Caving Projects

During the summer of 2011, the Backwater Choke in Speedwell Mine recieved some more attention after a 19 years break. Armed with digging tools, the choke was soon passed into a large ascending passage to climb up into the base of a large aven, 6 m wide, 10 m long and approx 25 m high.

The aven was climbed for 30 m into a small passage, a further choke was passed into a large ascending passage to a blind dome. A 6 m climb reached a further choke which is currently being dug.
Picture by: Shaun_Puckering

For more information and the full story, see: Peak District Caving Website

Cavers visiting Speedwell Cavern should be aware that this is an active dig and are asked to avoid everything above the base of the first aven until the chokes have been properly stabilised and the pitches properly rigged.

Thanks - The Backwater Aven Project.