The
Derbyshire Caver
No. 132
DCA Goes To CLIFFHANGER 2011
Snow Covers Titan's Shaft
DCRO Needs You!
Dunsley Springs Clean­up
A "Crimbo" Pressie
The newsletter of the
DERBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION
£1.50
THE DERBYSHIRE CAVER
No. 132
Winter 2012
EDITOR:
Paul Lydon
Kirby House
Main Street
Winster
MATLOCK DE4 2DH
Tel: 01629 650482
Email:
publications@theDCA.org.uk
Material for inclusion can be sent hand­written or e­mailed.
Please send contributions for the next Issue as soon as they
are ready.
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily
those of the Editor or of the DCA.
The DCA website is at: www.theDCA.org.uk
Contents
Cover Photo: Ladder Action at Cliffhanger 2011 Photo by: Boyd Potts
DCA Goes To CLIFFHANGER 2011..............................................................................................3
News From Around the Peak..................................................................................................... 4
Snow Covers Titan's Shaft......................................................................................................... 6
Dunsley Springs Level Clean-up................................................................................................ 8
DCRO Needs YOU!..................................................................................................................... 10
A Crimbo Pressie....................................................................................................................... 12
Titan Dig Site Landscaped.........................................................................................................13
DCA Matters.............................................................................................................................. 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 132
2⁠⁠
C
DCA Goes to CLIFFHANGER 2011
liffhanger is now the premier open-air outdoor
activity event in Great Britain with an
attendance of over 20,000 this year. DCA ran
a stand at Cliffhanger 2011 on 2nd. and 3rd. of July
throughout the 2 days of the event, setting up on the
Friday and removing the last of the gear on Monday.
Altogether some 20 cavers from DCA clubs were
involved, some from Friday to Monday, others for 2
days, a day, half a day or even just Friday evening to
help us set up. We aimed to have at least 3 people
helping on the ladder climb, 4 on the artificial cave
and one in the stand tent all weekend and we
organized breaks and swap-overs to try to avoid
anyone having to work for too long without a break.
throughout the 2 days. We estimate that more than
a thousand children went through during the
weekend, some returning several times.
The DCA Artificial Speleological System (aka ASS):
the "cave", built for DCA by Dennis Jump, is made up
of 4 box sections with an outlet tube giving a total
"passage" length of about 40 feet. It is painted black
inside with pictures of stalactites and bats, has a
carpeted floor (to avoid splinters in knees), a
moveable "squeeze", climbs up and down and an
exit through a tube of black fabric. The whole
amazing structure can be dismantled and flat-packed
for transport. When the ASS was in use we hid the
whole thing under a tarpaulin to disguise what was
actually there, so only the entrance (covered by a
black fabric curtain) and the exit tube could be seen
by users. Exiting the "cave" we heard a comment
from one excited child, "Hey it's huge inside! How
did they get all that in there?" Each "caver" was
fitted out with a helmet and light by DCA volunteers
before entry and the "cave" was in constant use
Jenny Potts
The total cost to DCA of putting on the weekend
was £380, of which £141 was spent on additional
fittings and equipment for the "cave": helmets (small
sized cycle helmets were cheap and serviceable),
torches, tarpaulin, etc. (The total cost of the "cave"
and all its fittings, over the two years 2010 and
2011, came to £727. Transport to the site was free
in 2011, courtesy of the National Trust who now
store it for us at a site in Edale.) The travel costs of
volunteers in 2011 came to £200; some of them
came a considerable distance to help for the
weekend or travelled to collect and return
We set up our stand tent with displays and
information leaflets about caving, local club contacts, equipment. The remaining expenditure was on
consumables: batteries for torches, sweets for the
etc. A number of adults called in to ask about
ladder climb, etc. We are grateful to the local caving
caving, even though they were not interested in
clubs and outdoor centres who lent us the ladder,
taking part in the activities on site, and were given
rigging, lifelines, harnesses and climbing helmets.
leaflets and advice on caving, clubs to contact,
We were pleased last year to receive a grant from
equipment required, etc.
BCA towards the costs of our appearance at
Martyn Grayson arrived on the Saturday morning,
Cliffhanger in 2010 and hope for a contribution again
armed with a mountain of tackle, and set up a 30ft.
this year.
ladder, rigged from a handy overhanging tree
We are very grateful to the volunteers who put in
branch. A tackle bag full of sweets was attached to
so
much
time and effort into making the event a
the top rung for the climbers to take one when they
success for caving. Special thanks go to Boyd Potts,
reached their goal. The climbers were lifelined by
who camped in our van on site right through from
volunteers and were fitted out with a helmet and
Friday evening until Monday morning to mastermind
climbing harness. Around 300 people climbed the
the installation of the "cave" and ensure that all was
ladder during the 2 days of Cliffhanger, mostly
secure over the weekend; also to Martyn Grayson
children. The child pictured in the white helmet on
and Jess Eades, who together ran the ladder
the ladder was only 4 years old and she wasn't the
youngest. We also had one chap with white hair and climbing on Saturday (Jess was sporting blisters from
a beard who made it to the top; he was so keen that her life-lining efforts by the end of the day!) and
then came back to do it all over again on Sunday.
a week later he was taken on a real caving trip by
some of the volunteers from the weekend.
3⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
News From Around the Peak
DCRO's New
Base
Derbyshire Cave
Rescue Organisation
have a new Base! They
moved into a dedicated
section, partly shared
with Buxton Mountain
Rescue Team, in the
newly-built Buxton Fire
and Emergency Rescue
Centre on Staden Lane
off the A515.
DCRO moved into their
new Base last
September.
Peak Cavern's
Dedicated
Website
Wayne Shaldon has set
up a new website at
www.peakspeedwell.inf
o, dedicated to the Peak
Cavern / Speewell Mine
System.
A very useful resources
for all sorts of
information on the
Peak/Speedwell System
and as well as news
about the System, it
includes information on
bookings for Titan and
also lists current
bookings.
Breakthrough in
Backwater
Choke,
Speedwell
After a break of 19
years, the Backwater
Choke in Speedwell Mine
recieved some more
attention during the
summer of 2011. After
digging through the
choke, it was soon
passed and a large
ascending passage was
found. This passage rose
to the base of a large
aven which is 6 metres
wide, 10 metres long and
approximately 25 metres
high.
The aven was climbed
for 30 metres to reach a
small passage and a
further choke was
passed. This again broke
into a large ascending
passage but this time
stopped at a blind dome.
A 6 metres climb
reached a further choke
which is currently being
dug.
For more information
and the full story, see:
Peak District Caving
Website:
www.peakdistrictcavin
g.info
Cavers visiting
Speedwell Cavern should
be aware that this is an
active dig and are asked
to avoid everything
above the base of the
first aven until the
chokes have been
properly stabilised and
the pitches properly
rigged.
Climbing in
Peak Cavern
A BBC Scotland
documentary on freeclimbing (that is climbing
using only the rock
without assistance from
"artificial aid" such as
pulling on ropes or
anything else) was filmed
around the 200 ft high
entrance to "The Devil's
Arse" or Peak Cavern in
October 2011.
The climbers, Dave
Macleod and Alan
Cassidy, had previosuly
climbed out of Jingling
Pot in the Yorkshire
Dales.
The climb is planned to
be broadcast on
television in the near
future.
Furness Quarry
John Beck has been
investigating fluted joints
in the upper face of
Furness Quarry, A shaft
was dug and the solid
rock floor of a bench was
reach some 7 metres
down and what appeared
to be a bedding plane
turned out to be a clay
wayboard a few
centimetres thick.
Unfortunately, the dig
suffered a major run-in
which occured in October
last year, burying tools
and collapsing the dig.
It may be that an
alternative shaft will
need to be dug and the
old one filled in.
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
Hobbit Hole,
Furness Quarry
business was resumed in
November with the
return of the usual wet
weather.
It always looked a
The rain in the first
promising dig project on
week
caused everything
the lower level of Furness
fed by swallets, such as
Quarry, but Hobbit Hole
Bradwell Brook, to begin
was affected by the
flowing again. However,
diesel and oil tanks that
used to lie directly above Lathkill Dale, which is fed
by percolation water was
it.
Last October, members thought to be "drier than
anyone can remember
of Eldon Pothole Club
decided to take the mess for the time of year".
on and made good
progress after digging
Peak District
through a a tube and
Caving
beyond the previous
extent of cave.
Exploration
Award 2011
Knotlow Cavern Winners
Stabilisation
The annual award
As Knotlow Cavern is a
venue sometimes used
by led groups, it has an
annual inspection. It had
been decided during the
inspection that
stabilisation work would
be required at the site of
some loose rocks
between Chain Passage
and the Waterfall Pitch
into Waterfall Chamber.
Last year some cavers
got together the
materials and manpower
required to carry out the
required work and as a
result of their efforts, the
site was again placed on
the approved list for led
groups.
Low Water
Levels
During the surprisingly
dry stretch during last
year when rainfall was
below the usual for the
period, various locations
underground were
affected by lower water
levels than usual.
One affected location
was Merlin Mine in
Stoney Middleton where
Mark Cope was able to
get as far as Sump 8 in
September.
Sump 8 was still
sumped and was it was
last possible to gain
about 15 metres into the
sump back in 1990.
The unusually dry
weather continued until
October but normal
4⁠⁠
offered by Hitch'n'Hike,
the caving and outdoor
gear shop at Bamford,
was won by the cavers
who managed to pump
water from an area near
the entrance of Peak
Cavern.
They managed to gain
the Lumbago Walk
Series, revealing about
100 metres of passage
leading to a sump. The
sump has been dived for
approximately 50 metres
with the way on still
open.
There is also an award
for diver or team who
find the most new cave
from a single dive site, in
or beyond a sump
impassible to non-divers
. No separate diving
discoveries were
submitted and so this
separate award
remained unclaimed.
Major Progress
in Gautries Hole
Just before Christmas
last year Dan Hibberts
and others reported that
they had diverted water
in Gautries Hole down
through Angle and into
the sump to see if the
water would make any
difference.
The water began to
flow through the sump
and into the Pool
Chamber sump. The
water, always a slow, but
persistant digger, had
completely removed the
sump in Pool Chamber
and it was found on a
later trip that it was
possible to crawl through
straight into the passage
beyond.
The water from Bob's
Back Passage sank in the
floor of the chamber the
other side of Pool
Chamber and the cavers
were able to crawl in for
a couple of body lengths,
but it was very tight with
nowhere to turn around.
Since the water was
put to work, the passage
has become 2.5 meters
high, 1.5 meters wide
and keeps getting bigger
with every visit.
Unfortunately it ended
in a sump, so it was
decided to have a look at
Nuns Chuff Pot. Rob
Eavis was the only
person to have been to
the end previously and
he said it had opened up
but was full of sticky
mud, but you could hear
running water at the end.
Again in December,
Rob Grimes went down
Nuns Chuff Pot for a look
and found that it was
open and just a bit tight.
All the mud was washed
away but you could hear
running water loudly
further on.
system is consistently
reported to be still
relatively free from “bad
smells and bad air”, a
situation that is believed
to be the result of
continued use of the
nearby farm for horse
stabling rather that dairy
Knotlow Cavern cattle.
29 of the 54 records
Pollution
involve trips to Waterfall
Chamber, but several
Records
have ventured to Crimbo,
During stabilisation
the Bung series, Chapel
work at the head of the
Dale Level and East Level
last climb down to
(reportedly blocked) and
“Bung” chamber (i.e., the only the end of Chapel
one containing the low
Dale level gave cause for
wet crawl leading off to
concern and caution.
the Bung Series), I took
(Oxygen 16.9 with the
the opportunity to
normal level being about
recover the records from 21%)
the ammo box at the
As you will appreciate
base of the Knotlow
nearly all the records are
Climbing shaft. I was
subjective assessments,
amazed to discover the
but during this period
efforts you have all made there have also been
over the past 2 years to
metered readings as
keep the thing going, and follows.
I have tabulated all of the
(The readings show
54 records.
oxygen levels which can
It will come as no
be subtracted from 20.9,
surprise to learn that the the normal surface
5⁠⁠
reading, to give
approximate CO2 levels.)
Sept. 18th 2010. Pearl
Chamber 20.5; Waterfall
Chamber 20.2; 4-Ways
Chamber 20.1
Jan. 22nd 2011.
Entrance to Meccano
Passage from 210 Foot
Shaft 20.7: Meccano
Passage near Hillocks
20.6: Half way down
Whalf Engine Shaft 20.7
(Other areas of Hillocks
20.6)
A new and less damp
recording book should be
in place by the time you
read this.
Don’t forget the
Environment Agency
freephone pollution
helpline for reporting all
serious cases of pollution
0800 807 060. [Article
submitted by Dave
Webb.]
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
T
Snow Covers Titan's Shaft
itan has been visited quite a few times by cavers
since digging at the base of the West Passage
Choke was abandoned several years ago, but the
feverish media interest had long since abated and plans
were well in hand to dismantle the headgear, remove the
trusty Lister diesel and winch, and to return the site back
to nature. This once bustling site with its cheerfully
chugging little engine has remained silent now for many
months, and tell-tale signs of neglect and abandonment
were beginning to show.
Word must have got around to non-cavers and
BBC presenters that once this happened they would
find it much more challenging to see and film the
great shaft, since descent of the 47metre entrance
shaft would mean special techniques and quite a
hard slog just to get to the “Window” – the viewing
and breakout point of the epic Titan dig.
(Technical Note: An unusual 4WD vehicle housed
a beefy 30kw generator. The lamps used at the head
of the shaft were 2 x 2.5kw MSR (medium source
rare earth, or what I believe are more commonly
called ARC lamps) which give a light output at the
same 'temperature' as daylight, but with an output
roughly equivalent to 25 x 500 Watt halogen lamps!
. Also suspended lower down in the shaft were 2 x
200 Watt lamps powered by 30 volt batteries
through invertors. They combine to make Titan
appear as on a sunny day with the “roof” open! An
unbelievable sight.)
Dave Webb
And so on a clear but chilly October morning in
2010, having been a regular weekend team member
for five years during the digging, I once again found
myself making the half mile trek over the fields to
the distant and almost beckoning sound of the Lister.
From a distance the large collection of 4x4s and
other vehicles standing around the hill-top site with
its familiar spoil heap gave it a purposeful air – just
like the old days I thought!
Dave “Moose” Nixon had of course been notified
some time earlier that a film crew wished to shoot a
piece for the BBC magazine programme “The One
Show” , and he and Graham “Grum” Wolstencroft
had spent some time on maintenance and safety at
the site before the main crew descended with its
presenter, the intrepid Dan Snow.
Sad to think that in a way this would be Titan’s
last fling and opportunity to show off her best
features under the revealing glare of bright lights
and high definition video cameras.
Unusual 4WD truck housing powerful lighting generator
Photo by Dave Webb
Filming went well and we were allowed to look
down on the proceedings from the Window as Gavin
Newman filmed and Moose and Dan dangled.
Lighting technicians, producers, assistants, SRT and
safety experts all fussed around to get the best out
of what time they had; all were very capable - but
seemed so young! This magnificent film set is unlike
any other – cold, hostile and unforgiving of
amateurs. Dan was in safe hands but his relief on
reaching the safety of the window was tangible.
Also helping on the day (apart from Grum and
Moose) were one time Titan Digging team members
Dennis Jump (who held my ankles while I leaned out
to take a picture!), Bob Hetherington, Ian Smith, and
Dave Clucas who, like me, took advantage of the
lighting and got some great shots.
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
Gavin Newman (cameraman) and truck load of gear
Photo by Dave Webb
6⁠⁠
Dan (left) and Moose on "Event Horizon" preparing to make the daunting 70 metre ascent. Note camera and
spotlight source on opposite side
.
Photo by Dave Webb
An exhausted Dan debriefs with Moose and Sarah (one of ropework assistants) in the small "Window" chamber at
the head of the pitch. L-R Dan Snow, Sarah, Dave "Moose" Nixon.
Photo by Dave Webb
7⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
A
Dunsley Springs Level Clean-up
n enthusiastic group of local cavers and mine
explorers, including members of PDMHS (Peak
District Mines Historical Society), WMRG
(Wirksworth Mines Research Group) and OCC
(Orpheus Caving Club) recently undertook a clean-up
of Dunsley Springs Level in the Via Gellia near
Matlock.
The entrance to this small but interesting mine had
at some time in the past been filled with domestic
refuse which had been there for many years. The
clean-up operation was carried out during the course
of a couple of evenings and it proved to be quite an
interesting undertaking to transport bags of rubbish
down the extremely steep and wooded hillside in the
dark! However, this was safely achieved and a
substantial quantity of rubbish was disposed of on
both occasions.
All in all a great team effort by the following
people: Arthur Wilson, Martin Long, John Wood, Scott
Humphries, Lindy Hand, Adam Russell and Mat and
Niki Adlam-Stiles.
Getting the gear together for the clean-up
Photo by Nikki Adlam-Style
Niki Adlam-Stiles
Arthur Wilson picking up rubbish
Photo by Martin Long
Arthur Wilson, Scott Humphries and Mat AdlamStyles
Photo by Nikki Adlam-Style
Nikki Adlam-Style, Mat Adlam-Style
and Arthur Wilson
Photo by Martin Long
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
8⁠⁠
Dunsley Springs Level
Before
Photo by Martin Long
Dunsley Springs Level
After
Photo by Martin Long
9⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
A
DCRO Needs YOU!
s I am sure you are
aware, DCRO is a
charitable body
manned solely by volunteers
which has the responsibility in
the Peak District and
surrounding counties for
search and rescue in
underground locations.
Although we work directly for the Police, all our
funding is derived from charitable sources, and all
our manpower is sourced from the caving community
within the Peak District.
Caving clubs like yours and cavers who are not
members of a club rely upon the services which
DCRO provide freely and without question. Likewise
DCRO relies upon the caving community, which
includes you, for its very existence, and there are
several ways in which you can help.
Become a Member Club
In the early days, caving clubs joined DCRO as
member clubs, and they provided their own rescue
teams as separate units. Although there are no
separate club teams nowadays, there are still several
member clubs. These clubs derive no specific
benefits from membership, but club membership is
still available, should you want it, for a subscription
of £20.00 per annum, preferably by standing order.
Details are available on our website at
www.derbyshirecro.org.uk.
Raise Funds for DCRO
As a cave rescue organisation, we need to
regularly purchase equipment to replace that which
is damaged or worn and also to run and maintain our
rescue vehicle. Every penny spent comes from
donations. Even Team Members have to supply their
own caving gear. Several local clubs have in the past
held fund-raising events for the team, varying from
tin rattling to sponsored walks to climbing wall
events. DCRO can and will support clubs who do this
by providing display material etc.
Encourage Club Members to Attend an "Introduction
Day"
Every year DCRO puts on a free day course (with
food) at its Base in the Fire and Rescue Emergency
Centre in Buxton. It is a practical session, aimed at
any caver who is interested in our work and it covers
the basics of cave rescue, namely: underground and
surface communications, stretcher handling, first aid
and pitch hauling and rigging. There is no
compulsion for attendees to join the team, and most
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
folk who come along this find the whole day very
useful and informative.
Encourage Club Members to Help with DCRO FundRaising events
The team organises several street collections and
other events throughout the year. Details of dates
and venues are published in our calendar on the
DCRO website: www.derbyshirecro.org.uk. Nonmembers are very welcome to come along and lend a
hand, and we will even lend DCRO T shirts to helpers.
Encourage Club Members to Join DCRO
Cavers will always have to rely on other cavers
for help in rescue situations - there aren’t any real
alternatives to this because of the nature of our
sport. Likewise DCRO can only operate if sufficient
active cavers support the team as members.
Clubs can help by encouraging their members to
join the team. They can do this through their
newsletters, by including DCRO training, social and
fund-raising events in their calendars and by linking
to the DCRO website www.derbyshirecro.org.uk
from their club website.
Cavers should be reminded that some of the
techniques we use as a rescue team are not
common practice in UK caving circles, but can be
very useful if things go wrong on some of the UK’s
more serious trips, and on expeditions abroad, where
rescue has often to be self-managed.
We particularly (but not exclusively) would like to
encourage cavers who live in the Peak District to join
the team. You only need to be a competent caver we provide the training to assist in call-outs.
Tell us about your Digs and Discoveries
No we don’t want to muscle in on your caverns
measureless to man! But if you are responsible for
opening up some new passage, or if you have “workin-progress” somewhere, it can be useful, in the
worst-case scenario, if DCRO knows roughly where it
is and has the contact number for somebody who
can provide detailed information.
I hope that you have found this letter provocative
and interesting, and that you can see that DCRO
needs you every bit as much as you need DCRO.
Alan Brentnall
Secretary
DCRO
10⁠⁠
Exploring the Limestone Landscapes of the Peak
District
by Trevor FORD and John GUNN
This walking and cycling guide is now available from BCRA, price £5.50 plus 50p
postage.
To order: http://caves.org.uk/payments/bca/forms/P1.html
Further info: http://bcra.org.uk/pub/cs
Following closely from the two very successful titles in this Series that covered
Upper Wharfedale and the Three Peaks and Malham, the latest volume extends
this Series to a further caving area. These titles, although clearly of interest to
cavers are aimed more at the educated walker who seeks to know something of
the cavities beneath his feet as well as the karst features that he sees all around
him.
Forming the southern end of the Pennines, the Peak District is mostly within the
county of Derbyshire, with a small southwestern area extending into Staffordshire.
It has two distinct parts, the 'Dark Peak', with its Millstone Grit moors and shalefloored valleys, and the 'White Peak' to the south, comprising limestone country
with beautiful dales and caves. This book is concerned only with the White Peak,
which is some 40km from north to south and generally 10-15km wide. The
geology and geomorphology of the region is described by means of eleven
'excursions' which may be undertaken on foot on by bicycle.
11⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
A
A "Crimbo" Pressie
fter a brief assessment trip the week before,
we had it in mind to investigate the notorious
Crimbo Pipe. The guide books give good
warning that this can be a nasty, if not downright
dangerous expedition. This time we were
accompanied by the venerable Bob Toogood, who
had ventured into this area as a young man (and
very nearly never returned).
We parked in the green triangle near the Knotlow
shafts and prepared for the mission. We sought
permission from Knotlow Farm to descend Four Ways
Shaft (Crimbo Hollow Engine Shaft). Knotlow
Climbing Shaft we also rigged as we intended this to
be our exit. The party descended Four Ways Shaft
without incident. While we waited for the last
member to descend, Bob Toogood spotted an old
style 50 pence piece lying in the streamway. It must
have lain there for quite some time, seemingly
implying not much movement of stones in the
stream bed.
passage is not much more than body sized and Bob
was now trying to make progress against the flow of
water (which was not insubstantial). Consequently
the water started to back up and the water level
started to rise towards the roof. Suffice it to say that
it was a near run thing and an experience that Bob
has every intention of never repeating. It is worth
noting that the colleague who accompanied Bob
never went down a cave again. The stuff of
nightmares.
A short way on past this 'drain' is Crimbo Pipe.
This starts with a short step up into a low passage
with a floor strewn with small boulders. It is possible
to crawl some way along this passage until a climb
over a larger boulder permits entrance to a small
aven, perhaps 30 or 40 feet high. The exit to the
aven is a low archway and through an area of what
appears to be loose breakdown and stacked deads.
A short way on there was an area of confusion.
There was a narrow rift leading up and a low
continuation crawl, which initially appeared blocked.
The name Four Ways Shaft is descriptive as four
One member investigated the rift, climbing up about
routes lead off. The first is the coffin level which
seven feet. There seemed to be some sort of
leads back to Waterfall Chamber. The waterfall is
passage running off, but there were a lot of loose
the main source of water in the streamway running
deads lying around. The passage did not look very
at our feet. In spite of the very dry summer, the
promising. He descended and had a look at the low
waterfall still has a reasonable flow. The second
floor level passage and was not happy with the look
route is a large walking passage which leads after a
of it. Another member had a look at the floor level
short distance to a shaft up and down (flooded). The
passage and found it possible to rearrange the
third route, Chapel Dale Level, also is a large
blocks on the floor, which allowed progress to be
paddling passage, which goes quite a long way,
made. It was possible to slither through this only to
passing on the way another shaft up and a floor
be faced with a narrow vertical vertical slot. Beyond
mound littered with rusty barbed wire. The fourth
this the ground sloped upwards. The squeeze was
route was our way on and it is also the route taken
tested several times to make sure it could be
by the stream.
reversed. At the top of the slope it initially appeared
The passage was a bit bigger than a coffin level
that there was no way on. Looking up a narrow hole
and started off a little low (crawling height). Further in the ceiling was seen. The area surrounding the
on the height increased, but the water got deeper,
hole looked to be decidedly loose. However a
getting to a depth of about three feet. The going
straightforward climb up revealed the hole to be
was relatively straightforward until we reached Rift
quite solid. Beyond this the ground sloped up again
Chamber where the stream and passage do a sharp
to another narrow vertical squeeze possible at low
right hand turn. An aven full of loose rubble runs up level (unless you are thin). The slope continued to
to the left for about 20 feet. The streamway is only a rise a short way and then descend. Beyond could be
few inches deep at this corner, effectively acting as a seen a passage with a square cut roof section, i.e.,
weir.
man cut rather than natural. This was taken to be
the start of the East Level coffin section. At this
Turning the corner takes us into the area of
point a partial return was made to let the other
horrors. A short way along this passage there is a
members of the group know that this appeared to be
hole in the wall low down on the left - Crimbo
Swallow. The water in the streamway vanishes down the way on. The various slopes and squeezes etc
constitute the waterfall section at the beginning of
this hole. It leads to Heiffer Rift then onto Eldon
Crimbo Pipe.
Chamber and finally Aussie Chamber. Bob Toogood
was visibly affected by the sight of this passage.
Fairly rapid progress could now be made by
Many years ago he had ventured into this area,
crouching/crawling along East Passage. The floor
which was not too much of a problem. However on
was a little muddy but not much else of note. We
the return things were not so straightforward. The
thought we would be out fairly rapidly without too
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
12⁠⁠
much difficulty - just another coffin level to the Bung
passage and we knew the rest. Until...
Until we came across something that did not look
quite right. Initially it looked like a pool of water, but
a pool of water is flat. It does not have lumps
sticking up. It was mud, soft glutinous mud otherwise known as chocolate blancmange. The
mud was a good twelve inches deep. The first man
launched himself onto this, reportedly sending a low
wave of mud before him. As the sump area
deepened, there was a pool of water on top of the
mud. There were quite a number of small (perhaps
half an inch long) creatures swimming in the water.
These were soon lost to sight. Beyond, the sump
became less deep and the mud began to slope up.
But the mud was now about 15 inches deep.
Attempts to make progress became progressively
more difficult. The mud sump seemed to end within
ten feet. A wall of stone was apparent dead ahead
and the suspicion was not absent that this wall may
have constituted the right hand turn in East Level.
Unfortunately the roof space over the mud was
becoming less. The gap was triangular in shape and
at best was helmet sized. This and the difficulty in
making any forward progress led to the decision to
I
retreat. (That and the necessity for one member of
the party to return home to cook a large joint of
lamb).
So we returned whence we had come and went
back through Crimbo Passage. We made the return
journey without significant incident and as we now
knew where we were going, we got through fairly
rapidly. We made our way back to Four Ways Shaft
where we exited into a warmer environment.
We had managed a traverse of Crimbo Pipe.
What is more we managed to do it both ways.
Perhaps this is not quite so remarkable, given the
dire warnings of the dangers that are often to be
faced, because due to the very dry summer there
was no flowing water in the Pipe. However, it was
very much apparent from the tide marks on the
walls, that this can be a very serious undertaking.
J Bates
D Jump
D Ross
R Toogood
Titan Dig Site Landscaped - The End of an
Era
joined the Titan digging team way back in
August 2001 when the surface shaft had already
reached a depth of around 15 metres. I turned up
most weekends in all weathers, my contribution
being to compile a film record of the dig, which
ended up as 30 hours of tape to edit. I also acted as
general support: winch driver and extra pair of hands
when needed until demob in June of 2003 following
the completion of the first through trip.
year, we were back pushing the short passage
leading into the choke going west from the base of
the surface shaft.
Four years later, and at a vertical depth of around
35 metres we finally admitted defeat and handed
victory to the energy-sapping boulder choke. All
things being equal, the passage should have
continued horizontally like most other reasonable
passages - this joker had decided to plunge down at
a steep angle. No doubt there is a geological
explanation (excuse) for this behaviour and future
explorers will hopefully solve the puzzle.
The 45 metre shaft had been sunk mainly through
solid limestone, and a 15m adit had been driven to
the breakout window; we had done enough, and
were feeling the effects of such a prolonged effort.
Other digs proved more attractive if little more
And so we disbanded and went our separate ways for rewarding, and the Titan Compound was abandoned
a well-earned break and to indulge in some “proper” to the elements, local wildlife and occasional visits
caving for a bit!
by the more serious cavers embarking on a through
trip.
One of the main reasons for driving the shaft to
the top of Titan was to facilitate exploration of the
As part of obtaining the necessary permissions
passages leading off from the main shaft. West
from Natural England and others (officially known as
Passage was just one of several “leads” that awaited the consent process) the site had eventually to be
a determined push, and the temptation to get this
returned to agriculture and levelled to as near as
underway proved too much; we didn’t stay away
possible to its original contours. And so on Sunday
quite as long as we had planned!
May 9th 2010 an initial stab was made on clearing
And so in May 2004, after a break of barely a
the site of unwanted materials prior to an all-out
13⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
assault later in the year.
Due to holidays and a booking
by the “One Show” for a filming
session it was not until the sunny
weekend of October 16th-17th
2010 that we were able to make
the final pilgrimage to the hilltop
site that had seen so many
disappointments and triumphs in
the ten years since Titan was
discovered.
Day one was spent taking
down the barbed-wire surround,
the winch and headgear and
removing the loyal and reliable
Lister diesel engine that powered
the winch, and performed many
other duties besides. The little dry
stone wall around it was left to
provide temporary shelter for
visitors waiting to be called over
to the shaft for the descent into
the hillside; it also doubles as a
“memorial” and beacon to guide
future visitors in bad visibility.
Looking down to The Event Horizon, Titan
Photo by Dave Webb
Day two saw the arrival of a JCB and a procession
of 4x4 vehicles and trailers carrying the concrete
rings necessary to build up the shaft-head prior to
backfilling from the rather large spoil heap, a feature
of the landscape for so long and, I’m told, visible
from space!
This took most of the day and the activities
attracted a steady stream of
onlookers all of whom had at one
time or another been associated
with the dig – several appeared
deep in thought, doubtless
wondering where all the years
had gone and reflecting upon
their own contribution when they
were younger, fitter and more
use!
The biggest pitch, the
deepest privately funded shaft
sinking ever, and possibly the
deepest UK through trip – not a
bad effort really!
Dave Webb
Note: I am about to start the
Job done! L-R Back: Dave Clucas, Rob Hyland, Wayne Sheldon, Middle: Dennis Jump, Dave
production of a film of the 4-year Webb, Dave “Moose” Nixon Front: Jimmy Hyland, Graham “Grum” Wolstencroft, Henry
Rockliff, Bob Hetherington.
West Passage dig which will
Photo by Dave Webb
include the last days of the dig
site. It will eventually be available as a supplement
to my DVD “To Titan from the Top”.
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
14⁠⁠
The JCB gets stuck in levelling the
site
Photo by Dave Webb
Over time the timbers of the platform around the shaft had
become rotten and were ceremoniously burned
Photo by Dave Webb
DCA Matters
NEXT DCA MEETINGS
DCA AGM 2011: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
All Meetings start at 10:00 am at Monyash Village Hall. The Hall will be open from about
9.30 am with tea, coffee and biscuits on tap. The Old Smithy Cafe, next to the Pub, does
an excellent breakfast from about 9:00 am.
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,
07831-449909, training@theDCA.org.uk
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. 07831-449909, training@theDCA.org.uk
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, chairman@theDCA.org.uk
15⁠⁠
The Derbyshire Caver Issue 132
DERBYSHIRE CAVING ASSOCIATION OFFICERS FOR 2011-2012
Chairman: Bob Dearman
The Green Cottage, Main Street, Chelmorton, Buxton SK17 9SL
Email: chairman@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01298-85594, Mob. 07855-920087
Vice Chairman: Terry Jackson
New House Farm, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 0QL
Enail: vice-chair@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01663-750647, Mob. 07966-219997
Secretary: Jenny Potts
3 Greenway, HuIIand Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3FE
Email: secretary@theDCA.org.uk OR dca@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01335-370629
Treasurer: Wayne Sheldon
5 Hawthorne Close, Erdington, Birmingham B23 5NQ
Email: finance@theDCA.org.uk Mob. 07941-211209
Assistant Secretary: Chris Broome
"Carpathian", Dale Close, Bonsall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2AY
Email: asst-sec@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01629-824512
Newsletter Editor / Publications Officer: Paul Lydon
Kirby House, Main Street, Winster, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2DH
Email: publications@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01629-650482
Training Officer: Nigel Atkins
Wharfedale House, Springfield Close, Midway, Derbyshire DE11 0DB
Email: training@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01283-210666, Mob. 07831-449919
Cave Registry Secretary: John Beck
Glebe Cottage, The Hillock, Eyam, Derbyshire S32 5RB
Email: john.beck6@btinternet.com Tel. 01433-631732
Equipment Officer: Jules Barrett
40 Cornish Place, Sheffield, S6 3AF
Email: equipment@theDCA.org.uk Mob. 07730-981857
Conservation & Access Team
Conservation Officer: Dave Webb
3 De Vere Gardens, Woodthorpe, Nottingham NG5 4PH
Email: conservation-off@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 0115-840-1109
Asst. Conservation Officer: Christine Wilson
Kingfisher Cottage, Far Hill, Bradwell, Hope Valley S33 9HR
Email: conservation-off@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01433-621149, Mob. 07713-416455
Access Officer: lain Barker
56 Thornbridge Crescent, Birley, Sheffield S12 3AE
Email: access-off@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 0114-264-7561
Mob. 0771-068-9704
Project Officer: Martyn Grayson
29 Hinde House Lane, Page Hall, Sheffield S4 8GY
Email: projects@theDCA.org.uk Mob. 07976-953089
Legal & Insurance Officer: Pete Mellors
"Fairview", Station Road, Edingley, Newark, Notts. NG22 8BX
Email: legal.insurance@theDCA.org.uk Tel. 01623-882515
Email: dca@theDCA.org.uk
Website: www.theDCA.org.uk