| Date | Trip |
| 5th January 2009 | Craig a Ffynnon |
| 1st February 2009 | Agen Allwedd |
| 5th April 2009 | OFD1 |
| 5th April 2009 | Dan yr Ogof |
| 7th June 2009 | OFD2 |
| 5th July | Little Neath River Cave |
| 2nd August | August club trip |
| 6th September | Whittington Stone Mines |
| 4th October | Ogof Draenen |
| 4th October | Ogof Pasg |
| 4th October | Llygad Llwchr |
| 1st November | Pant Mawr Pot |
| 6th December | OFD2 |
| 6th December | OFD2 |
Arriving late due to a diversion on the road to Hirwaun Linda and myself decided to do our own trip as the others wanted to get going,, Having got the key and kitted up we made our way to top entrance, and what a trip we had! We are still very much finding our way around OFD 11, so took our time and found the Mini Columns where I took some photos of the lovely formations. We stopped for a bite to eat then carried on to main chamber and eventually found ourselves in Areate Chamber which has an impressive drop which I believe goes down to Salubrious passage.
We did an about turn and on the way back to main passage met up with the rest of HCC, Barry told us which way to go to get to Gnome passage, so off we went on our own as the others were on the way out.
We found Gnome passage and continued exploring this way and that, finding the way on was getting easier as we progressed. After about half an hour we decided to head on out as time was pressing. We really had a good trip and thou rally enjoyed ourselves, although we need to do a lot more exploring before we can become competent at route finding.
On the way over to Penwyllt, Jan was running through what they remembered of the route to Straw Chamber to Barry …..”you go left at ?, right down windy road, over Timo’s Table climb down Poached Egg then left into Straw Gallery…” when Barry piped up “so, no reversals then”. This became the theme of the trip. Unfortunately the start of the trip was delayed slightly as Darren and the Vowles had been diverted by a road closure at Hirwaun. However once we had all assembled quick hellos and ta-ra’s were said to Allen and Linda as they got ready to explore on their own, before the rest of us dashed off up the hill. None of us had remembered that Darren hadn’t been on the first new-comers trip into OFD so it was all new to him. We tried to point out various landmarks and features on the way without overloading him with information. We noted speleogenisis in the roof of the main passage, the Brick Yard, Elephants Feet (or turds depending on your inclination), Gnome Passage and the Wedding Cake. Then we introduced Darren to the corkscrew taking us down to Salubrious. Instead of following the water we climbed up the other side to Arete Chamber.
Soon after Arete Chamber we were looking for the Windy Road but Jan and Barry were in disagreement as to which passage on the right was the one to take. Eventually the 1st was rejected, then to avoid whole group reversals Barry took the 2nd and Jan took the 3rd only to find that they both met up. This turned into a bit of a crawly passage which eventually emerged at Timo’s Table.
After negotiating a way down to floor of the passage we continued to the right eventually reaching the Poached Egg traverse and descent. With the help of a sling and handy stal bosses we swung ourselves across. We tied a rope to a boulder for a hand line down the next steep descent and set off.
At this point the passages were more complicated so Jan would shout back to Kingsley to check which way to go. The HCC ‘sat-nav’ worked so well he didn’t even need to be at the front to see where we were or what the options were. Without any reversals we were navigated straight to Straw Gallery.
We were moving so well as a group that we got back to Salubrious in record time. This gave us the opportunity to show Darren the Trident and Judge before heading towards the entrance while Ann and Kingsley headed out. Barry decided to take the shortcut back to the Corkscrew avoiding the climb and bumped into another group about to go down it.
Allen and Linda appeared as we came up from the Corkscrew. They came up a short way with us to show us where they had been before heading back to explore Gnome Passage.
After having torrential rain all morning a lot of the rivers were in full flow, but we all meet up at Penwyllt for 10.30am prompt, we then got our access permit sorted and got kitted up, the walk over to Pant Mawr was quite present with the wind behind us. Anyway we soon had Pant Mawr Pot in sight and worked our way over to it. Having shared all of the kit for the walk over we then got it all sorted out and soon had the safety line in place from the top belay down to the ledge, we then set up the ladders and safety line for the main pitch, some members abseiled down while others used the ladder.
Once all down, the main thing that we noticed was the amount of noise from the stream which was flowing well, we soon all got un-kitted so that we can now travel light, making our way downstream it was a game to see if we could keep our feet dry, but gave this up quite quickly as the water levels were showing signs that it had been a lot higher earlier on this morning, and was now dropping. Anyway we continued onwards, through the boulder chokes and up into Straw Chamber before descending again to rejoin the stream, then came the 3rd choke where we turned left and towards the Great Hall and Fire Hydrant, not far on from here, we started to notice that the roof was looking rather white, then as we progress further and the roof got lower we could then see that it was form. So from here onwards the cave was full of water probably only a few hours ago, as this was the only heavy rain that we had had for a week. We then continued following the stream as the passage got narrower and the flow of water stronger, in fact we decided to turn around once I had got to a narrow section of waist deep water and I had trouble in getting back due to the force of the flow. Once back at the larger passage we stopped for something to eat before making our way back out, as we got closer to the entrance we could see that the water levels had dropped dramatically since we entered the cave, almost back to normal levels. Back at the entrance pot, I was first up the ladder using my chest jammer, then I just belay everyone else up. Back on the surface the weather had improved for our walk back, where we were treated to a nice dark sky with rays of light shining through the holes. Yet another superb club trip again.
We arrived at about ten to eleven, had a quick bite to eat and drink, kitted up and proceeded to the entrance, once there Linda gave me a bunk up and I set a ladder and line up for Linda as there was no one to give her a bunk up. When she was in I stowed the ladder to one side and headed in, we stuck to the higher level to start with and eventually found our way to the fourth river chamber, having gone down most of the side passages on the way. We exited via the same route with various deviations having spent an enjoyable two and a half to three hours underground. While at the fourth river chamber we met rather a large party from some University or other and while chatting it came out we were from Hereford Caving Club, one of the leaders came from Hereford and didn’t realize Hereford had a caving club!
I offered to write a trip report for the trip into Ogof Pasg, so here goes!!....
I'll start with two confessions, first I've never written anything for the journal before, second I've never been into Ogof Pasg either.
So Jan, Pauline and myself arrived at Herbert's quarry, and got kitted up in pleasant sunshine and set off in search of our quarry, after a little toing and froing the entrance was located, lights on and off we go granny Jan leading the way into quite a large walking passage, leading to a boulder pile a wriggle down lead to the sump, OH dear there's air space! Ever eager Jan went off through, I arrive after a short wade and the three of us stand looking up the ladder pitch and the way on in front, but the whole cave has to be done so it's back through the cold water again!!
Soon at the top of the pitch Pauline sets to work at rigging the pitch with ladder and lifeline, bowlines and alpine butterfly knots are deployed with gusto and we are soon all safely stood at the bottom staring at the sump ! . Onwards through the canal, more cold water!, a side passage is explored for a short distance but the way on leads to the squeeze, which is quiet tight but wide so you can watch people struggle and shout words of encouragement !!!
With the air getting fresher we must be nearing the Ogof Foel Fawr entrance and the three of us are soon sat in the sunshine overlooking the car park, a short walk back across the hill and we are at the entrance again and off to retrieve the bowlines and alpine butterflies.
An enjoyable short trip thanks to Jan and Pauline.
Meeting up at the parking area opposite the Lamb and Fox pub, were Graham, Ben, Ann and myself. We soon got ourselves sorted and kitted up as the sun was shining, again making us wonder why we were going underground on such a lovely day. Anyway we started our walk down to the entrance, and soon had the gate open which was emitting a good draught. Once inside, we all crawled our way down towards the first of the puddles, which were very shallow and even the mini stream which we have to crawl through and under were very low, so in fact we stayed remarkably dry. With just the four of us we were soon at the first pitch in the entrance series where we set up the ladder and life line to descend, then it was onwards to Cairn Chamber where we then filled in the logbook with our destination of the Fault Chambers. With this being both Graham’s and Ben’s first time in Ogof Draenen,
White Arch Passage was a good introduction to bolder hopping, and with the odd stop to look around at his big passage we were soon at the White Arch itself, then we continued and ended up in Lamb and Fox chamber which again looks very impressive from the top looking back at this huge chamber. Next came Indiana Highway, with the traversing and the final section using the traverse line with cow’s tails. Then after another climb up, we were now in Megadrive and back to bolder hopping, looking at some of the fine mud floors with their crystal formations growing upwards on-route. Eventually we got to the Nunnery which is really the first time that we start to see proper formations, then a bit further on we entered Perseverance 2, once through this we walked up the Balcony Pitch to look down onto the Arms Park, then we retraced our steps and headed up to the Rift Chambers where we stopped for our traditional drink and have a bite to eat. Once rested we then started our steady return trip back out of the cave, making this a very nice pleasant 5 hour trip, which we all enjoyed.
Whittington Stone Mines - 6th September
We all met at the lay-by outside Cheltenham towards Whittington for Arthur to lead us to the place to park the cars. After getting changed it was a short walk to the new entrance as the original was collapsed and filled on the request of the farmer, this was last used in November 1994 when we lost a friend, Bob Fairclough, returning in 1995 to place a plaque in remembrance of him.
11 of us set of into the mine noticing many….. nay bloody millions of mosquitoes inside the entrance. Arthur led us in along the passage showing us the graffiti on the ceiling which dated from 1846 when the last visitors were in the mine, these were tourist not miners, as we got further in we noticed quite a few bats flying around, probably feeding on the copious amounts of mossies . A little way in we went left through a low crawling passage eventually dropping down into more passages . Eventually we arrived at the chamber where we lost a good friend and where the plaque was put, in his remembrance . It was still in good condition and looks as though it will be there for some years to come. After a brief rest and some reminiscing we made our way back to the entrance with a trip to another passage to see some horse hoof prints, judging by the size of the prints they were not small horses. Before we exited from the mine Arthur took some of us to see some more foot prints but these were left by the miners hob nailed boots, it was then out and back to the cars to change and some refreshment in a local hostiliary and our weary way home.
It was a very interesting and informative trip with Arthur for those who were with him as he told us of the history of the mines at Whittington and other mines around the Cotswold area as well as how the miners lived and worked.
If you are interested in stone mines Arthur has a very good book published that tells you all about the Whittington stone mine for a very reasonable price but hurry as he has not got many left.
We had organised meeting up at Herbert’s quarry so that if quite a few people turned up then we could do Llygad Llwchwr and Foel Fawr/Pasg. But after waiting until about 10.45am, we assumed that no one else was going to turn up, so as the weather was so nice Kingsley, Pauline and I decided that we would go for a walk. We then hunted around our vehicles to try and find something suitable for walking in, and then walked up towards the quarry looking at a couple of digs, we did notice that the one alongside the main road on the opposite side to the quarry had now had a recent collapse with a large 6ft deep hole left on the surface which is now taking in water. From here we headed up onto the open moorland heading west, and as we ascended we were then walking on Millstone grit with the limestone below us, Kingsley did however spot a circle of stones from the path, which was marking a old digging site, anyway we continued onwards eating bilberry’s as we went.
The day was perfect for walking with good visibility (we could see the sea) plus it was nice and warm, we stopped for a spot of lunch near one of the many large shakeholes in this area, then after lunch we dropped down on the northern side and was now walking amongst the limestone, where we came across Horseshoe dig which is a very impressive rift which takes a lot of water, but the smell of a rotting carcase of a sheep down the rift was not too present, so we continued onwards again eventually coming up to the old disused quarry’s along the Trap road which had many interesting holes, and I’m sure that there are many more which we did not see, I’m sure that we could spend a day around these quarry’s exploring with a bit of caving kit. Then we finally returned back to the car park where the Ice Cream van was awaiting us, so we gave in and sat down in the sun with a nice ice cream.
Little Neath River Cave - 5th July
We came from all points of the compass to assemble on the banks of the Nedd Fechan. Little Neath River Cave had evaded us for a year or two due to adverse weather conditions, but today as we crossed over the bridge, we noticed gleefully that the stony river bed was totally devoid of water. We made our way 'up stream' to where the river disappeared into a hole at the base of a small cliff. Following the river into the cave, displacing some beautifully woven spiders webs, we found ourselves in a small passage. Crawling on all fours in the water it was obvious that this part of the cave completely filled with water when the river came up. A few tight turns, and a tricky manoeuvre through a tight tube, or if you preferred a full immersion job with just enough head room minus a helmet. Soon a larger passage presented itself with a smooth and very slippery floor, and great fun was had sliding like otters down a mud bank.
Continuing down stream, some of us stayed in the river and some chose a dryer route. Banks of pale toffee coloured calcite flowed down to the stream. Soon the passage opened up to reveal the large and avernous Sand Chamber. We made our way down to the sump knowing Bridge Cave was but a mere 18 meters away. Returning into Sand Chamber we all headed for the Canal. Paddling, splashing and generally having fun we floated and bobbed like champagne corks down the canal to the Main Stream Way, and Junction Chamber. Massive car sized boulders littered the floor of this huge passage. Scaling a high mud bank the group split, one team went to explore Genesis Gallery and the other to carry on down to the sump. Retracing our steps to Junction Chamber, we passed the Canal and made for the Canal Bypass. This is a low stooping passage, but it does end with some very pretty gour pools. The water was lovely and warm as we neared the entrance, and we were soon back at the cars waiting for the other team to emerge and to swap stories.
With three different trips on today, it was quite hectic sorting out who was doing what and with whom. But I soon sorted out my trip, got ticket filled in, with our team of six and a key, then we started our way up to the entrance, which turned out to be a warm walk and once at the cave entrance Rupert noticed that his camera was missing from his pocket, so he quickly retraced his steps but could not find it (so he presumed that he must had left it in the car). So in we went, and not being able to see anything, we sat down for a while with lights off until our eyes got used to the dark. Then we continued along the main passage, then just before the Brickyard we turned right and headed up towards the Mini Columns, bypassing the muddy passage, from here we headed towards Speedy Caver and the White Arch Series taking in all of the nice formations. We then descended down Speedy Caver and worked our way through to Shale Chamber and eventually back to the start of the Brickyard. From here we then made our way to Gnome Passage which we explored all the way down to Edwards Shortcut and back, next we moved onto the Wedding Cake and explored Chasm as far as the pitch, before turning around and making our way back out via The Big Chamber near the entrance. This was a very nice steady trip which we all enjoyed, taking the time to look around at the various formations on route. Then as we walked back down towards the vehicles, some walkers were in front of us and they had found Rupert’s camera which they left on the gate, Rupert managed to catch up with them to thank them. We then met back up with our other groups.
Having a small rest after visiting the Mini Columns
On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, Anne, Allen, Paul and Kingsley met at Penwyllt and decided to go up the streamway in OFD 1. Having changed Paul and Allen drove down to the lay-by, while Anne and Kingsley walked down the path , after a brief talk in the sunshine we descended into the depths where we made rapid progress to the streamway which we found to be very low after the long dry spell. We made our way up the stream with Allen constantly flashing !! We had a brief stop at Lowes Chain which is now a knotted rope, where we discussed the awkwardness of getting up and how it may be made easier. We then carried on up the streamway to Boulder Chamber where we threaded out way through the choke to Hush and Dip sumps which were very low. Next we went through the connection into OFD II where we explored a few side passages previously unexplored by us. A leisurely amble back down the streamway brought us back to the sunshine after a very enjoyable three hour trip.
Kingsley traversing
the streamway
It looked like it was going to be another fine sunny day, so true to form Barry, Pauline and I (Jan) headed for Dan-yr-Ogof. With very little rain over the last few weeks and none forecast, The Lakes would be at a low negotiable level. We left the show cave at about 10.30, and sure enough we managed to practically wade the lakes, keeping the top part of our bodies quite dry. Up the climb and into dry passage Pauline took the lead. Following the survey she led us straight to the Cattle Trough that heralded the start of the Long Crawl. A few grunts from Barry, and we were soon all safely standing in Gerard Platten Hall. On to the Crystal Pool and that aptly named passage Flabbergasm. We lingered marvelling at the straws, these formations still take my breath away. We strode up the Grand Canyon passing through Monk Hall to that other chamber that defies adjectives, Cloud Chamber. At a slightly awkward climb up to the enticing Green Canal, Barry produced the 'steppy thing', which made the whole manoeuvre much more pleasant. There was only one floatation device up at the canal, so Pauline launched herself off to retrieve several that had been left at the far end. I meanwhile blew up my trusty rubber ring and followed suite. I was about two thirds of the way along when I met Pauline doing Dolphin impressions coming back towards me, towing a string of inner tubes and life jackets. Minutes later shrieks of enjoyment, cold, and or fear echoed along the canal. Instead of turning left to continue the Round Trip we decided to check out The Rising. After a minor hiccough where we tried to stuff Barry down a passage that his tackle bag wouldn't fit through, we found the traverse, to Rottenstone Avon, Bat Chamber and ultimately the Rising. Retracing our footsteps to Trench Way and easily down the Abyss we squirmed under the Camels Hump into Thixotropic Passage. Recognising Passages as we came to them, and Pauline following the survey, we stormed up the Bakerloo Straight passed The Washing Machine and back to Gerard Platten Hall. Back through the Long Crawl, where Barry still grunted, (at least I hope the raspberry sounding noises were from his top end) and back to the Lakes. We met Kingsley as we approached the vehicles, Pauline and I wrapping our dripping bodies around him in greeting. Well led Pauline, an excellent trip.
Pauline walking carefully past the Crystal Pool.
We met up in Crickhowell as usual and then drove up to the parking area. Once changed into caving kit we started our walk up to the cave entrance. On route we joked with Kingsley that he had not forgotten the key this time, which he did have in his hand. Then about five minutes later he realised that he did not have his helmet and light. We stopped and rested while he went back to the car to get it. At the entrance, the draught was really blowing into the cave and icicles had formed in the roof just inside the gate. We were the only group booked into the cave, so once the book was filled in we headed in where the two ducks awaited our arrival. The cold draught was really gusting through and generating ripples across the water making them even more inviting. Once through, we continued and we noticed a large number of hibernating bats on route to Barons Chamber. We stopped here for a while, then continued down Main Passage before entering Main Streamway. We went through the second boulder choke and up into Keyhole Chamber, then I remembered that we usually set up a rope here for the descent (but I forgot to bring one). Luckily enough there is a short fixed rope, which I was able to attach our ‘steppy sling’ to, so that we could all get down reasonably safely. Then it was back into the stream where we noticed that it was getting a lot more slippery. At Northwest Junction we followed the Main stream all the way down to Deep Water. We could see that the water level here had been very high with froth marks up in the roof of the passage. At this point we turned around and headed back to Northwest Junction where we stopped for something to eat before continuing on. When we got back to the climb up into Keyhole Chamber. Pauline and Jan decided to attempt the damp way whilst Kingsley and I climbed the rope back up through the hole. We regrouped at the top eventually. Then we just continued at a steady pace back to Main Passage and Barons Chamber then out. As we got closer to the entrance we really noticed the drop in temperature and the constant draught in our faces. We got back out to daylight (just), where we were greeted to a light dusting of snow on the ground. A very enjoyable trip was had by all.
Kingsley, Jan and Pauline in Main Stream.
Kingsley, Ann, Wolf and myself (Jan) all met up at the lime kilns on a freezing January morning for our annual trip into Craig-y-Ffynon. It was a jolly group that changed in sub zero temperatures, and the thought of a nice warm cave was mighty appealing. We noticed the ice stals, clear as gin, while Kingsley wrestled with the lock. Once inside the entrance passage we passed through chambers, straws raining down from the ceiling. Quite a few bats clung to the rock, we hurried through not wanting to disturb them. The four of us climbed up the ladders to the other side of the boulder choke to a wet stream passage. Kingsley studied the water willing it to be warm, Ann marched passed and soon we all had wet extremities. At the foot of the Aven we sorted out tackle (with the absence of Barry we decided there was know need for a ladder ?????????). Ann volunteered to go up with a rope and with super human strength ended up practically hauling the three of us up. (Obviously she had had spinach for Christmas dinner and not turkey!!!) Worming our way up the second boulder choke we arrived in a very large passage, where our eyes feasted on beautiful formations and gower pools. I love hearing about early cave exploration, and it was interesting to hear Ann's description of how thrilling it was to enter such a chamber for the very first time. We noticed the gower pools were quite dry, certainly not as I remembered them. Also considering how little rain we have had North West Inlet had hardly drained at all. On to Hall of the Mountain KIngs. After sitting for several minutes, gazing up at the magnificent curtains we began to chill, so retracing out steps we made our way back to the entrance. At the top of the first boulder choke we felt the first blast of icy draught, the temperature continued to drop until we reached the gate. Outside a sifting of snow covered the hills. Changing wasn't a bundle of fun, as limbs ceased to work, but with hot coffee inside us we were soon all in fine spirits and planning next months trip into Agen Allwedd.