YUCPC Trip History

Here you can see the list of pretty much all the trips YUCPC members have been on over the years. Members can also submit reports which will hopefully help others to avoid problems or just for some inspiration! Use the filters below to view by year or cave.

Trips by year...

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Trips & Reports 2008

Sunday December 21st 2008 Trapdoor Pot Members: Adrian Turner,  Mark Sims,  Matt Ewles,  Natasha Durham

Mark wrote...

A rather faffy start, it has to be said, the morning starting with a message from Ade at 8 saying “Running late, alarm failed to go off” (although it was later revealed that he may have woken up & turned the alarm of in his dozy state…!) followed by Ade & Tash arriving from the container with the rope packed the previous day. The problem was, they’d missed my note in the container to say we still needed metalwork &... read more

Matt wrote...

A first class trip to a pothole that not many people have done before! One of the '50 hardest' and for good reason! The shakehole is quite tricky to find but the map in '50 Hardest' is pretty accurate. Follow the vague path up from the car park at the Cold Cotes junction on the Ingleton-Clapham backroad, until just past the limestone outcrops near the top of the hill. Bear left off the path and locate the HUGEMONGOUS... read more

Sunday December 14th 2008 Mandale Mine Members: Catherine Moody,  Chuck Holder,  Mark Sims

Catherine wrote...

Chuck had been going on all weekend about how he wanted to do Mandale Mine and how pretty the pools at the bottom were. Really, they were. He really wanted to do Mandale Mine. So while the majority of the others made a hungover trip to the pub/tea-shop, a group of hardcore cavers dutifully piled into the car and went with Chuck to see what all the fuss was about. We went in, we got very wet. The route that... read more

Sunday December 14th 2008 Nettle Pot Members: Adam Wilkinson,  Thomas Blakey
Saturday December 13th 2008 Maskhill Mine - Oxlow Cavern Members: Adrian Turner,  Alexander Stelfox,  Christian Benton,  Mark Sims,  Matthijs Bouwman,  Thomas Blakey

Alexander wrote...

Coming down, it was pretty good, though I did have to guess how to do a knot pass at one point, and the cave was really pleasant. What ruined me was going up Maskhill, I did not like that bit at all. It was scummy, awkward and prolonged. But, we did make some speedy progress so it wasn't bad in that aspect. And to be fair, going the other way looked like it could have been really quite good. A... read more

Christian wrote...

What can i say, it was a great trip really enjoyed coming down oxlow was simple and easy. however at one stage i thought we lost Ade lol. The main cave opening where Maskhill Mine meets Oxlow Cavern was wet, raining on the inside. Once the Maskhill team made it down to us they went on their way out Oxlow which was far the easier way out. I wana say thank you to Ade for allowing me to help him and... read more

Mark wrote...

I laugh at people who say efficient trips can't happen! The Maskhill -> Oxlow team was underground by 9 having packed ropes the previous day and we were out having rigged and derigged by 1pm! We had plenty of time to head back to the TSG to wash rope, have a shower and then head to the pub for a lazy afternoon before the meal! I love efficiency! :)

Saturday December 13th 2008 Bagshawe Caverns Members: Ben Reynolds,  Catherine Moody,  George Bunyan,  Hannah Dade,  Imogen Shepherd,  Josh Vale,  Kevin Francis,  Laura Bennett,  Matthew Chubb

Kevin wrote...

I went to bed on the Friday content in the knowledge I was off to do a bimble in Peak the following morning to sooth my rapidly approaching hangover. Five hours later and I was woken by Chuck's dulcet tones informing me I was off to Bagshawe instead. Naturally I just rolled over to try to go back to sleep. I little later I was awake again and struggling to get up. Still half drunk I made it downstairs and... read more

Saturday December 13th 2008 JH Over-Engine Mine to Speedwell Streamway and Whirlpool Passage Members: Andrew Gilmartin,  Max Spicer,  Richard Gover,  Steve Gilbert
Saturday December 13th 2008 Eldon Hole Members: Ben Scothern,  Chuck Holder,  Matt Gosling,  Mike Rippon
Sunday December 7th 2008 Sell Gill Holes Members: Anna Barnard,  Catherine Moody,  Chuck Holder,  Mark Sims,  Thomas Blakey

Catherine wrote...

SNOW!!! And lots of it! A very pretty drive through the dales, changing in thick snow, followed by many snowball fights on the way up to the cave (including some vicious throws from Chuck which I still need to get revenge for..). While Chuck was rigging, I considered throwing snow at him but didn’t want to be the cause of him falling to his death so instead me and Anna made snow angels and then a snowman – we named... read more

3 photos by Mark...

Saturday December 6th 2008 Aquamole Pot Members: Alexander Stelfox,  Mark Sims,  Matt Gosling,  Max Spicer,  Thomas Blakey

Max wrote...

A really good fun trip. The weather was stunning - cold and clear with snow on the ground. The change offers a fantastic view, especially with all the snow. Aquamole offered a good combination of ropework and easy but interesting crawling. The Aven is spectacular and well worth seeing. Lots of fun! I'm sure Matt will offer more details... On the way back, Tom, Alex and I went ahead leaving Mark and Matt to derig. We... read more

Alexander wrote...

Well, first off, this is the first trip report I've written so if it's a load of shite, just bear with me. Anyways, the caving: Very little faff was had getting our stuff out of the container, though foolishly I grabbed an undersuit with a hole in the ass, again. The journey there was efficient, and we were at Bernies and eating breakfast before we knew it. Max then grabbed the last Rack from the shop, leaving me with no option... read more

12 photos by Mark...

Saturday November 29th 2008 Gavel Pot Members: George Bunyan,  Louise Bell,  Mark Sims,  Richard Gover,  Thomas Blakey

Mark wrote...

This was a great trip that definitely exceeded my expectations. Despite the freezing cold rope-packing session in the morning, the change on Leck Fell was surprisingly mild despite the snow cover! We located the entrance fairly easily and after a look around various ways down, Gover found that the correct way is down the far side from the stile to reach the rock bridge. The first pitch was a bit muddy & cold, but soon after we were down the second pitch... read more

9 photos by Mark...

Sunday November 23rd 2008 Eldon Hole Members: Christian Benton,  Mark Sims,  Matt Gosling,  Thomas Blakey

Christian wrote...

Great Cave once we got in. the initial descent was muddy but got better as you drop over the lip and descent another 20m. great cave with beautiful features. ACE!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday November 22nd 2008 Peak Cavern White River Series Members: Adam Wilkinson,  Kevin Francis,  Laura Bennett,  Nicola Gover

Kevin wrote...

Probably one of the most fulfilling trips I have done. This route through Peak is very varied and extremely rewarding. It has all the ingredients of a good cave, stompy streamway, muddy crawls, fantastic (in situ! yay!) pitches, stunning formations and an interesting history. Katie was a fantastic guide who showed immense knowledge of the system and was able to tell us many funny stories relating to each stage of the trip. I would love to go back and do... read more

Saturday November 22nd 2008 Water Icicle Cave Members: Alexander Stelfox,  Catherine Moody,  Charlie Dixon,  George Bunyan,  Hayley Clamp,  Louise Bell,  Thomas Blakey

Catherine wrote...

A huge amount of faff... Trying to organise who was going on what trip with the transport available was a bit of a nightmare and I think it was gone 12 by the time we actually got anything sorted. With some vague directions to "go down a track and its in a field on the left", we headed off in Hayley’s car towards Monyash, where as suspected we discovered that there are many tracks and many fields. Lots of driving... read more

Saturday November 22nd 2008 Maskhill Mine - Oxlow Cavern Members: Adrian Turner,  Mark Sims
Saturday November 22nd 2008 Giants Hole Members: Anna Barnard,  Diana Saggese,  Jaydene Halliday,  Mike Rippon,  Toby Buxton
Saturday November 22nd 2008 Bagshawe Caverns Members: Elizabeth Boggett,  Hannah Dade
Saturday November 22nd 2008 P8 / Jackpot Members: Christina Cartaciano,  John Kendrick
Sunday November 16th 2008 Bull Pot of the Witches Members: ,  Adrian Turner,  Anna Barnard,  Ben Scothern,  Chuck Holder,  Jaydene Halliday,  Kevin Francis,  Mark Sims,  Matt Gosling

Kevin wrote...

For those that were asking yesterday: "Bull Pot of the Witches was so named, not so much as having been associated with witches but rather to distinguish it from Bull Pot in Kingsdale and its proximity to Witches Cave" From: http://www.rrcpc.org.uk/easegill/text/Early_History.htm

Sunday November 16th 2008 Simpson's Pot - Valley Entrance Members: Andrew Gilmartin,  Ellie Jones,  Lauren Ellis,  Steve Gilbert
Saturday November 15th 2008 Bar Pot Members: Andrew Gilmartin,  Andy Tricklebank,  Gary Douthwaite,  Matt Gosling,  Matt Ewles,  Max Spicer,  Richard Gover,  Thomas Blakey

Max wrote...

Fairly efficient apart from Gary having the brought the wrong colour wellies so having to go back to Bernies to buy a new pair. Comic relief was provided by Cambridge University. Gaping Ghyll was very impressive! Came out the entrance in the foggy dark and somehow managed to find our way back to the car without getting lost. Impressive instinctive navigation by Gover and Andy G! A great fun trip. But where were the freshers???

8 photos by Gary...

Sunday November 9th 2008 Hillocks Mine Members: Ben Scothern,  Chuck Holder,  Hayley Clamp,  Laura Woodbridge,  Thomas Blakey
Saturday November 8th 2008 Hillocks Mine Members: Adam Wilkinson,  Adrian Turner,  Alexander Stelfox,  Catherine Moody,  Chuck Holder,  George Bunyan,  Hannah Dade,  Ivan Alvarez,  Laura Bennett,  Louise Bell,  Mark Sims,  Matt Gosling,  Max Spicer,  Mike Rippon,  Toby Buxton

Max wrote...

The trip got off to a good start, with all four cars leaving the container at 8:30am. I was in Chuck's car and we made it to Outside in easily under an hour and a half. We'd got our breakfasts in front of us as the other groups started to arrive. After all gorging ourselves suitably, we zoomed off to Hitch n Hike to pick up the lights. The speedy departure was only slightly marred by Chuck forgetting... read more

Sunday November 2nd 2008 Giants Hole Members: Alex Solkin,  Andrew Gilmartin,  Christian Benton,  Chuck Holder,  Imogen Shepherd,  Jennie Hill,  Katie Jolly,  Kevin Francis,  Lauren Ellis

Lauren wrote...

I love Giants. Trip complete with kite flying.

Christian wrote...

I love Giants, It got me all wet and dirty!!!

Saturday November 1st 2008 Giants Hole Members: ,  Adam Wilkinson,  Ben Scothern,  Christina Cartaciano,  Gary Douthwaite,  George Bunyan,  John Singleton,  Mark Sims,  Matt Ewles,  Matt Gosling,  Tom Evans

Ben wrote...

Went in at 1pm with 2 freshers (including me), and 3 experienced cavers. Fun, wet (deep wellingtons filling fun), narrow Ss & waterfalls to climb back up & crawl under. We only just got lost but we made the most of it in an extravaganza of waterfalls crawls & traverses (I fell :D). On the way back we had a few hoots moans cackles and other weird noises, collecting the ropes that had been left for us. Got changed in the dark... read more

Sunday October 26th 2008 Carlswark Cavern Members: Adrian Turner,  Alexander Stelfox,  Becky Harrison ,  Chris Maughan,  Chuck Holder,  John Kendrick,  Kevin Francis,  Max Spicer,  Thomas Blakey

Chuck wrote...

An excellent day out and fun was had by all (I hope). My car left an hour early so as we could return yesterdays lights ti Hitch n Hike. Due to the obligatory browsing of gear and a quick look the Peak Cavern resurgence we arrived just before the second car in Outdoor Cafe. Doing the trip a second time made it much more enjoyable as we knew our way around and there were less groups down there. Tom... read more

Max wrote...

Speaking as someone who actually had fish and chips (Chuck had sausage, as I'm sure photos will show later), I'd have to disagree with Chuck's description of them as "rather good". Chips were okay. Fish was horrible. Good trip though. ;-)

Kevin wrote...

This was a fun trip, less disjointed than the day before, despite us going in as one big group. We knew there was at least one other group in at the same time, but it was considerably less busy than the day before! We started with a small through trip through a nearby mine level, getting the freshers dirty for the first time. Whilst this was going on we met a chap from the Eldon who told us of his recent... read more

Saturday October 25th 2008 Carlswark Cavern Members: ,  Adam Wilkinson,  Antti Turkia,  Bassam Jundi,  Catherine Moody,  Charlie Dixon,  Chuck Holder,  Clara Davies,  Diana Saggese,  Ellie Jones,  Gary Douthwaite,  Gemma Platt,  Gonzalo Gonzalez Abad,  Hayley Clamp,  Henry Rotzoll,  Imogen Shepherd,  Kevin Francis,  Laz Abbott,  Mark Sims,  Matt Ewles,  Mike Rippon,  Richard Parry,  Sarah Donnelly,  Toby Buxton

Imogen wrote...

A really fun freshers trip! It all started early on when Chuck picked me and Kevin up at 8.20 and forgot about picking up Mark (two weeks on the trot Mark, are you getting the hints? ;)) At the container I suited and booted the freshers and paniced a little because we ran out of gear! We headed to Outside for some breakfast where they successfully fed all of us pretty quickly. For the record arriving too late for breakfast... read more

15 photos by Gary...

Sunday October 19th 2008 Long Churn Members: Adrian Turner,  Anna Barnard,  Ben Wilmott,  Chad B,  Charlie Dixon,  Chuck Holder,  Debbie Flowers,  Gary Douthwaite,  George Bunyan,  Imogen Shepherd,  Jaydene Halliday,  Kevin Francis,  Laura Bennett,  Louise Bell,  Mark Sims,  Matt Gosling,  Matt Ewles,  Max Spicer,  Mike Emra ,  Nick Wright,  Nicola Gover,  Oli Roberts,  Richard Gover,  Simon Herrod,  Thomas Blakey,  Victoria Binns

Imogen wrote...

Another fun trip down Long Churn! Well done to all the new people! You all seemed really enthusiastic and great! What a hardcore lot you all are what with being fine with all the water!

Chad wrote...

A great intro to caving! This was my first venture into a cave! What a great time I had... Suppose it was already going to be a laugh after what Chuck said in the car (see gossip pages for that classic!... no one need worry about any stiffs). So after arriving in the Dales after a Bernie's breakfast it was onto changing into the caving gear, an interesting experience... I noticed an isolated house close by; I bet they must have... read more

Matt wrote...

A really successful trip down Long Churn. We were slightly worried about the weather however we decided to make a go of it before the rain came in (keeping a constant eye on what the weather was doing at all times). Dr Bannisters (the entrance chute) was the wettest I've ever seen it and keeping good footing on the way down was a challenge. Water-a-plenty for upper long churn. We speeded through the cheese press with no issues... read more

20 photos by Mark...

Sunday October 12th 2008 Hurnell Moss Members: Adrian Turner,  Andrew Vick,  Kevin Francis,  Mark Sims

Kevin wrote...

The following may or may not have happened ;) At ten to 8 Kevin and Andy efficiently rolled up at the Shell garage to pick up Mark. After a slight wait we headed to the container to find Ade already parked up and dozing in his car. After waking him up we packed our ropes whilst Mark helpfully took pictures of us stuffing the 160 odd metres of rope and other gear into the bags. By half eight we'd left the... read more

Mark wrote...

Overall, an absolutely fantastic trip! Kev's beat me to it so I'll just add a few bits rather than repeating everything he wrote! The day started fairly badly, having not had much sleep, being slightly achy from a day's digging and having a horrible cold, but the smell of damp caving gear increased my enthusiasm no end and off I went to the Shell garage to await my lift from Andy & Kev. 20 mins and a phonecall later they turned... read more

20 photos by Mark...

Saturday October 11th 2008 Lancaster Hole Members: Andrew Gilmartin,  Ellie Jones,  Imogen Shepherd,  Lauren Ellis,  Matt Gosling,  Thomas Blakey

Imogen wrote...

A lazy day in Lancaster in lovely Easegill for a gentle potter about. After quite an efficient start to the day we drove to Bull Pot Farm, passing by lots of flooded rivers and having to negotiate a partly flooded road down to BPF. As a result we decided that Lancaster was our only option really in Easegill, especially when we saw the huge amount of water gushing down Bull Pot of the Witches and the fact we'd only brought... read more

Saturday September 27th 2008 Hidden Earth Members: Adam Wilkinson,  Adrian Turner,  Andrew Gilmartin,  Chuck Holder,  Dominic Galliano,  Ellie Jones,  Gary Douthwaite,  Imogen Shepherd,  John Singleton,  Kevin Francis,  Laura Bennett,  Lauren Ellis,  Matt Ewles,  Matt Gosling,  Steve Gilbert