SRT trip to a Derbyshire Mine: Caving Crew Trip 21/05

We often are able to help people get there with a combination of driving and public transport.

On our signup form, we'll ask you where you're travelling from and if you need, or can give a lift.

We'll try and match you up with transport options that'll support you.

It can help a great deal if you're able to make your way to the centre of Manchester or train stations like Chapel-en-le-Frith, Glossop, Hope, Buxton - if you can get to these places, we almost certainly can get you a lift the final distance.

Usually around 1830 however we'll discuss that in a group chat beforehand and find a time that works for everyone as well as for the trip.

• We arrive at the cave's meeting/parking location
• We get kitted up
• We go caving
• The Messenger group chat is there to help answer questions now and on the night
• Bring a cave snack, water and have fun!

Unfortunately, you might not be caving with us this week.

We need enough time to figure out logistics, lead teams and any gear requirements and doing this last minute isn't always viable. If we do end up with space we will try and fill it - you'll see a waitlist option if the trip is sold out when you come to book.

We need to know if you can't make it ASAP. The best way to tell us is in the group chat for the trip or by messaging the leader, otherwise message us.

• Bagshawe Cavern (main, lower series, gated series)
  
• Carlswark Cavern (Big Dig Series, Dynamite Series, Tourist Series)
  
• Merlin Mine
  
• Nickergrove Mine
  
• Mouldridge Mine
  
• Wapping Cumberland Caverns
  
• Giants Hole (Upper West/Upper Sumps/Round Trip/East Canal/Boss Aven)
  
• P8 (many variations to the sump)

And there are many others in our sights.

You can see see a bit more on this page about how we organise our outdoor caving events.

This trip includes basic ascent and descent as well as a rebelay and some deviations. Get in touch with us before booking if you're not sure about your level and we'll be happy to have a chat!

We'll set up a messenger group and can discuss arrangements beforehand. If you don't have messenger we'll contact you via other details you provide on booking.

Different caves/mines react differently to weather conditions and the trip leaders will have reviewed this and planned accordingly.

If a Plan B is needed it will be made!

We try to match people to caves with the right level of challenge.

We don't always get it right, and as we're a mixed ability group, it can require a bit of understanding at both ends of the spectrum, but mostly we do a pretty good job.

Caving is just like anything - it ranges from very easy to very hard and you will be with a team who will support you through any bits you're not confident with.

For this trip you need to be confident with your basic SRT - ascending and descending. There are a couple of deviations and a rebelay to negotiate as well - get in touch if you've any queries.

Probably not. These are fun social caving evenings rather than training evenings.

You should get to cave, whilst people may be willing to pass on skills - the expectation is that you have a fun evening cave rather than anyone shows you how to do things.

We run regular training sessions and trips so if you are looking to develop certain skills let us know!

Probably!

We have a tacklestore in Glossop and can usually arrange to get you any kit you need from there.

Sadly not.

As this is an SRT trip it's not suitable for inexperienced cavers.

They're welcome to come on one of our indoors Extra-Welcoming sessions

If they're over 18, have SRT experience and fit the rest of the requirements for this trip - yes, please do!

These events are specifically organised for over 18s only, in accordance with our club policy.

In general, the Crew loves well behaved cave dogs, but caving is rarely an ideal sport for dogs, and we'd generally suggest you left them at home.

We do our best to support cavers with all mobility and accessibility requirements who meet the minimum requirements for these events.

If you have specific requirements, please sign up and put them in the comments section of the signup form.

If you want to talk it over with someone beforehand, please feel free to message us.

We are not perfect, and we're developing our awareness of different venues' strengths and weaknesses for different people, but we will try to support cavers as best we can.

In the past, we've supported pregnant ladies, and the Crew is very supportive of cavers with different requirements.

We are keen to support as much caving activity as we can.

We know that not all cavers have a good understanding of what caves are best for them, and what's nearby.

By organising our events like this (feel free to read about how it actually works) we manage to support more cavers of different skill levels than we otherwise would be able to.

We're also able to diversify the caves we visit more, and help the planet, by sending small groups to caves nearest them, and support lift sharing.

Our approach is not for everyone, and fortunately, we're lucky to be in an area where many caving groups operate and some may have approaches that work better for people who prefer the other approaches to organising caving events.

We need everyone to have membership before they come on our outdoor events to make sure everyone has 3rd party BCA insurance as required of us by the BCA. Prospective members can get interim cover from the BCA - we'll speak to you about this if required.

Here’s what you should bring:

• Change of socks/underwear/replacement clothing. Anything you wear into the cave will likely be too wet and dirty to wear afterwards in the car, so make sure you have spare clothes for the drive home.
• Wellies (we do have spares if necessary, but the sizes and stock are limited). These aren’t special wellies – £12 wellies from go-outdoors or sparkling pink wellies with fur linings are great for caving.
• Towel
• Any important medicines you take
• Contact lenses or string for your glasses.
• A full sealed snack you enjoy eating (eg a mars bar)

What will I be borrowing?

If you don’t already have them:

• Caving Oversuit to go over your undersuit
• Caving Undersuit to go underneath your oversuit
• Caving Helmet with Caving Headtorch and fully charged Batteries
• Gloves
• Kneepads
• Wellies
• SRT Kit

We’ll also be carrying the appropriate group equipment.

This is what we'd expect from experienced cavers:

• Undersuit
• Oversuit
• Helmet + Light
• Wellies
• Kneepads
• Gloves

SRT Kit:

• Descender
• Ascender + security link
• SRT Harness
• Chest Harness
• Cowstails