after a short while, we turned off for Egloskerry and on. Further encouragement came when I found out a great ride down to Launceston, over the A30 and that he had completed the ride not once but twice! on towards Okehampton. I’d got rooms booked at "Betty Cottles" just outside Okehampton. Mick asked Shortly before the departure date I posted a if I wanted to finish with a country lane or a flourish: thread on the Cyclist Touring Club website forum. "Oh lets go with a flourish!". So back up onto the From that I received an offer of an escort from A30 downhill, onto the next slip road and off. As we Camelford to Okehampton from "Mick F" in Cornwall. flew off the slip road, Mick looked back and shouted A second escort came from Martin in Bristol who "38" referring to the speed. I’d checked mine and was staying at my overnight stop in Bristol. He very replied "spot-on 38". Within minutes we were at

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 7 "Betty Cottles", great company and a great ride. The arranged to meet up there later. weather was turning to rain and Mick had a way to go to get home. I thanked him for his time, company I was supposed to meet Rachel outside a and guidance. His local knowledge was superb. supermarket in the outskirts of Hereford. This is where we had a bit of a panic on: Rachel’s phone While on the A3072 heading towards Tiverton, died and we missed one another. Eventually we got parked on the verge was a traveller and his caravan. together again and headed off to All Stretton I asked him if I could take his picture and he replied Bunkhouse. It became apparent that we were going "I don’t see why not: every other bugger does!" I to arrive late at All Stretton, so we decided to eat at thanked him and told him it was for my Lands End Craven Arms and cook the food we’d got for our to John O’Groats record. "Oh not another one!" evening meal in the morning, and then have it for lunch the next day. Then I followed a sign that After leaving Tiverton on the A361, I crossed the pointed down a country lane to "Craven Arms". This Grand Western Canal at Boehill Bridge, just before lane started to go uphill, then a bit steeper and on junction 27 on the M5. After junction 27, I stayed on and on and steeper and steeper. At that point I the A38 through Taunton and on towards should have turned and gone back to the main road. Bridgwater. Next was Bristol staying with the A38 I But being tired and hungry, I carried on. Eventually I passed Bristol Airport. came to the top of the hill and set of down to Craven Arms came to a crossroads and found the Time was now getting late and our stop for the sign buried in the hedgerow. After what seemed like night was in Bristol at a friend’s house. On the way an eternity I entered Craven Arms and found Rachel. down to meet Rachel, I could see the outskirts of She’d found a chippy: well done! Now I’d heard and Bristol. Rachel found a car park a few miles down read on the forum of End-to-Enders having double the road just past the village of Barrow Gurney. So dinners. I was now about to experience that we met there and loaded the bike into the car and set off for Bristol. We found Fiona’s flat and met Martin, who was staying there. Martin was to become invaluable at guiding me across Bristol on Sunday Morning. Fiona and Andy, her partner, were out racing in the Bristol Bike Fest and arrived home later on. Andy had made two huge dishes of lasagne which we all enjoyed. Both Fiona and Andy were racing again on Sunday, so we all had an early night. Martin had volunteered to meet me at the end of the village of Long Ashton and take me through Bristol to The Severn Bridge.

Early breakfast and up and out. We wished Fiona and Andy good luck with the races and set off for the car park, where I finished yesterday. Rachel had Nigel and Liz instructions where to meet Photo by Malcolm Bailey Martin and myself. I left Rachel tidying the car up a bit and set off to find Martin. As phenomenon: two steak pies, chips and a battered I came out of Long Ashton, there he was. Off we sausage: that was just for me!!!!! We called it a day went through the park where the Bike Fest was and loaded the bike into the car and after our food being held out towards the Avon Bridge. we headed off to All Stretton.

Martin was a super guide as we nipped in and out A few more miles and I’ll be through Shrewsbury of side roads, main roads, up here, down there. I then Whitchurch and into Nantwich where we’d thoroughly enjoyed it. It was quite a way through planned to meet Nigel and Liz, two friends of ours Bristol and out to the other side. We got to the from the Derbyshire Caving Club. service area where we had arranged to meet Rachel. I thanked him and we made our "good Rachel was with Nigel and Liz. I think she was byes". I set off for the cycle track over the bridge telling them how I’d almost set off without my bike and Rachel set off for Tintern Abbey. We had computer. From here I was on home ground: I’d

8 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 done quite a bit of my training for my ride around road and I joined her there. We decided to have Nantwich and Holmes Chapel. Not long to go before something to eat. I was wearing one of my Lands I’m home. And a wonderful welcome home! I’d put End to John O’Groats shirts and a couple of drivers an order in for sausage, mash and onion gravy. I gave a smile and we sat chatting to a couple could smell it as I rode up the drive. Denise was outside. Rachel wrote down a route card for me to busy cooking and Sarah came out and gave me a follow through to Glasgow, but it soon became hug and ushered me in to get a shower. Tea was difficult. I got some more directions off a policeman nearly ready, so we had a big family get-together: and gradually worked my way into the city. Knowing Sarah and Dan, Rachel and Nick, Denise and myself. that I had to cross the Clyde, I made that my And as the huge bowl of mashed potato came round objective. I reached the South side of the Clyde and everyone said "That’s not just for you". It was a sought further directions. I was told in a broad great meal to come home to; just what I’d wanted. Scottish accent "Ye have tae go over the squinty Sarah made me have a nice hot bath to ease my Bridge". Ok, right, no problem. He took the time to muscles. She put all sorts of things in it, and it was explain, realising I was having trouble with the quite relaxing. But an early night was called for as I accent. That was Scottish gentleman number 1. The had an early start the following day. second was a young man on a mountain bike, who pulled alongside. "Where you going?". "Loch Rachel had set off early on Wednesday morning Lomond, then onto John O’Groats.". "Have you got and met me in a car park in Kendal, where we enough food? My flat is up the road and you're decided on the day’s itinerary. I wanted my picture welcome to a meal.". I thanked him for his kindness taken as I climbed Shap. So, armed with video and and assured him I would be OK. He pointed me in the direction of the bridge. Two minutes later I was on it.

The last day: Helmsdale to John O'Groats. So, onward we went! I was conscious of time getting on and became concerned that I wouldn’t be able to sign the book at John O’Groats. Rachel contacted the End To End Club in Cornwall, while I pressed on. I was still south of Wick. A short time later, she sent me a text to say she was in the Tesco car park outside Wick. I arrived there at 4.20 pm. Rachel jumped out of the car "You’ve got til 6:00pm. The book will be in the Last House". I’d got 16 miles to go. So I dumped the panniers in the car. My parting words were "Right I’m going for it, see you.". off I went, cold, wet, tired and headwinds. I started to watch the miles count down. There was a right turn I had to make. I think it was at Reiss. Rachel was in front of me; she waved me across the junction. I was watching the miles fall off now over one headland onto the next. A bit later on I passed Rachel at the side of the road, hanging out of the driver’s window, "you’re in single figures!". "I know.". Over one last hill, then another. Finally 2 miles to go. Over the hill, Malcolm on Shap and there was more! Another headland and water! I Photo by Malcolm Bailey looked down to the road, thinking this is not going to happen! I’ll not get there before 6:00 pm. There digital cameras, Rachel set of to await my arrival. It must be another 6 or 7 miles yet. Feeling worn out, I is a long climb to the top of Shap, but after training looked up, then I realised I was looking at an island! in the Peak District, it wasn’t as bad as I’d thought. I thought that must be the Shetland isles The weather was just right: cool, and the head (geography was never my strong point). I’d winds were not too bad. forgotten that the Orkneys come first! I looked again and saw the buildings at John O’Groats. It was Not much further up and the summit of Beattock nearly 5.10 pm, and 2 miles to go. So, with a new is reached at 314 meters above sea level. A few vigour I carried on and into the car park at John more miles and I turned onto the A702 to Abington. O’Groats. Looking for the Start / Finish Line. I ask a Then onto the B7078, and head towards Glasgow. I couple if they’d seen it. Somewhat bewildered they had been happily following the NCN 74 towards said "No.". I told them I’d come from Lands End. "Oh Glasgow when I came to a "T" junction with the sign - Ooohhh.". They pointed to the "Last House" and I "End of Route". Oh! I was still some distance from saw Rachel outside with the video camera, and Glasgow, so I set off following the Glasgow signs. made my way over to her. I parked the bike against Rachel had found a Transport café just down the the wall 5.20 pm. The realisation that I’d done it was

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 9 difficult to take in. The bike was there and so were we. The ride was over. The lady from the shop came to the door. "You’ve made it ok, then?". Rachel had primed her that I might be on the last minute. I knew I had to go in and sign the book, get my transit verification form stamped, and I wanted some postcards. But my brain could not co-ordinate the body. Rachel got some post cards while I tried to get my self together. The lady in the shop was really nice. I asked her if many end-to-enders end up like this. She said "Oh yes! Nearly all of you! They just collapse on the grass outside." "Just get sorted: I’ll be tidying the shop. Give me a shout if you want anything.". So, we sent a couple of postcards and I signed the book and got my transit verification form stamped. The end of the ride! And the ride was over! Photo by Malcolm Bailey

Malcolm Bailey

Longstone Edge Saved!

NP and other countryside campaigners are However, the Coalition warns that the situation celebrating a legal victory today which will may not be completely resolved yet. help to save a beautiful landscape in the C “Although this is marvellous news, it isn’t Peak District National Park being scarred by necessarily the end of the story. We do not think uncontrolled limestone quarrying. In the latest that this welcome judgment alone is sufficient for stage of a long-running legal battle over Backdale quarrying to be controlled properly in the future. Quarry on Longstone Edge, the Court of Appeal We’re now calling on DEFRA to buy out the planning ruled in favour of the Peak District National Park permission completely. Only this will make Longstone Edge absolutely safe from future Authority and the Government. unscrupulous quarrying,” said Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Controversy has centred on interpreting an old Parks. planning permission which determined how much limestone could be extracted whilst getting out the See the Peak District National Park Authority's mineral fluorspar. A previous public inquiry ruled press release and read the Court of Appeal that this should be limited to a ratio of two parts of judgment limestone to one part of fluorspar. This was then overturned last year in the High Court. Since (From the latest issue of the Campaign for then the quarry operators MMC had resumed National Parks E-Newsletter) limestone quarrying with a vengeance, to the dismay of local residents, visitors and the Longstone Edge Coalition, a national group of campaigning organisations.

“This is fantastic news, and a huge relief,” said Andy Tickle, a Coalition spokesperson and Head of Planning at Friends of the Peak District. “We are really happy to see a more considered view has been taken about what the planning permission means, and that this iconic Peak District landscape is being saved.”

10 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 Orpheus Caving Club Extensions and New Cave in the Dove, Lathkill and Manifold Areas Dove and Upper Dove furthest point reached is some 2m beyond the furthest point reach by any of the earlier digs most n April 2009 Mick Chambers and Nigel Nix from of which in contrast to this dig attempted to find a the Orpheus Caving Club started a new dig in the way on at floor level in the aven. The dig frequently I Upper Dove/Dowel Dale Area of the Peak District has a good steady outward draught and work in the vicinity of Stoop Farm. The dig that is located continues. in a shakehole (NGR 0665,6807) near to the farm has been named 'Bottle Pot' on account of the fact Manifold that several intact 'Offilers' Beer Bottles have been found in the digging spoil. Offilers is a brand of beer In the Manifold Valley Kenny Morton assisted by that has not been on sale for at least 45 to 50 years. his grandson Ashley Richardson have extended This dig is situated to the North of Tor Rock and NW Lower Cheshire Wood Cave from its original length of a series of shakeholes/depressions (some of which of 4.5 m to a new length of 17.7m by digging open are also sinks) that run up the hillside to the SW of the previously choked left-hand passage. Sadly this Tor Rock. The other shakeholes and sinks include has closed down and the cave offers little prospects Tor Rock Swallet and Watson’s Swallet, the latter of further extension. The cave is of particular note being a sink that the TSG dug in 1998. To date the due to the fact that it is located at the top of a small ‘Bottle Pot’ dig has revealed a rift that has been dug anticlinal fold of limestone and as a result a single to a depth of 5m to reach a small chamber with the arched bed of limestone forms much of the roof of way on appearing to be downwards. Work the cave. continues. Whilst in the Manifold Kenny Morton, assisted by Also in the Dowel Dale Area further extensions Simon Brooks visited and surveyed Cheshire Wood has been made to Owl Hole by Kenny Morton who Cave that lies high up on the valley side above has been digging with his grandson Ashley Lower Cheshire Wood Cave. On locating this cave Richardson and other OCC members. The most (not the easiest to find), the reason for its location recent of these extensions is ‘Cog Chamber’ a small appearing on OS Maps became apparent due to the 3m long chamber that leads off from the base of the fact of its impressive 6.5m wide x 4m high entrance short pitch into Crystal Pallas Chamber. Although that has a commanding view over the Manifold not a large extension the chamber is of particular Valley. Its position and nature would suggest it has note due to the interesting 'Cog' stalactite that been used as a habitation site in the past, although hangs down in the centre of the chamber. it is not known if it has been archaeologically excavated. Whilst at the cave Kenny and Simon In the summer of 2008 Orpheus members found surveyed it and updated the description in readiness a previously unrecorded* cave in Hall Dale just for the new edition of the Caves of The Peak District. before the junction with Dove Dale. This small cave has been named Hall Dale Through Cave (AKA ‘Au Descriptions of some of the new or extended Pair’ Cave). The cave consists of a rift entrance caves. concealed by an Ash Tree that leads to a comfortable 1.3m x 1.85m joint controlled passage Cheshire Wood Cave, Manifold Valley, that runs through a rib of limestone to exit at a Staffordshire, NGR 1132, 5330. Grade 1 second entrance 0.7m x 1m. There are no prospects Alt 240m Length 12.2m Vertical Range of further extension in this cave. (*Its not in the old 5.50m edition of the COPD, but will be in the new edition.) Situated some 800m below Beeston Tor and above a wooded area in a small crag just below the Lathkill upper edge/lip of the valley. (Marked as ‘Cave’ on OS Maps). An impressive entrance, 6.5 wide by 4m At Water Icicle Close Cavern near to Monyash high, narrows to reach a point where the passage digging by the Orpheus Caving Club continues in the divides, 8m from the entrance. To the left the cave hope of finding a way through the Boulder Choke in closes in a tight tube after 2m. To the right, a 1.5m the Aven at the end of NW Passage. This area of the climb up through a body-sized hole leads to a cave has received attention from many groups, bedding chamber with a diameter of 2.5m that including the OCC, over many years. In the Aven a contains some dry white flowstone, stalactites and a fixed ladder has been installed to facilitate the column. This closes in a narrow tube after another access to the dig which is currently descending 4m. There are limited prospects for further through large boulders following what is believed to extension in this cave. be the far the wall of the aven. Much scaffolding has been put into the dig to secure it and the

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 1 1 DCA at "Cliffhanger" 2009 Event Sheffield, 11/12 July 2009

Ken Morton in Lower Cheshire Wood Cave Entrance Bottle Pot Shake Hole Photo by Simon Brooks Photo by Mick Chambers

Pete Collins in Water Icicle Close Cavern North-West Passage Dig Photo by Keith Slatcher

Lower Cheshire Wood Cave, Manifold Valley, Staffordshire, NGR 1120, 5335. Grade 1 Alt 175m Length 17.7m Vertical Range 1.5m Situated some 800m below Beeston Tor on south bank of Manifold some 60 below remains of an old concrete footbridge. The entrance is located on a ledge on a steep bank, 7m above the riverbed, above some obvious anticlinal folded limestone in Water Icicle Close Cavern North-West Passage Aven the valley side (scramble required to reach it). Here Photo by Keith Slatcher an arched entrance (2.4m x 0.9m) leads to a low crawl that enters a small chamber after 5.5m where Hall Dale Through Cave (AKA ‘Au Pair’ Cave) the passage divided. To the left the passage Hall Dale, Derbyshire. NGR 1395, 5350 continues as a hands and knees crawl for another Grade 1 8m to reach a choke. To the right a short 3m long Alt 220m Length 7.7m VR 2.0m passage ends in a silt choke. Limited prospects for Situated in low rib of limestone on the north side further extension. The roof for much of the cave is a of Hall Dale some 150m before the River Dove is single bed of anticinally folded limestone. (Originally reached. A rift entrance concealed by an Ash Tree 4.5m long and extended by OCC to present length in leads to a comfortable 1.3m x 1.85m rift passage April/May 2009). that runs through the rib of limestone to exit at a second entrance 0.7m x 1m. Simon Brooks

12 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 DCA at "Cliffhanger" 2009 Event Sheffield, 11/12 July 2009

Saturday 11th July 2009 In attendance: Paul Chandler*.

ortunately with this being an "outdoors event" the weather stayed F fine all day. The DCA Information Stand Tent was erected with invaluable help from a number of young, but competent, volunteers from the "Cliffhanger" event crew. Inside the DCA Stand Tent, a large table displayed a varied selection of leaflets on both caving (BCA's "So, You Want To Go Caving?" and "Try Caving", also DCA Information Sheets), local mine exploration, et al, plus a large survey of the the "Peak - Speedwell - JH - Titan" System was also laid out. Also displayed in the Stand Tent, were a few A4 size colour pictures of local mines, plus one DCA Stand Tent of "Titan", some cartoon caver posters and Photo by Paul Chandler a large DCA Contacts Sheet containing details of local caving clubs in the Peak was rather conspicuous by its "blank" look, the "Star Attraction" of the DCA Stand last year: namely the "Speleo-Olympics Obstacle Course", was absent, due to insufficient volunteer support! Despite the thousands of people visiting "Cliffhanger" on the Saturday, visitors to the DCA Stand were few and far between! Sunday 12th July 2009

In attendance: Paul Chandler, Nigel Atkins, Dennis Jump, Ann Soulsby, Robin Stiffin, Martin Grayson, (Dr) David Ross and Larry Blanchard.

hat a difference a day makes! Eight of us in attendance today, and in addition to the W DCA Information Stand Tent (plus BCA display panels, set up both inside and outside the Tent), one of the adjacent large trees was rigged for Single Rope Technique (SRT) demonstrations and Ladder Climbing for members of the public, under supervision of a qualified Caving Instructor. Martin had also brought along his Cave Diving equipment for display. Once again, we were very fortunate with the weather with only a very short, light shower.

The Ladder Climbing was extremely popular from opening to closing time with over 100 children, some "tiny tots" and, interestingly, no adults, climbing to the top of the ladder and then being lowered down wearing a pre-fitted harness. If DCA participates in this event next year, two Ladder Ladder Climbing Climbing rigs would be preferable. During the Photo by Paul Chandler course of the day, there were a small number of visitors to the Information Display Tent.

District and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, the One of the visitors to the Stand Tent, was an remainder of the grass plot allocated to the DCA employee of "Hayfisher Productions", a film

13 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 company, who were making a video production of the "Cliffhanger" event for possible broadcasting on Sky television! There was a possibility of the DCA Stand appearing on the production, but in the event no filming took place on our stand!

My thanks to Nigel, Dennis, Ann, Robin, Martin, David and Larry (most of those present, belonged either to Masson Caving Group or TSG, or both, two local caving clubs). Also thanks to some friends of Martin and Larry for their invaluable assistance with dismantling the DCA Stand on the Sunday. Finally, thanks to Peak District Mining Museum (PDMHS) for loan of display table, Goodluck Mine Preservation Club supplying barrier rope, and last but not least, Jenny Potts (DCA).

*Note: With the "Speleo-Olympics Obstacle Course" being advertised in "Cliffhanger" programme, Matt Heason (Event organiser) had requested a DCA Yougsters Try Ladder Climbing presence on the Saturday, to answer queries regarding Photo by Paul Chandler its non- appearance, hence my attendance. Paul Chandler (Masson Caving Group) DCA Stand Co-ordinator.

The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 1 4 Long Rake Mine, Youlgreave Danger!

Some cavers recently visited this mine and found it full of fumes, almost certainly from an engine working on the surface. Please note that this mine is part of a working site on private land and there is no agreed access while this is so. You are urged to ensure that all cavers are made aware of the situation.

Jenny Potts

DCA Matters

NEXT DCA MEETING

DCA AGM 2010: Saturday, 13th February, 2009

All Meetings start at 10am. at Monyash Village Hall. The Hall will be open from about 9.30am with tea, coffee and biscuits on tap. The Old Smithy Cafe, next to the Pub, does an excellent breakfast from about 9am.

Remember that Council Meetings are open to ALL members.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WITH DCA For information on all DCA Training Courses and events, contact DCA Training Officer, Nigel Atkins, 01283- 210666, 07831-449919, [email protected]

USE OF BRIDGE 75 ON THE MONSAL TRAIL If your club is interested in making use of this abseil/SRT training facility, please contact the DCA Training Officer, Nigel Atkins: Tel. 01283-210666, Mob. 07831-449919, [email protected]

INSTALLATION OF ECO-ANCHORS If you have any queries about Eco-anchors installed in the region, please contact the DCA Chairman, Bob Dearman, 01298-85594, 07855-920087, [email protected]

15 The Derbyshire Caver Issue 130 DERBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010

Chairman: Bob Dearman The Green Cottage, Main Street, Chelmorton, Buxton SK17 9SL Email: [email protected] Tel. 01298-85594, Mob. 07855-920087 Vice Chairman: Terry Jackson New House Farm, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 0QL Enail: [email protected] Tel. 01663-750647, Mob. 07966-219997 Secretary/Treasurer: Jenny Potts 3 Greenway, HuIIand Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3FE Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] Tel. 01335-370629 Assistant Secretary: Chris Broome "Carpathian", Dale Close, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2AY Email: [email protected] Tel. 01629-824512 Newsletter Editor / Publications Officer: Paul Lydon Kirby House, Main Street, Winster, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2DH Email: [email protected] Tel. 01629-650482 Training Officer: Nigel Atkins Wharfedale House, Springfield Close, Midway, Derbyshire DE11 0DB Email: [email protected] Tel. 01283-210666, Mob. 07831-449919 Cave Registry Secretary: John Beck Glebe Cottage, The Hillock, Eyam, Derbyshire S32 5RB Email: [email protected] Tel. 01433-631732 Equipment Officer: Jules Barrett 40 Cornish Place, Sheffield, S6 3AF Email: [email protected] Mob. 07730-981857

Conservation & Access Team Conservation Officer: Dave Webb 3 De Vere Gardens, Woodthorpe, Nottingham NG5 4PH Email: [email protected] Tel. 0115-840-1109 Asst. Conservation Officer: Christine Wilson Kingfisher Cottage, Far Hill, Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9HR Email: [email protected] Tel. 01433-621149, Mob. 07713-416455 Access Officer: lain Barker 56 Thornbridge Crescent, Birley, Sheffield S12 3AE Email: [email protected] Tel. 0114-264-7561 Mob. 0771-068-9704 Project Officer: Martyn Grayson 29 Hinde House Lane, Page Hall, Sheffield S4 8GY Email: [email protected] Mob. 07976-953089 Legal & Insurance Officer: Pete Mellors "Fairview", Station Road, Edingley, Newark, Notts. NG22 8BX Email: [email protected] Tel. 01623-882515

Email: [email protected] Website: www.theDCA.org.uk