CAR POT
"Tighter than a ducks arse!"
Reports Index

5th August 2001
People present - Pete Dale, Duncan Jones, Shelley Brook

It was a sunny morning when Dunc arrived and as we drove up to the Yorkshire Dales I watched the scenery flash bye "literally!" In no time at all we had arrived at Clapham. It was decided that instead of walking all the way up to the cave we would cut a fair bit out buy parking at Clapdale farm. A quick change into caving gear and a chat with the local farmer soon saw us off to find the entrance. We took the longer route round the hill so Shelley could have a look at the impressiveness of Trow gill.

Eventually we found the entrance, kitted up and as I said my goodbyes to Shelley, Duncan set off rigging the first pitch, I then followed Duncan into the darkness. From the bottom of the first pitch we ascended the slope to baptistery pitch which is awkward to rig, as you have to approach it headfirst in a tight crawl. Then, once you managed to put the hangers in, you have to exit the crawl, turn around and enter feet first to rig the rope. At the bottom of the pitch, once you have avoided the shower of water that enters from the roof, the fun begins.

Ahh yes the letterbox, this bit is fun as its fairly tight but that's not the hard bit! Entering the box head first you have to wriggle out over the drop and go up so that you can get your feet beneath you to allow you to climb down on the rotting stemples in situ. Then once you have done that you are faced with the dreaded baptistery crawl. After what seems like a 100m you're through into a small chamber which is a relief for a short while. After pulling the tackle through a short rest was had by the both of us. Next follows the third pitch, an awkward take off but it soon enlarges to more comfortable dimensions just as a re-belay takes you past the 4th pitch and landing in a good sized walking passage we made our way to the last and most impressive pitch.

On the way down numerous re-belays are encountered as you spiral your way down 40m past numerous ledges and flakes. The pitch lands you on a ledge 3m above the floor of the very large "North Craven Passage". Once we were both safely at the bottom we ventured down stream to look at the magnificent formations that are down they're including a stalactite of gigantic proportions. After a good rummage around our needs were satisfied and we made a steady and uneventful exit.

Back at the car we found Shelley who told us about her free trip into Ingleborough cave "women eh?" We got changed into more appropriate clothing and then drove down to the pub for a well-earned drink and game of pool.

Pete Dale

After the trip