Topic

With the SRT trip in Titan oversubscribed even before we got to the Peak District, I decided to have a look at Rowter Hole.
People variously said it was easy, it was hard, there were a few pinch points and most of the squeezes are easier than they look.
I was happy to go as far as I fitted. Lukas & Ellie joined me for the trip. Which was fortunate as we had 3 bags of rope.
Parking at Rowter Farm, we were soon changed and at the entrance. This did not require the Derbyshire cave key as the lid did not quite reach the bolt.
I rigged the entrance pitch using a brand new 73m rope. The rope decided that it was going to twist all the way down the pitch. I had to stop every 5m or so to throw some more rope out of the bag and undo the massive knot that had formed underneath me.
Rebelay and deviation were passed and I eventually got to the bottom of the pitch still cursing the ever twisting rope.
I had a look at the entrance chamber while the others were coming down, there seemed to be routes going in every direction.
Our route went down a short climb to the Gin Shaft (a short scaffolded pitch). This was already rigged. There was then a few thrutchy climbs down to Bad Badger Choke. As things seemed to be rigged, we left the bags at the entrance to the choke.
Two Left Wellies and the next pitch were soon passed as was the handline up into the rift. This was reasonably tight and had an awkward looking climb down at the end.
After some dithering, I decided that I could probably fit down it but would not be able to align myself for the return. Lukas & Ellie forced themselves down the hole and continued down two more even tighter climbs before getting to more pleasant caving.
They got as far as the Crystal Orechasm before returning, declaring that they had had enough thrutchy passage for the day.
I lead the way out and we were soon back on the surface enjoying the summer sunshine.

Team: Ellie, Lukas & Dave
Time: About 4.5 hours.