Caving in the UK

Kemik · 30 May 2017 at 08:57

Hi guys,

When I went to New Zealand I went on a cave tour in the Waitomo glowworm caves and absolutely loved it. Water was shoulder height in some parts and often very tight but the sights were amazing.

Does anyone know if anywhere in the UK has these kinds of experiences? I know there are caving groups but I'm looking for structured tours with guides and equipment rather than doing it myself (no actual experience for safety, etc).

Thanks

div0 · 30 May 2017 at 09:13

I'm pretty sure I did that same tour in Waitomo back in about 2008/09 and also loved it. If you want something similar here, try looking for Caving / Potholing tours in the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District, that's probably as close as you'll get.

Azza · 30 May 2017 at 09:16

Wookey Hole.

/thread

div0 · 30 May 2017 at 09:26

Azza said:
Wookey Hole.

/thread

It is an obvious caving experience in the UK, but I don't think it's quite what the OP is looking for.

Will we get soaking wet? Is there any swimming?

Click to expand...

No. The Wild Wookey caving experience does not involve swimming, wading or immersion in water. During the winter months there is a puddle which can make your oversuit and personal clothing damp.

IIRC one of the best bits of the tour in Waitomo was a 'blind' drop off a ledge into a deep pool below (but maybe I'm thinking of another trip) - perhaps OP can remind me

I think you'll struggle to match the New Zealand experience here, but I'm sure there will be things which come closer than Wookey Hole.

Kemik · 30 May 2017 at 09:37

div0 said:
It is an obvious caving experience in the UK, but I don't think it's quite what the OP is looking for.

IIRC one of the best bits of the tour in Waitomo was a 'blind' drop off a ledge into a deep pool below (but maybe I'm thinking of another trip) - perhaps OP can remind me

I think you'll struggle to match the New Zealand experience here, but I'm sure there will be things which come closer than Wookey Hole.

Exactly that, think wet suits/abseiling/tight or abandoned spaces rather than huge crowds walking round open spaces in jeans and trainers admiring the rainbow coloured lighting effects. Then again, if there are big caves with ziplines and the likes in then that could be fun too. I've seen a few on Google but wanted recommendations really.

Street · 30 May 2017 at 10:03

Kemik said:
Then again, if there are big caves with ziplines and the likes in then that could be fun too.

Not quite what you wanted but Bounce Below in the old slate mines in Snowdonia is amazing!

There are quite a few caving clubs based in the Peaks which isn't too far from you. Might be worth contacting one of them. Some of the do open meets a few times a year. In fact, Bradford Pothole Club have got a winch meet on at Gaping Gill till this Friday. Craven Club do the same meet at Gaping Gill over the August bank holiday weekend.

insane200 · 30 May 2017 at 10:23

Azza said:
Wookey Hole.

/thread

And don't forget Cheddar gorge, they have caving days, I did one years ago for school, wouldn't do it now though for fear of getting stuck

https://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/x-treme

Andy90 · 30 May 2017 at 10:30

Have a look at http://www.go-below.co.uk/

Based in North Wales - haven't been there so cannot give any recommendations personally.

Kemik · 30 May 2017 at 11:49

insane200 said:
And don't forget Cheddar gorge, they have caving days, I did one years ago for school, wouldn't do it now though for fear of getting stuck

Andy90 said:
Have a look at http://www.go-below.co.uk/

Based in North Wales - haven't been there so cannot give any recommendations personally.

These are pretty much perfect. I found Go Below before but wanted to see if anyone had done it. Sounds amazing!

jellybeard999 · 31 May 2017 at 19:54

Street said:
In fact, Bradford Pothole Club have got a winch meet on at Gaping Gill till this Friday. Craven Club do the same meet at Gaping Gill over the August bank holiday weekend.

Again, not sure if its what the OP is after, was going to mention Gaping Gill as an obvious starting point too.

bobbyspangles · 31 May 2017 at 20:31

I've got a cure for that affliction,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Descent

Caged · 31 May 2017 at 20:42

I've potholed in Brecon, Wales is really good for this sort of thing

Rroff · 31 May 2017 at 20:50

Think the closest I've come to and its still very much a touristy walk in the park is http://www.whitescarcave.co.uk/ think you have to get involved with the relevant societies really for that kind of experience in this country.

EDIT: Think there was another one where you go in by boat as well but I can't remember which it was.

encephalopathy · 31 May 2017 at 21:49

Marble Arch caves in County Fermanagh - good trip and stunning part of the country

http://www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com/

ecksmen · 31 May 2017 at 23:28

The Nutty Putty cave incident has totally destroyed any desires of mine to go underground. Such a horrible death.

Liquiduk · 1 Jun 2017 at 02:41

Wales has some fantastic spots for this sort of thing.

Mr Jack · 1 Jun 2017 at 08:04

The UK has a lot of active cavers. If you're serious about taking it further why not look for a local caving club?