Cave and Mine exploration
When you go Cave and Mine exploration, it is important that you do not forget any required equipment. While cave rescue does exist, it can be difficult to reach you. Meaning all safety protocols should be taken seriously. For this, bring with you: beforehand.
Make sure to bring with you:
- Headlamp - You should bring a reliable headlamp with you for visibility in the dark environment which you will be entering. Not only this, you should bring a flashlight with you as a back-up light source for if anything happens to your headlamp.
- Helmet - Helmets provide you head protection, but also allow you to attach your headlamp. Allowing you to have hand-free lighting, meaning you can be more precise in your surrounding. Your helmet should have a chin strap that can be tightened to your head size as safest option.
- Protective clothing - Wear coveralls or a caving suite. These provide insulation to keep you warm as well as protection from your surroundings. Helping prevent some possible injuries.
- Gloves and knee pads - Essential for when you are crawling and climbing due to the fact it helps prevent injuries for possible cuts on your hands.
- Ropes and harness - Useful for rappelling in vertical caves. It can save you if you accidentally slip and fall in the cave.
- Backpack - Use a backpack to carry the essentials of food, water and your first aid kit.
- walkie talkie - Specifically handy for group exploration in remote locations. Allowing you to stay in communication with your group if anyone gets split up.
If you have got everything, enjoy your day out. remember to stay safe!
WHAT SHOULD YOUR AIMS FOR CAVE AND MINE EXPLORATION BE?
Cave and mine exploration can offer its own ways of improving your skills as an individual and group. Offering numerous benefits, such as;
- Communication - When you go cave and mine exploration, you have numerous ways to be able to communicating. While you can talk verbally with your group, having commands said by a leader, you can also use radios due to technology which has developed such as Through-the-Earth signalling. Through-the-Earth signalling is a communication system used through various antennas and repeater configurations. Though this system needs a line of sight to be able to work. Another form of communication you can use is Low frequency and Very low frequency radios. These signals can travel through rocks strata, which allows for communication to reach the other radio clearer due to not displacing. Giving you numerous opportunities to be able to improve your communication outside of talking face to face.
- Leadership - When you are with a group, if you have a deep understanding of the cave, you have an opportunity to be able to guide them. While this isn't something you can do immediately, the LCMLA scheme provides training to develop these skills. Which can be added to your qualifications. Not only making you develop skills then but also be able to get a job around cave and mine exploration if you enjoy it.
- Cognitive awareness - Cave and mine exploration requires an individual to navigate through narrow passages, over rocks and manoeuvre tight spaces. Requiring you to constantly be checking if it is a safe route alongside if you can fit. If you cannot then figuring out different routes. Making you work under pressure, pushing your mental strength.
- Reaction speed - During your exploration, you have multiple methods which can lead to you having an increased reaction speed. Though the main key one is your decision-making. Due to your surroundings you need to make quick decisions so you can explore your cave and be out often preferable when it is still daylight outside.
Who is it for?
Cave and mine exploration is not suitable for all ages and individuals due to the dangers that come with it. Be aware of when a place will accept before booking as you may not be granted entry depending on the requirements set to enter.
Family, 5-8+
You should only partake in guided caves. Caves such a Devonshire Mine are suitable for younger audiences. This is due to many caves having requirements which kids cannot meet to pass through the cave safely.
Teenagers, 14+
Narrower and more challenging caves are possible to be done. Though these caves are more physically demanding causing the higher age requirement. Places such as Into The Blue have this as a clear rule within there suitable for section.
Adult, 18+
These caves often are one of specialized, deep or dangerous. These areas should never have kids in due to a higher risk of chance for fatality or getting stuck.
Considerations
Nearly all operators require under 18s to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for there safety. Ensuring the child is as safe as possible. Though some places will deny entry if they have a minimum height requirement as well as age. Such as a 1.8m reach to be able to enter.
Different levels
Everyone has to begin somewhere. Only from there we manage to develop our performance. Courses will be tailored around different skill sets, either welcoming newer people or aiming to challenge those who are more skilled. Be aware of where you fall before you go out.
Beginner, Grade 1-2
Caves often involve walking through large, dry and horizontal passages. Quite often involving what's known as 'show case' caves.
Intermediate, Grade 3-4
You must be able to do minor vertical sections, such as ladders, more complex routes and tighter squeezes. Due to these caves often having less space inside
Advanced, Grade 5/technical
Requires you to be able to go through large, wet pitches, deep mines and complex underground environments. Highlighting key of the complex underground environments as they become common in advanced caves.
Specialized
Specialized caves can involve diving to be able to enter. Requiring you to have advanced technical training to be able to enter the cave.
If you do not know where you fall into levels, start from beginner and progress your way. Otherwise you will be risking your safety and anyone who's around you safety.
Providers
Governor providers
- The British Caving Association: The national governing body for exploration within Great Britain. Representing both individuals and groups who have interests in the following; caves, karst and associated phenomena's. Giving understandings from sporting views and scientific views within the field.
- The Cave Diving Group: Offer training, support and promotion to cave diving. They set safety standards during there training allowing people to explore submerged caves and mines.
Aims: to set the standard for cave and mine exploration. Ensuring anyone who partake are in a safe environment.
Marketing
Cave and mine exploration sites often market themselves through there unique geological sights. Using social media to attract customers. Many people rely on social media nowadays, often finding places on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. While also aiming to get educational sectors involved. Bringing students to sights in hopes they will either come back or share the word convincing others to go to the sight.
Different sector providers
Public:
- Public caves can be split into 3 categories consisting of commercial, show case and regional specifics. Allowing for people to have a depth of choice of caves, finding what works best for them. Blue Mountain Activities offer commercial adventure guide which are focused on nature caves located in the Peak District. Whereas Poole's Cavern is a show cave which has guided tours. Often used as an educational experience for Geography lessons or a school trip. While Subterranean Britannica focuses on exploring man-made underground sites. Giving a different experience to the typically natural cave.
Private:
- Multiple public providers also offer private experiences. Blue Mountain Activities also offer private experiences for groups and individuals. Still located within the Peak District. As well as Peak Instruction which offers tailored trips to both beginners and advanced levels across the UK. While you can also find just private providers such as GoCave who offer varied caving trips across the UK. As well as technical training and consultancy. Tailoring it towards your needs and the basics.
Chislehurst Cave, Kent
Chislehurst Cave offer a vast underground labyrinth of man-made tunnels which are made from carved chalk underneath the village located in Kent. It was originally dug to gather chalk and flint though later on got used in numerous ways over centuries. Though is now a historical attraction.
Key features:
- Guided tours with stories - When you walk through the passage ways, your guide will share tales ranging from Victorian myths to wartime shelter life. Giving a tailored unique experience.
- Historical Highlights - Chislehurst offers sights off Medieval chalk and flint mining, WWI munitions storage, WWII air-raid shelter for thousand and post war music venue and social hub. Allowing visitors to see a place that holds memories of the past all in one place.
- Seasonal events - During season times, there is specialised tours and events. They are themed around the current holiday and add variety to your experience. Making it a place you can visit all year round.
Beginner friendliness:
Chislehurst Caves are known for being accessible to most visitors. This is due to the fact it is guided tours only meaning you do not have to navigate the tunnels on your own. Welcoming first time visitors. These tours are at a relaxed pace through mainly flat sections with no difficult climbs or physical challenges. Making it great for all age groups though is typically for ages of 3+ as children under 3 may find it intimidating. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Though the caves are naturally uneven and can feel like cobble. Meaning sturdy footwork is ideal. This can be difficult due to the dim lighting. Lanterns can help but people with mobility issues may struggle. As well as not being assessable to wheelchair users completely, is is possible but narrow passages and uneven ground. Limiting movement which can be done.
Who it is ideal for:
- Families and schools - the guided tours are known for being safe, while also making it suitable for both children and education. Especially when the education is aimed towards leaning local history.
- Casual Explorers - If you enjoy underground exploring but do not want technical caving than Chislehurst is an ideal place for you. It offers you an accessible introduction to cave and mine exploration without needing any of the equipment. Making it more affordable as well in the process for those who aren't dedicated cavers.
For an inside view, look at the following video:
Contact
Caveside Close & Old Hill, Chislehurst
BR7 5NL
Hours
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Open from
9AM - 4PM
Phone
Pooles Cavern, Buxton
Poole's Cavern is a natural limestone cave system located within the Peak District. It is one of the most famous showcase cave within England. It was formed over a million years ago and is open to the public as a visitor attraction which offers both guided and self-guided tours for you to partake in. Giving a variety of experiences and personalization opportunities.
Key features:
Historical interest - Poole's Cavern contains exhibitions from prehistoric human use. Legends have come along overtime connecting the cave to medieval lore. Becoming classed as one of the seven wonders of the Peak historic writings that have come to exist.
Educational elements - When visiting, you can view both archaeology and geology. Paired with knowledgeable guides, offers an unique learning experience which you cannot gain from outside experiences.
Broader outdoor appeal - Next door to Poole's Cavern is Solomon's Temple viewpoint which is next to Poole's Cavern. You can go through Grinlow Woods, a trial walk to be able to reach views above housing where you can see all of Buxton.
Beginner friendliness:
Poole's Cavern is known for being great for beginners. It is a well maintained and lit area with hand railings which you can follow around. It requires no technical caving or equipment making is assessable and cheaper for those who wish to visit. All you need is sturdy footwear and comfortable clothing for while you are there. If you do choose a guided tour, then you can have a tour that is paced around general visitors, families or those with geological/historical interests. Allowing anyone to enjoy a tour. Though only the main chamber is wheelchair assessable, limiting how much wheelchair users can explore within this cave.
- Families - Poole's cavern offers visual spectacles and stories for kids to enjoy. Offering a day of entertainment for them.
- General tourists and day visitors - Welcoming to all, you do not need any experience to be able to enjoy Poole's Cavern.
- History and geology fans - Throughout Poole's cavern you can find artifacts and layers of humans over millennia. Giving the place years of background which can be looked over into depth by avid fans.
For an inside view, look at the following video:
Contact
Green Ln, Buxton
SK17 9DH
Hours
Open every day
Monday - Friday
9.45AM - 4PM
Saturday - Sunday
9.15AM - 4.30PM
Phone
Jug hole Mine, Derbyshire
Key features:
- Large Natural Caverns - Within the mine there is dramatic limestone chambers that are a mix of natural and modified due to mining which has happened. Giving a unique sight to witness as most caves are completely natural and untouched.
- Complex Layout - Jug Holes contains an upper and lower layer. These are connected through climbs and passages which offer visitors varied underground terrain. Giving the caver a choice of depth to explore within the cave.
- Varied terrain - Terrain in Jug Holes is known for being muddy, tight squeezes, climbs and flat walking. Involving technical skill and endurance to be able to continue pushing yourself physically to complete what Jug Holes demands.
Beginner friendliness:
Jug Hole is know for not being beginner friendly. Due to the use of technical and complex skills needed. This involves the use of multiple levels and passages which contain dead ends and confusing junctions. Allowing for disorientation and higher chances of getting lost. While also some places needing vertical movement to get up and down between floors. Which can leave a beginner not only disorientated now but also possible trapped if they do manage to go up or down one of these. Finally the cave has tight squeezes, climbs and a mixture of minerals and natural passages making overall navigation typically. Overall, beginners lack the caving experience required to be able to manage Jug Holes. This combined with no ability to navigate unmapped or poorly mapped passages leads to the beginner putting themself in danger rather then on a caving trip out for the day.
- Experienced cavers - Due to the terrain, those with no prior experience are not suitable for Jug Holes. Meaning those who have experience and are comfortable with route finding, basic rope use as well as crawling and climbing floors with varying condition are the target audience. This is due to the fact they will be able to complete the cave safer then someone with limited knowledge.
For an inside view, look at the following video:
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