Topic

Within the project of visiting 'less known' Sunday caves we choose this time Darnbrook Pot, a fine cave situated not far from the Darnbrook farm with Robinson Pot. Although this cave is quite known, still not many members haven't visited this cave.

After a short journey we meet at the muddy parking spot. Nigel and co. ask the farmer for the permission so we can finally get changed in a fresh breeze but in a relatively nice weather. The approach to the cave is quite straightforward so soon we are stood at the entrance with the chopped telegraph post.

Stuart sets his BCRA standard quality ladder&lifeline and one by one disappear in the hole and we all reassemble at the bottom. We first explore the upstream passage, known also as Loopway passage. It's a very pleasant walk in the streamway with some occasional scrambles and decorations. We also finally manage to find the hidden Sentinel Chamber which no one from us has visited. It's a bit tricky to find as it requires exploring the roof passages until the right one is found.

After this we head to explore the downstream passage which is quite different. After climbing a few cascades we emerge in a HUGE chamber which I didn't expect at all. At the bottom of this chamber a dubious crawl and a few shorter passages lead to Soho, a final streamway passage with some fine formations. One of them noticeably recalls a womans legs....a very long womans kegs

After exploring the bottom dig...which appears to me again quite promising, we all head back to the entrance. The weather outside cleared up so all 5 happy cavers emerge in a nice sunny afternoon with some magnificent views. Another great Sunday, many thanks to our guide Nigel.

We have plenty of ideas for future Sundays , everyone is welcome of course

Party: Nigel, Stuart, Ales, Susan & Ruth
Time: 2hrs

Wow, that must have been an early start!

Not really...you were probably half way down in Hensler's by that time

haha, the thread title tricked me! I thought you were posting a trip report from a 2 hour trip at 9 in the morning!

Some photos of trip. I was well chuffed seeing Sentinel chamber for the first time ( in 4 or 5 trips) the formations were worth the wait, unfortunately the photo’s do not do it justice.




Damian, note the excellent rigging.




Curtains in Sentinel chamber



The team gather around formation, lower streamway




Ales and Ale or Ale and Ales, anyone remember this brew?




Ruthie promoting her ‘drink sensibly’ campaign

More photo's including amazing fossil once identified. Photo's by Susan Blackburn and Nigel Steel