This is a trip which has interested me for a while.
I contacted UCET and they provided us with four leaders.
A few weeks before the trip, they temporarily lost permission to use the entrance which drops into the Limestone Workings, so we went in via Rhyd Alyn.
This entrance started with us paddling in water which at times is was thigh deep. It then has large number of ladders (about 30). These are metal or builders ladders, not electron. They were separated by small platforms or horizontal sections of passage. There were also traverse lines over some of the holes and weak sections of floor, so we had cowtails.
Some sections had options to go different ways. With our excessive numbers, we ended up having some breaks in the party. One of these resulted in over half the group taking a sub-optimal route into Milwr Tunnel.
At the point where we joined the tunnel there was the old UCET train (no longer working). There is a new UCET train which has yet to be assembled in the mine. Apparently it will be on display at Hidden Earth this year.
Once in the tunnel we had a long walk (well over a mile, possibly two) to the Limestone Workings. Most of the walk was on track next to the waterway which drains several mines. In some places the water was over the track. The leaders told is that the water can be much deeper.
Some of us decided to stay at the Limestone workings while others went on to Powell's Lode Cavern where there is an impressive lake and is another hour or so in each direction.
Having looked at the artefacts and the impressive workings, we returned to the train and left the mine by the more optimal route.
Leaders: Jon, Dave, Jacob & Sam
Team: Caiti, Fran, Klaudia, Ros, Charlotte, Emma, Ade, Dave, Neil, Neil, Rob, Rich, James, Matt, Alex & Dave
Time: 6 hours
