This introductory course is an ideal starting point for those who haven't caved before. We will visit two of the classic caves of the Peak District, see some amazing rock architecture, calcite formations and other cave features. We look at assessing flood risk and also teach some of the skills needed to negotiate straightforward underground climbs and pitches. We look at navigating around caves using surveys (a cave map) and compass and cover other useful subjects like cave access and conservation.

All caving equipment is provided and there will be plenty of opportunity to find out how to take your caving further.  

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Single Rope Technique is the modern, effective method of exploring deep, vertical caves such as Gaping Gill in Yorkshire and Titan in Derbyshire. Simply put, SRT is about abseiling to descend and prussiking up the rope to ascend. This course is designed for those who have some caving experience and want to learn SRT to take their caving further.

The first day is spent on the surface, learning and practicing a range of SRT manoevres before we venture underground on the second day. The focus throughout is on developing a well-practiced system of SRT which avoids problems and allows you to take your caving further yourself. All equipment (including SRT equipment) is provided although we are happy for cavers to use their own if they have it.

2010 dates are: 19-20 April (Peak District); 10-11 July, 6-7 Sept, 30-31 Oct (Yorkshire Dales)

This course is designed for cavers who are familiar with SRT techniques and want to learn the skills needed to rig and de-rig a cave system.

Day one is spent looking at skills above ground before going underground in the afternoon. On day two we will visit a classic Yorkshire or Peak District cave and the focus will be on the students doing the majority of the rigging.

A 1:2 ratio means that you get to spend plenty of time out there in front with the rope bag!

We hope it never happens...but every caver ought to have strategies for sorting out emergencies underground. With SRT small parties can bottom deep caves in the UK and abroad and it is important to be able to deal with emergency situations quickly and effectively when you're a long way from help.

This two-day course focuses on the skills needed to perform rope rescues underground. Day one is spent above ground learning and practicing the techniques and on day two we put them into practice underground. Key subjects that we cover on the course are improvising equipment, belaying, hoisting and single-rope rescues.

This course can also be run in the Yorkshire Dales by arrangement.