Date: 8th May 2021
Time: 10:30am
Location: Coniston, Lake District

We’re going caving to Coniston Copper Mines on Sunday. We’re hoping to do the Paddys End to Hospital Level through trip – but we may simply do Hospital Level if we can’t.

So you’re interested in coming caving? Here’s what you need to know!

I don’t have any caving kit. What should I bring? What should I borrow?

Part of the cost includes hiring use of the special equipment you’ll use. Here’s what you should bring:

• Some warm older/less nice clothes to wear as a base layer underneath the caving-specific clothes we will provide. Some examples
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Leggings
  • Thermal base layers
  • Outdoorsy t-shirts

Avoid anything made from cotton or untreated wool (such as t-shirts or wooly jumpers); synthetic fabrics that keep their warmth when wet work best here. You will be provided with a thick fleece layer and a protective outer layer to wear over this, so if all you have is cotton you’re better going without.

• Change of socks/underwear/replacement clothing. Anything you wear into the cave will likely be too wet and dirty to wear afterwards in the car, so make sure you have spare clothes for the drive home.
• Wellies (we do have spares if necessary, but the sizes and stock are limited). These aren’t special wellies – £12 wellies from go-outdoors or sparkling pink wellies with fur linings are great for caving.
• Towel
• Any important medicines you take
• Contact lenses or string for your glasses.
• A full sealed snack you enjoy eating (eg a mars bar)

If you have one, bring your SRT kit.

What will I be borrowing?

If you don’t already have them:

• Caving oversuit and undersuit to go over the rest of your clothes
• Caving Helmet with Caving Headtorch and fully charged Batteries
• Wellies
• SRT Kit

What about the rain?

Doesn’t matter – it will happen anyway.

Won’t it be windy?

We’re in a mine. It will not be windy.

Will it be as cold as outside?

The temperature in the cave is cooler than the outside temperature at the moment – about 13C. You’ll be well dressed and there’ll be no wind.

What about Covid?

You’ll be briefed on Covid precautions on arrival. Group size will be less than 6, and government mandated social distancing will be kept to. You own gloves and hand sanitiser are recommended.

When do I need to be where?

We’ll all meet near Coniston 10:30am. Try to be early rather than late!

Meeting location: will be shared before the event on Messenger – but its in Coniston

When will we get back?

We’re aiming to be out of the cave before 6pm. The faster we get in, the faster we get out. We may well be out sooner.

What should I expect?

We will arrive at the location together and get you the equipment you need. This is the best time to try on this kit and make sure we get the right size.

We’ll walk to the cave and explore it together. It is a 30 minute walk to the minefrom the cars.

The cave contains some crouched passages, some walking passages. You will have a powerful headtorch so it will be quite bright. The group will be together and there will be much laughter and possibly swearing. It will be fun.

What cave are we going to exactly?

We’re going to Coniston Copper Mines in the Lake District. The route we’re doing requires some SRT.

Will I be scared?

Maybe. Sometimes new different things are scary. But we’ll be supporting and encouraging you to take things at your pace the entire time. This about having fun and having each others back. Whether you’re nervous or loving it, we’ve got your back.

How long will we be underground?

We’ll see how we’re feeling. At a guess – 4-5 hours – but we have plenty of options to shorten if we feel it’s the right thing.

Who is coming with us?

The caving trip will be lead by Tim Dobson – a patient and reassuring cave leader.

The trip size is limited. There probably won’t be more than 6 people.

How much will it cost?

You have 4 options:

Become a member

• If you want to become a the Caving Crew member, it is £37.50 for the year, and this trip is free.
• If you’re already a member of another club, it’s £20 for the year.

Join The Caving Crew here

New to Caving? Join us for a one off?

• You can join us for up to 4 trips. After that you’ll need to join a Caving Club.
• If you want to join this trip as a one off, but not join as a member, it is £18.50 for this trip.

Already a Caving Crew member?

• If you’re already a Caving Crew member, it is £6 for this trip.

Member of another club?

• If you have your own BCA insurance – eg by being a member of another caving club (eg MUSC, CUCC) or by being a DIM, it’s £8 for this trip

The money goes towards:

• Any access costs
• Sharing fuel costs
• BCA Insurance
• Equipment, rope, SRT hire and maintenance
• Any extra money goes to the club

I’m not sure about it. Will there be another one?

There will be other opportunities – but this is a rare opportunity to see this part of Coniston Copper Mines

Date: 11th May 2021
Time: 18:30
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire

We’re going caving to Devonshire Caverns on Tuesday evening. A great trip for someone’s second, third, fourth time underground, or first time trying vertical things in caving.

So you’re interested in coming caving? Here’s what you need to know!

I don’t have any caving kit. What should I bring? What should I borrow?

Part of the cost includes hiring use of the special equipment you’ll use. Here’s what you should bring:

• Some warm older/less nice clothes to wear as a base layer underneath the caving-specific clothes we will provide. Some examples
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Leggings
  • Thermal base layers
  • Outdoorsy t-shirts

Avoid anything made from cotton or untreated wool (such as t-shirts or wooly jumpers); synthetic fabrics that keep their warmth when wet work best here. You will be provided with a thick fleece layer and a protective outer layer to wear over this, so if all you have is cotton you’re better going without.

• Change of socks/underwear/replacement clothing. Anything you wear into the cave will likely be too wet and dirty to wear afterwards in the car, so make sure you have spare clothes for the drive home.
• Wellies (we do have spares if necessary, but the sizes and stock are limited). These aren’t special wellies – £12 wellies from go-outdoors or sparkling pink wellies with fur linings are great for caving.
• Towel
• Any important medicines you take
• Contact lenses or string for your glasses.
• A full sealed snack you enjoy eating (eg a mars bar)

If you have one, bring a normal rock climbing harness. If you don’t – don’t worry.

What will I be borrowing?

If you don’t already have them:

• Caving overalls to go over the rest of your clothes
• Caving Helmet with Caving Headtorch and fully charged Batteries
• Wellies

What about the rain?

Doesn’t matter – it will happen anyway.

Won’t it be windy?

We’re in a cave. It will not be windy.

Will it be as cold as outside?

The temperature in the cave is cooler than the outside temperature at the moment – about 13C. You’ll be well dressed and there’ll be no wind.

What about Covid?

You’ll be briefed on Covid precautions on arrival. Group size will be less than 5, and government mandated social distancing will be kept to. You own gloves and hand sanitiser are recommended.

When do I need to be where?

We’ll all meet at a carpark in Matlock bath at 18:30. Try to be early rather than late!

Meeting location: will be shared before the event on Messenger – but its in Central Matlock Bath.

When will we get back?

We’re aiming to be out of the cave before 10pm. The faster we get in, the faster we get out. We may well be out sooner.

What should I expect?

We will arrive at the location together and get you the equipment you need. This is the best time to try on this kit and make sure we get the right size.

We’ll walk to the cave and explore it together. It is a 10 minute walk to the cave from the cars.

The cave contains some crouched passages, some walking passages. You will have a powerful headtorch so it will be quite bright. The group will be together and there will be much laughter and possibly swearing. It will be fun.

What cave are we going to exactly?

We’re going to Devonshire Cavern near Matlock. It fun and no pre-requisite skills are required – all levels and skills are catered for here.

Will I be scared?

Maybe. Sometimes new different things are scary. But we’ll be supporting and encouraging you to take things at your pace the entire time. This about having fun and having each others back. Whether you’re nervous or loving it, we’ve got your back.

How long will we be underground?

We’ll see how we’re feeling. At a guess – 3-4 hours – but we have plenty of options to shorten if we feel it’s the right thing.

Who is coming with us?

The caving trip will be lead by Charlotte – a patient and reassuring cave leader.

The trip size is limited. There probably won’t be more than 6 people.

How much will it cost?

You have 4 options:

Become a member

• If you want to become a the Caving Crew member, it is £37.50 for the year, and this trip is free.
• If you’re already a member of another club, it’s £20 for the year.

Join The Caving Crew here

New to Caving? Join us for a one off?

• You can join us for up to 4 trips. After that you’ll need to join a Caving Club.
• If you want to join this trip as a one off, but not join as a member, it is £18.50 for this trip.

Already a Caving Crew member?

• If you’re already a Caving Crew member, it is £6 for this trip.

Member of another club?

• If you have your own BCA insurance – eg by being a member of another caving club (eg MUSC, CUCC) or by being a DIM, it’s £8 for this trip

The money goes towards:

• Any access costs
• Sharing fuel costs
• BCA Insurance
• Equipment hire and maintenance
• Any extra money goes to the club

I’m not sure about it. Will there be another one?

There will be other opportunities – but this is a rare opportunity to see this part of Devonshire Cavern

When: 4th-6th June
Where: We’ll staying in Philpin Farm campsite, not far from Ingleton, Yorkshire

This trip is now full talk to Alex Sheppard to join the waiting list.

Reserve your place now?

How the trip will run:

We’ll meet together at the campsite on Friday evening with enough time to try and make plans for the next day.

We’ll spend Saturday making the most of our location – right by one of the most cave-filled areas of Yorkshire, then return to the campsite for a hearty evening meal (planned to be group-ordered takeaway delivered from Ingleton).

On Sunday, we will probably head underground again, or go for a walk nearby, before heading home.

About the campsite

Philpin Farm is a well-equipped campsite 10 minutes drive away from Ingleton.

It is well equipped with toilets, showers, wifi, and good access to local caves.

Breakfast can be ordered from the farm by reserving it the night before. 

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, warm clothing, and some other stuff. A full kitlist is here.

What activities will we do?

This is primarily a caving weekend, but cavers being cavers there may also be some walking or other outdoor activities going on. Anything non-caving will be arranged ad-hoc though, the main plan is to get underground!

Stuff you need to know

The cost of the trip includes club equipment use, camping fees, any cave trespass fees, and support with transport.

This trip is likely to sell out very fast – just 12 places are available.

How can I reserve my place?

I’m not a member of any Caving Club club yet:

For your first 4 trips, you can join us as a one-off.
The cost is £63 for this trip:

Caving Crew Member?

I’ve already joined as a paid-up Crew-member of the Caving Crew.
The cost is £39 for this trip

I already have insurance via the BCA

I’m in another caving club (eg MUSC, TSG) or am a DIM.
The cost is £43 for this trip

Can I join the Caving Crew?

Yes… it costs £37.50 a year and your next evening caving trip is free (after that, you just pay members rates).

If you’re an existing BCA Club member or DIM it’s just £20.50 a year

When does membership run from and til?

A year, from when you first become a member.

How can I sign up and join this trip?

Follow both of these two steps:

1) Become a member

2) Signup for the trip as a member!

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Common Q & As

I don’t have any caving gear – will I be ok?

Yes. Part of the cost covers borrowing any the equipment you may need including light, helmet, oversuit, SRT kit and ropes. We may be able to lend a small number of wellies and undersuits too. 

What SRT skills do I need to know?

No SRT skills are required; there are SRT-free trips that can be done nearby if you don’t know how to do it, and a while lot of trips containing it if you do. If you don’t know what SRT is – ignore all this!

I don’t have enough SRT experience yet, but really want to do some. Will you be running training beforehand?

If there’s time to arrange it, yes – but it’s extremely important that we do it ASAP. Drop Tim or Alex a message with when you’re free to train and we will try and work it out.

I don’t drive can I come?

Yes. We will arrange lifts for people who can’t drive. Different people bring different skills – it usually works out in the end.

Can I bring a dog?

Dogs are allowed, but you will need to pay an extra fee to the campsite and make your own arrangements for dog-care during the day.

What is The Caving Crew?

A BCA-affiliated Club of supportive, friendly people who like to encourage each other to cave and eat cake. Sometimes at the same time.

We support an open, inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all members, whatever their ability or ambition.

What are we most likely to do?

Good question. Depending on who comes, everyone’s levels of experience and motivation, and the weather, we’ll make plans on Friday and Saturday nights for the next day.

Can I come for the day?

This usually doesn’t work.

All plans are made the night before, usually changing 3-4 times during the night and changing at least once in the morning. This makes it extremely difficult to tell anyone where to be and when. It might be possible to come for the day, if you were prepared to arrive at the campsite at ~7am and were prepared for mountains of faff and uncertainty. If that was me, I’d probably conclude it wasn’t worth it.

You also will struggle because you have to drive home in the evening – rather than stay for any social bits where the group really gets to know each other.

I don’t really know anyone else?

We’re keen for everyone to feel comfortable in our group so we introduce people new to Caving Crew trips with an experienced “buddy” to help them find their feet and answer any questions. Everyone is extremely welcoming, and you’re likely to make some firm friends very fast.

I have unusual dietary requirements. Will I be catered for?

Yes. Whether you’re keen on eating meat with every meal, or you are a gluten free vegan who is allergic to cinnamon, we will make sure you’re well fed.

What if there’s bad weather?

Caving is usually a good sport if the weather isn’t great. However, if we will prepare some plan B’s in case of unexpected issues (such as really heavy rain). These could be:

• Go for a scramble
• Go for a walk
• Go indoor climbing
• Go to a museum or tourist attraction
• Go to the pub

Is this a for-profit, professionally guided event?

The Caving Crew is fully run by volunteers. No-one is paid for sharing their caving and rope skills amongst the group. Nobody is using or assumed to be trained to professional qualifications unless they tell you otherwise in writing.

Everyone that comes to Caving Crew events recognises that:

“that caving, cave diving and mine exploration are activities with a danger of personal injury or death, and by taking part acknowledge they are aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.“

Got a question we haven’t answered?

Ask it on the facebook group and we’ll reply ASAP.

Reserve your place now?

Date: 2nd May 2021
Time: 11:30am
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire

We’re going caving to Wapping Mine / Cumberland Caverns on Sunday. A great trip for someone’s second, third, fourth time underground.

So you’re interested in coming caving? Here’s what you need to know!

I don’t have any caving kit. What should I bring? What should I borrow?

Part of the cost includes hiring use of the special equipment you’ll use. Here’s what you should bring:

• Some warm older/less nice clothes to wear as a base layer underneath the caving-specific clothes we will provide. Some examples
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Leggings
  • Thermal base layers
  • Outdoorsy t-shirts

Avoid anything made from cotton or untreated wool (such as t-shirts or wooly jumpers); synthetic fabrics that keep their warmth when wet work best here. You will be provided with a thick fleece layer and a protective outer layer to wear over this, so if all you have is cotton you’re better going without.

• Change of socks/underwear/replacement clothing. Anything you wear into the cave will likely be too wet and dirty to wear afterwards in the car, so make sure you have spare clothes for the drive home.
• Wellies (we do have spares if necessary, but the sizes and stock are limited). These aren’t special wellies – £12 wellies from go-outdoors or sparkling pink wellies with fur linings are great for caving.
• Towel
• Any important medicines you take
• Contact lenses or string for your glasses.
• A full sealed snack you enjoy eating (eg a mars bar)

If you have one, bring a normal rock climbing harness. If you don’t – don’t worry.

What will I be borrowing?

If you don’t already have them:

• Caving overalls to go over the rest of your clothes
• Caving Helmet with Caving Headtorch and fully charged Batteries
• Wellies

What about the rain?

Doesn’t matter – it will happen anyway.

Won’t it be windy?

We’re in a cave. It will not be windy.

Will it be as cold as outside?

The temperature in the cave is cooler than the outside temperature at the moment – about 13C. You’ll be well dressed and there’ll be no wind.

What about Covid?

You’ll be briefed on Covid precautions on arrival. Group size will be less than 5, and government mandated social distancing will be kept to. You own gloves and hand sanitiser are recommended.

When do I need to be where?

We’ll all meet near at a carpark in Matlock bath at 11:30am. Try to be early rather than late!

Meeting location: will be shared before the event on Messenger – but its in Central Matlock Bath.

When will we get back?

We’re aiming to be out of the cave before 4pm. The faster we get in, the faster we get out. We may well be out sooner.

What should I expect?

We will arrive at the location together and get you the equipment you need. This is the best time to try on this kit and make sure we get the right size.

We’ll walk to the cave and explore it together. It is a 10 minute walk to the cave from the cars.

The cave contains some crouched passages, some walking passages. You will have a powerful headtorch so it will be quite bright. The group will be together and there will be much laughter and possibly swearing. It will be fun.

What cave are we going to exactly?

We’re going to Wapping Mind / Cumberland Cavern near Matlock. It fun and no pre-requisite skills are required – all levels and skills are catered for here.

Will I be scared?

Maybe. Sometimes new different things are scary. But we’ll be supporting and encouraging you to take things at your pace the entire time. This about having fun and having each others back. Whether you’re nervous or loving it, we’ve got your back.

How long will we be underground?

We’ll see how we’re feeling. At a guess – 3-4 hours – but we have plenty of options to shorten if we feel it’s the right thing.

Who is coming with us?

The caving trip will be lead by Tim Dobson – a patient and reassuring cave leader.

The trip size is limited. There probably won’t be more than 6 people.

How much will it cost?

You have 4 options:

Become a member

• If you want to become a the Caving Crew member, it is £37.50 for the year, and this trip is free.
• If you’re already a member of another club, it’s £20 for the year.

Join The Caving Crew here

New to Caving? Join us for a one off?

• You can join us for up to 4 trips. After that you’ll need to join a Caving Club.
• If you want to join this trip as a one off, but not join as a member, it is £18.50 for this trip.

Already a Caving Crew member?

• If you’re already a Caving Crew member, it is £6 for this trip.

Member of another club?

• If you have your own BCA insurance – eg by being a member of another caving club (eg MUSC, CUCC) or by being a DIM, it’s £8 for this trip

The money goes towards:

• Any access costs
• Sharing fuel costs
• BCA Insurance
• Equipment hire and maintenance
• Any extra money goes to the club

I’m not sure about it. Will there be another one?

There will be other opportunities – but this is a rare opportunity to see this part of Wapping Cumberland Cavern

Date: 1st May 2021
Time: 11:30am
Location: Leck Fell, Lancashire

This is an ideal second or third trip with the Caving Crew. If you’ve been on a trip before, this is ideal – if you’ve done more, this also will be fun!

So you’re interested in coming caving? Here’s what you need to know!

I don’t have any caving kit. What should I bring? What should I borrow?

Part of the cost includes hiring use of the special equipment you’ll use. Here’s what you should bring:

• Some warm older/less nice clothes to wear as a base layer underneath the caving-specific clothes we will provide. Some examples
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Leggings
  • Thermal base layers
  • Outdoorsy t-shirts

Avoid anything made from cotton or untreated wool (such as t-shirts or wooly jumpers); synthetic fabrics that keep their warmth when wet work best here. You will be provided with a thick fleece layer and a protective outer layer to wear over this, so if all you have is cotton you’re better going without.

• Change of socks/underwear/replacement clothing. Anything you wear into the cave will likely be too wet and dirty to wear afterwards in the car, so make sure you have spare clothes for the drive home.
• Wellies (we do have spares if necessary, but the sizes and stock are limited). These aren’t special wellies – £12 wellies from go-outdoors or sparkling pink wellies with fur linings are great for caving.
• Towel
• Any important medicines you take
• Contact lenses or string for your glasses.
• A full sealed snack you enjoy eating (eg a mars bar)

What will I be borrowing?

If you don’t already have them:

• Caving Oversuit to go over your undersuit
• Caving Undersuit to go underneath your oversuit
• Caving Helmet with Caving Headtorch and fully charged Batteries
• Wellies

We’ll also be carrying the appropriate group equipment.

What about the rain?

Doesn’t matter – it will happen anyway.

Won’t it be windy?

We’re in a cave. It will not be windy.

Will it be as cold as outside?

The temperature in the cave is similar to the outside temperature at the moment – about 13C. You’ll be well dressed and there’ll be no wind.

What about Covid?

You’ll be briefed on Covid precautions on arrival. Group size will be less than 6, and government mandated social distancing will be kept to. You own gloves and hand sanitiser are recommended.

When do I need to be where?

We’ll all meet at the on-road parking just after the gate up the lane on Leck Fell at 11:30am. Try to be early rather than late!

There is several car parking spaces on each side of the gate/cattlegrid and possibly a Large White Van (Tim’s). This is where we’ll meet.

Meeting location: This precise place
Location: 54.199535,-2.513779

When will we get back?

We’re aiming to be out of the cave before 5:30pm. The faster we get in, the faster we get out. We may well be out sooner.

What should I expect?

We will arrive at the location together and get you the equipment you need. This is the best time to try on this kit and make sure we get the right size.

We’ll walk to the cave and explore it together. It is a 5 minute walk to the cave from the cars.

The cave contains a fair bit of climbing, some crouched passages, some walking passages. You will have a powerful headtorch so it will be quite bright. The group will be together and there will be much laughter and possibly swearing. It will be fun.

What cave are we going to exactly?

We’re going to Notts2 in Lancashire on Leck Fell. It’s an interesting climb down to a wide walking streamway passage – all levels and skills are catered for here.

Will I be scared?

Maybe. Sometimes new different things are scary. But we’ll be supporting and encouraging you to take things at your pace the entire time. This about having fun and having each others back. Whether you’re nervous or loving it, we’ve got your back.

How long will we be underground?

We’ll see how we’re feeling. At a guess – 3-4 hours – but we have plenty of options to shorten if we feel it’s the right thing.

Who is coming with us?

The caving trip will be lead by Alex Sheppard – patient and reassuring cave leader.

The trip size is limited. There probably won’t be more than 6 people.

How much will it cost?

You have 4 options:

Become a member

• If you want to become a the Caving Crew member, it is £37.50 for the year, and this trip is free.
• If you’re already a member of another club, it’s £20 for the year.

Join The Caving Crew here

New to Caving? Join us for a one off?

• You can join us for up to 4 trips. After that you’ll need to join a Caving Club.
• If you want to join this trip as a one off, but not join as a member, it is £18.50 for this trip.

Already a Caving Crew member?

• If you’re already a Caving Crew member, it is £6 for this trip.

Member of another club?

• If you have your own BCA insurance – eg by being a member of another caving club (eg MUSC, CUCC) or by being a DIM, it’s £8 for this trip

The money goes towards:

• Cave Access costs and administration
• Sharing fuel costs
• BCA Insurance
• Equipment hire and maintenance
• Any extra money goes to the club