1986-1987
Richard Collcott, Dave Wilson, Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Malcolm Barr, Chris Backhouse, Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Harry Lock, Charlie Cawthorne, Jennie Gilbert, Clive Orrock, Steve Lane, Debbie Armstrong, Mark Bown, Steve Gill, Simon Leach, Helen Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Jane Enderby, John Harrison, Kath Bonnick, Andrew Pugh, Katy Lock
I typed these up in 2024, and occasionally I chose to leave out sentences or words that I deemed "offensive". Typically I thought these to be sexist, though on occasion there were racist epithets. These decisions were entirely my own. In a similar vein, typos, incorrect attempts at transcribing handwriting, and misattributing trips to cavers who share first names are also my own mistakes.
Fiona Hartley
The Renault 12 Rides Again
- Steve
- Sarah-Jane
- Richard
Once more the trusty (but exceedingly dirty) Renault 12 driven by the "capable" hands of Steve headout to Yorkshire for a "plan well in advance" weekend.
The trip in true clique style had been kept fairly quiet though several others expressed an interest in going. These were given different replies from direct honesty to mumbled denials but none managed to claw their way on.
The trip down (or should I say up) wasn't too bad getting to the caravan by 12.00pm.
Car Pot: Richard Collcott, Steve Lane, Sarah-Jane Hunt
Up in reasonable time, packed ropes in Ingleton car park. Drove over to Clapham where we got changed (with an audience). Walk up the Gill wasn't half as bad as I remembered it and Steve located the cave with ease in the gorgeous weather.
The actual caving was ace, the cave was fairly dry and the cave bottomed with relative ease in a short time (2 1/2 to 3 hours). I wandered around the bottom a lot getting totally caked in mud whilst my more reserved (saner?) companions waited for me to bimble around.
Sarah derigged on the way out as practice for rigging and no trouble was found till Baptistry crawl - which in mine and Steve's opinion had seemed to have got smaller, so small Steve smashed his petzl combination lens in disgust.
All of us had difficulties in the letter box though poor Steve being last up had no one to help him (Where was Gerald?) so an impromptu rope ladder was devised to solve the problem.
Still light as we exited what must be "an ace cave!!!"
R.J.C.
We decided to stay up on Monday as well but due to poor weather, bad planning of light charging and general wimping out no further caving was done or even for that matter climbing. However an ace time was had bimbling around, walking, sight seeing and cafe sampling - noteable the Copper Kettle and Beck Hall (Malham).
All in all an ace long weekend, very relaxing and great to get away from London. We all enjoyed ourselves (didn't we) and got a good cave done in Car Pot.
Qoute of the year: Richard to Steve: "Open it up and get it out of my trousers."
The Renault 12 Goes West (to Mendips) 26th to 28th September
- Steve
- Debbie
- Richard
Desmond (Debbie's "friend") was also supposed to be turning up but cancelled due to a bad back (yeah I bet!)
Got to the BEC after a slightly hair raising drive - Steve practising rally driving down the "wide" country lanes. There was a piss-up and slide show at the BEC that night but we decided for an early night and a "good" "cave" the next day.
Longwood/August: Richard Collcott, Steve Lane, Debbie Armstrong
Got up at reasonable time and bumbled around Wells till eventually we found a key for Longwood/August from the Wessex hut.
The cave was a good laugh (HaHaHaHa - Bottoms!!) and much disgusting conversation was had. We took several pictures (which undoubtedly won't come out) and met another team of WetSuit cavers whose ladder rigging was to put it mildly - appalling.
Didn't bother with Reynold's passage - Wimp Soc - and were out by 3pm (a two and half hour trip in total). But still a good time was had by all.
Got drunk down the pub on Saturday night, poor Steve drinking Cyder. Sunday was a miserable day weather wise and climbing in Cheddar was off, so we went walking in the gorge instead. Got back to London late afternoonish.
Yet another good weekend, blah blah
RJC
Harry's weekend 3-6 October 1986
Coach/bus to Lancaster Ingleton. Stayed in caravan at Beezley's. Excellent crimson sky on Fri night promised good weather for Saturday.
Saturday
Blue sky, hot, gentle breeze etc. Toiled over to West Kingsdale with two rope bags and caving gear. Got to Bull pot. Straightforward 3 hour trip to bottom and back out. Very dry. Went down to Valley Entrance to meet massed hordes (including a Texan caver, and various other randoms). Ultra-fast trip to Swinstos/Simpsons inlets, and to Rowten sump. A few pints in Craven Heifer (empty at 9pm on Sat night!). Lonely night in caravan (it's only the sound of the trees, isn't it!)
Sunday
Cold, misty, occasional showers. Decided not to go caving. Checked out Chapel le Dale cave entrances. Gods Bridge to Joint Hole to Midge Hole via Hill Inn to Roaring/Sunset/Meregill. Direct ascent of Ingleborough (scree/cliff) in zero vis. Less than zero vis on summit and cold, strong winds. Descended to Crina Bottom where met Mr. Chippy ("Been down Gaping Ghyll today?"). Back to Beezleys, half fized bike and tidied caravan.
Monday
Left caravan at 5am for coach back to London (full of geriatrics). OK weekend. Solo caving is fine, but more enjoyable with company.
Harry Lock
Yorkshire Weekend (Freshers)
10-12 October 1986
The Drive Up
Two vans went up, along with Jennie's Renault 5, which arrived on Saturday morning. The two vans got to Brackenbottom at a reasonable time, but only after a
Tatham Wife Hole: Dave Wilson, Harry Lock, Katy Lock, John Hurn
Reasonably early start meant we beat a group of ULSA to the entrance, but they forced past us at 2nd pitch. Ladder and lifeline trip. Average water conditions. Tried to ladder clear of water at most pitches using Elliot bolts, but still not satisfactory, since we got a soaking on each pitch; therefore cave better suited to SRT: 3rd pitch only requires one ladder (not 2 as suggested). "Ramp" is best part of cave - no need for a line on it. Stopped at duck since we didn't want to get caught behind ULSA (we did though). Next trip in should look at the high level passage/aven reached 10' down 3rd pitch. Exited with no real problems on ladders, at 4pm. Walked back to road to meet assorted Alum Pot Amateurs and Chem Eng Pissheads etc etc. Back to hut for shower, then pub. A straightforward moderately enjoyable trip.
HEL
[some text at the side thoroughly Tipex-ed out]
Sunset Hole/Roaring Hole: Richard Collcott, Tim Flack, Rob Chaddock, Alison Seward, Alistair Goodall
A good time was had wallying around in these two caves and we still got the Hill Inn by opening time. Sunset is a very basic cave (just like I remember it). The pitch was about 53 feet (out of the water - amazing). Rich performed some classic text book life lining - just like Steve does. However the prat forgot his ascending gear so climbed up without a lifeline.
Got down the first pitch in Roaring before we met Clive et al. Didn't bottom Roaring (then we didn't really bottom Sunset), but got out in time for opening time. A good enjoyable day's caving, though I think Alistar got a bit worried on some of the tighter bits.
unknown
Long Churn: Simon Seward, Kath Bonnick, Dean (Millar?), Roger Wilson
[I can hardly read this]
Walked around a bit whilst Simon tried to find the entrance - with little success. Eventually an entry point was found through what looked like a subterranean waterfall. Where were my mask and fins when I needed them most? After that headway was made pretty quickly - Simon's expertise at jumping in puddles was well demonstrated. Kath tried it and fell in to her neck. Dean and I overcame the hindrance of having to go on a trip with Simon and Kath and forged ahead manfully.
On encountering the cheese press we made it through with not too many problems. We came to the major pitch, well 40ft, two ladder's worth which was good fun. Simon lifelined, the only time I would consider relying on him!! This brought us out into Alum Pot - and a superb scenic view - I was impressed anyway.
We then headed up and back the way we'd come until we chose a different route out. The exit was a crawl through a stream and into the middle of a Lancaster University CC tea party on the [] of the hill. We all enjoyed it and strolled back to the van and back for a-blower.
R Wilson
Saturday night
All got to Marton Arms very early (some even got 2 pints in at Hill Inn before) Unfortunately met Bown, Foster et al, ALSO Dave Warrington who's been to Tresviso blah blah now accepted into Northern Caving Circles. OK night in pub, lots of good fun had knocking beer over, insulting landlords etc. Some freshers found it all so exciting they fell asleep half way through. Good fun had necking back Chartreuse. On way back got stopped by les gendarmes - ok though since Dave wasn't pissed ho ho. Made ourselves really welcome by our low profile when we got back to Bradford PC. Lots of good fun running around hut, making plenty of disturbance etc etc. Finally didn't get to sleep till we woke up the next morning (?!).
Sunday
Zero grade caves / Rambles Soc: Harry, Kate, Tim
"The Ingleborough Roundabout"
Left hut early and did a 26 mile "organised" walk - circular from Feizor. Moughton to Sulber Gate to GG to Harryhorse Stone to Crina Bottom to Harry Hallams Fold to Beezleys to Scales Moor standing stone to Weathercote to Hill Inn to Colt Park to Selside to Sulber Gate to Norber Erotics to Austwick to Feizor. Superb weather, good food at checkpoints and at end of walk. Everyone managed walk OK. Slight error on pick-up with Simon and Rich setting off to look for us, and, inevitably, missing us. Did the walk in 10 hours - a time probably best forgotten! An excellent day!
Harry
Sell Gill: Dave Wilson, Kath Bonnick, Alistair
Set off from van at 12:40, after gear buying session in Inglesport, got to entrance to find Yorkshire Dales Caving on way out, only using 6 anchors for 20' pitch. Carried on down with no problems except bad takeoff on 2nd pitch, rerigged later. Lifelining/self-lining every pitch. V dry - so no problems on pitches, then crawl round in mud/water at bottom. Good trip for freshers ladder practice, certainly better than when I did it in flood years ago - note - in flood, water diverted down the wet entrance can reappear in between second and third pitches (I think). Back to van and changed around 5:30, not too bad, thence to hut and the long wait for H...
Dave Wilson
Southerscales Pot/Great Douk Cave: Richard Collcott, Rob Chaddock, Alison, John
Southerscales quite interesting - proper entrance quite tight (Alison found it quite psychologically so). Again Rich, the intrepid but dumb leader forgot to bring self lining gear so had to climb all the ladders unlined. Crawl seemed quite long on the way in. Good freshers trip. Great Douk quite dull in comparison, just a long walk, stooping towards the end. A good easy day;s caving in preparation for the horrors to come later in the year no doubt.
Rich
South Wales Freshers w/e 17th-19th October
Simon, Richard, Harry, Clive, Sarah, Neill, Andrew, Tim Palmer, Kevin Oliver, Mark, Rob, Andy de Burgh Thomas, Penny Gamble, Ben Loaden, Peter Hambly, Chris Cawthorne, Charlie, Clog + 2 randoms, Matthew Shaw
The Drive Down Union van went with Simon driving, who tried to take us to Yorkshire. Rest went with Matthew in his VW camper. Minor Coup d'Etat in van when Simon wanted to get the beers in and not let us wimps have chips. He lost! [following sentence Tipex-ed out]
Tunnel Top: Tim Palmer, Harry Lock, Mark, Kevin Oliver
Found entrance fairly easily despite mist. 40' and 25' pitches straightforward, though entrance pitch is a bit awkward to lifeline safely. (Actually both pitches can be done fairly safely without a line.) Calcite slope DID HAVE a wire traverse and handline (misinformation from u2!). Way on from there is generally straightforward, but with a number of climbs up and down over and under boulders choking the rift. It is possible to progress at at least 3 different levels in the rift passage - we stayed high and managed to miss out the "prominent T-junction" both in AND going out. Had 2 keys so got into Cathedral and out by the 1953 entrance to exit at ~2pm. Turned round and went back out, managing to do a different route again! one which involved a low bedding plane crawl with sandy floor. Met a group at calcite slope so had to wait for them to kick lots of boulders down before we could safely exit. 'Marine Boy' deserves a special mention for caving on a very dim Tekna lite during the trip! (His Oldham failed straightaway) Drove back to SWCC to discover we were the last trip out as usual ("Ha, ha, did your watch fail Harry? ..... Ha, ha, who got stuck this time? ..... Ha, ha, we've been waiting for you for 5 hours!") Very good trip (well, good for South Wales!)
H
Cwm Dwr & OFD II: Richard Collcott, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Andrew Pugh, Andy
Rigged ladder in Cwm Dwr so no problems descending. Proceeded quick through large passags and small rift. Had slight navigational problems before reaching Dim Dwr. Sarah thinking that Dim Dwr was much tighter than 2 years ago. No evidence of having been dug out. Explored many passages in boulder choke before finding a way through it. Andrew and Andy disappeared off towards the streamway leaving the leader behind. Turned back at end of boulder choke and had a quick exit. Rested in large chamber past Dim Dwrt so we could put back on all jumpers and thermals removed on the way in before heat stroke set in. Very warm cave, and low water level. Had problems with Andrew's Nicad.
After 'doing' "Cwm Dwr-chamber of horrors" we went into Top Entrance. Didn't take the route described by Clive. Ended up going straight ahead until reached a dry waterfall climb which Sarah didn't like. Wandered around caverns of good formations and kept finding pitches ~20-50ft, probably Pendulum Passage past Poached Egg series, but even finding a survey in cave didn't help position us. Ended up climbing down Waterfall Climb because Sarah couldn't convince Richard that she REALLY did know the way out. "This, I definitely remember from before, blah blah." A good Welsh caving trip in 5-6 hours total.
Sarah
Aggie!: Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Charlie Cawthorne, Simon Leach, Chris Cawthorne
The Outer Circle "The Bridge Beckons": Charlie, Chris, Robert, Matthew, Simon
Entrance series "We're already here": Clog, Joe Halifax
In the footsteps of 20+ sherpas of the Walker Diving Circus the CEDs took three potential members of their illustrious fighting formation on an arduous initial ceremony. Several questions had to be answered: Will Charlie ever slow down? Will Chris (strictly 9pm-9am) ever shut up? What is a VW bonnet? Has Simon got a CG? Where's Turkey pool? Despite much feigned uncertainty Charles had no route problems and this marvellous Welsh classic was seen at breakneck speed. Turkey passage being the highlight and Easter passage a significant low spot. "Just like Marco Polo all over again" was the opinion of one star member of the trip. At all times Chris led the debate on his sexual moves (or lack of) and who was the mysterious girl making breakfast for his brother. Even when Charlie went into labour at a tight section there was no let up in the prodigious words per minute. A relief to regain the streamway and eventually the entrance series. I guess Rob and Mat passed the test but I think that due to failing to identify the true problem and caving next to it for ~6 hours cost me my place in the Death Squad. Excellent trip good fun even if the cave wasn't. However one of my illusions were shattered: Christopher has at no time in his life been involved in the sale of second-hand cars. What a waste of talent.
SMS
Sunday
Mass Assault - Target - Little Neath: Richard Collcott, Simon Seward, Rob Chaddock, Charlie Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Matthew, Kevin
Went down in good weather as two teams - both under orders to do short round trip then out. Both teams disobeyed and went to bottom. Ace trip - everyone seemed to enjoy themselves (esp Rob and Matthew after the "boredom" of Aggie). Out in quick time. A good trip was had by all.
RJC
Ogof Fechan: Pete Hambly, Harry Lock, Sarah-Jane Hunt, Andrew Pugh
Van dropped us off, got changed, then it started to rain. Called at farmhouse on way. Found entrance OK. Sarah's light failed so she used Harry's headtorch, then Andrew's light failed so he caved in the dark then Harry's carbide failed (only temporarily) so he had to put some water in it (what a clever idea!). Despite these setbacks we pressed on (!). Had minor route finding problems in the large dry chamber and at boulder choke fairly near the end. Apart from these problems, it's quite an enjoyable little cave, with a good streamway, canals and deep pools, and some reasonable stal formations. The nature and size of the cave passages continually changes, which adds interest. Didn't go to end of cave, which was a good idea because van was waiting for us when we got out. Met a large group of Kingston Poly on way out. Got changed and drove to PyO to pack the van. This is an enjoyable Sunday trip that can be done in 2-4 hours.
H
Non-fresher w/e 24 to 26 October 86
Richard, Simon, Neill & Fun-sized (Harry) - the A team are back
A good time was had by all
Basically we all acted like animals in York. The A team hit York with all it had and it will never be the same again (Amen to that).
RJC
Yorkshire 1/2 November 86
Those attending: Simon, Chris, Dean, Graham, Harry, Steve Gill, Malc, Pete
31/10/86 Harry's extra day
Train from Euston to Bentham (4 half hours) walked via Craven Heifer to caravan (~4 miles). Friday dry and sunny. Walked to Rift Pot, Masongill.
Rift Pot: Harry Lock
Trip chosen because it combined crawling and a 60m pitch - more advanced than my previous venture down Bull, but not TOO committing. Straightforward trip. Interesting Elliot muddy traverse half way down big pitch. Final chamber impressive. 2 1/2 hour trip. A very good trip (?best of the w/e?). Next trip? Could be Juniper or Vesper.
Saturday (Friday night it rained heavily)
Ireby Fell Marble Steps (sort of): Simon Seward, Harry Lock, Chris, Dean, Graham
Ireby too wet at 2nd pitch so laddered Marble Steps entrance. (impressive) Poked up Lost Inlet. then followed 240' Rift to next pitch. Strange how this cave was relatively dry compared with Ireby. Clearly it floods AND drains faster. Quite good fun. Got out in daylight (!) and went to meet others.
Saturday night in New Inn. Good time was had by all, especialyl Malcolm. Ha ha....
Sunday
Jingling Pot: Harry Lock, Steve Gill, Graham, Chris
Straightforward trip down alternative route/shaft. Graham and Chris had no real problems on this, their first underground SRT trip. Took about two and half / three hours. Wandered over to Bull Pot, and got van keys off them at top of third pitch. Back to van then hut.
H
Derbyshire "Not quite as far as Yorkshire weekend"
14 to 17/11/86
Those attending:
- Tim Palmer (RCC) - ?
- Mark Padley ("next thing was...amigo") - SF someone's friend
- Chris Backhouse (the bloke in Caving Supplies recommended I buy it!) - OL Old Lag
- Simon Seward (I don't think I'll go caving today...or tomorrow) - A A-team
- Chris Orchard - Tactical throw team
- Tim Flack (what day will it be yesterday?)
- Kevin (traverse with confidence) - SF someone's friend
- Nick (Capri driver) - SF someone's friend
- Richard Collcott (I can handle Owd Rodger...honest!) - A A-team
- John Harrison (Mr. Respectable these days) - OL Old Lag
- Jane Enderway (!) (Uranium explorationist...shhh!)
- Peter Hambly (what window?) - F "Fresher" (only one?)
- Chris Cawthorne (9 till 9, now "going steady") - ?
- Helen Cawthorne (leave me alone... Simon)
- Harry Lock - OL Old Lag
- Roger Hare (not laid back enough)
- Simon 'Clog' Leach (bullshitter) - OL Old Lag
Saturday
Nettle Pot: Richard Collcott, Simon Seward, Chris Orchard
Basically a fucking good time was had by all, even down this quite basic but exhilerating cave. When we arrived at the cave found it was double rigged and moments later yet another group arrived, Simon wanted to dip immediately (minus several A team points) However Rich went down first double rigging, whilst the team behind us - a group of surprising good lads from the Army started to put a few bolts in at the top of the first pitch (which it badly needed).
At base of first pitch (160') Simon came down last forgetting one vital thing - the rope bag. Rich taking pity on Simon's poorly state went back up and got it for him (what a pal)
As the next 12m pitch was being rigged the first team down came up the big 170' pitch with chants such as - just like the Hurricane pitch - you know the one at the bottom of the Berger - that the B-E-R-G-E-R the fifth deepest cave in the world. Simon "politely" told them they were speaking out of their arses ignorance.
By this time the Army arrived and we teamed up temporarily as one group using their ropes to bottom the cave. An ace trip performed with high spirits (much singing etc) and very enjoyable.
RJC
But then came the pub! (Aaarrrghhhh)
Anon
NO, next comes
Giants Hole, or Lifelining the Three Thousand, an epic of biblical proportions, starring: Tim Flack, Pete Hambly, Chris Backhouse, Harry Lock, Simon Leach, Helen Cawthorne, Chris Cawthorne, Jane Enderby, John Harrison, Kevin, Nick, + Aston University (Group No.2) + Group No.3 + Group No.4 + Group No."n"
(Farmer's earnings for the day: £ many spons)
2 teams of 6. one down Crabwalk, 1 traversed above streamway (swopped over on exit). Straightforward apart from numbers. Geology Pot laddered OK - dry. Then final cascade. East Canal was sumped so turned back. Minor epic as 3+ parties arrived at bottom of 1st pitch at same time, with only 1 ladder in place. Resulted in waves of people climbing up unlined / half lined etc. Good traditional caving, with lots of shouting etc. Turned out Aston Uni didn't have a line, but wanted one, and had no idea how to use it, so resulted in rest of IC3 exiting cave while H lifelined an endless queue of people - aaaahhh! Nevertheless a fine cave and a good time had by all!
H
The Pub
After food ICCC descended upon a somewhat empty Jug and Glass, Tim P driving (or trying to). Once there the beer flowed quickly and a inner drinking clique developed - Mark, Rich, Simon, Chris O, Peter in a 10 pint go for it round. Rich did much of the early pace making but was hndered in the later stafes by a "no-tactical throw" ability. Peter tried to dip out but was dragged back in. Towards the end of the evening (in the pub) silly games of arm wrestling broke out and the landlord finished serving just before pint number 10 was downed.
Then it was back to the hut for bread eating and an enjoyable game of cricket; till Harry in a typical H humourous mood rucked the bat. It was deemed that for this heinous act his trousers should be removed this led inevitably to bunk room war. H defended well vesus a [] in somewhat drunk and uncoordinated attack, full marks to fun-sized [ed: Harry's new nickname].
Got up very late in morning and only eventually left the bunk room due to the awful smell wafting from various sleeping bags.
Gerald
Knotlow Mine: Harry Lock, Roger H, Chris Orchard
"The cave is situated 3 field East of Grassy Triangle at junction of lanes"... says TD Ford/DW Gill - CRAP - we searched N,S,E,W for 10 fields radius for one and a half hours and didn't find the Climbing Shaft entrance. Eventually found out way to Hillocks Mine, so did that as far as 2nd pitch, where "ADRIAN, pull the bloody ladder up, was stuck" i.e. the cave was rapidly backing up with "absolute knacker" cavers - with 2 parties below us and 2 parties behind us - so we decided to give it a miss and leave these "traditional Derbyshire cavers" to their "typical Derbyshire mine" - they're welcome! Walked into Monyash.
H
Long Rake: Simon Leach, Jane Enderby, John Harrison
Why hasn't this minor event been written up?!
Anon
(written up 1/5/87 - as soon as I could manage!)
Clog's idea of a Sunday trip. He vaguely remembered where the entrance was, so we drove round for half an hour to find it.
Very impressive - mined out rake, open to the surface, about 10m wide, 300m long.
Climbed down fixed ladders, through hole in a concrete roof slab, into the mine.
3 levels are accessible, each 500m long or more, lots of old mining gear around.
Bottom level led into series of ancient (>150yr) workings which seemed to go for ever. At this stafe everybody's head and stomach had had enough (well, everybody but Clog) so a retreat was beat.
Very impressive as mines go, crap as caves go (bit like Aggie with railway lines in).
After exiting, made our way to Bakewell to sample to local tarts.
John Harrison
Eldon Hole: Pete Hambly, Tim Palmer, Chris Backhouse
Rotherham
Tim F, Rich, Kevin and Nick, decided not to go caving due to factors such as hangovers, gut rot, late start, bad weather and instead headed to Rotherham for Sunday lunch at Nick's place which was ace - Thanks Mrs Beaumont, we'll be back for more.
RJC
Stopped at a good chippy in Derby, got back to London early at 9:30pm!!
The Rotherham team got back at about 10.30
A good weekend
Castleton - pub and tea excellent trip