Welcome to a the Peak District, home to natural potholes such as the spectacular Eldon Hole and the 170 metre deep Nettle Pot. Of natural caves such as Peak Cavern, Thor's and Reynard's Cave, Dove Holes in Dovedale, Poole's Cavern in Buxton, and Thirst House Cave in Deepdale. And the mighty Titan, Britain’s biggest cave, carved over millions of years from from the Peak’s limestone scenery. This massive chamber contains a massive waterfall which plunges 140 metres deep below ground level and is the culmination of a 5 hour underground expedition.
Titan Discovery - Britain’s biggest cave - see BBC Video
The Peak District is also home to a variety of entry level experiences suitable for speiliologists and explorers of all ages and abilities. Anyone intending to go underground should always be experienced and well-equipped. It is easy to get wet and tired underground and it can then be quite difficult to return to the surface, and cave rescue is much more difficult than mountain rescue.
Most of the cave and mine systems in the area require permission to descend them and mention of a system in this guide does not imply that permission will necessarily be given.
The guidebook to local systems is 'Caves of Derbyshire' by Trevor Ford and David Gill, published by Dalesman Books. More information about local caving can be obtained from the Derbyshire Caving Association. The Caving Suppliesshop on London Road in Buxton is also a useful source of advice as well as a place to purchase or hire equipment.
More Information http://www.cressbrook.co.uk/outdoors/potholing.php
Find a caving instructor
Adam Evans - (http://www.outdoorinstruction.co.uk)
Peak Activities - (http://www.iain.co.uk/)
David Matthews Adventure - (http://www.dm-adventure.co.uk/)
The Hollowford Centre - (www.hollowford.org)
Dave Edwards - (http://www.deaa.net/)
Useful links
British caving association - (http://british-caving.org.uk)
Derbyshire Cave Rescue - (http://derbyshirecro.org.uk/)
Cave Rescue - (http://www.caverescue.org.uk)
Caving Supplies - (http://www.caving-supplies.co.uk)
Photos supplied by Shaun Puckering |
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