Caving Hillocks Lead Mine

DATE.... Saturday 21st March
PLACE...Hillocks lead mine, Monyash nr Buxton, Derbys
MEET.... 12 noon The Bulls Head (hobbit), Monyash, A515 7ml south of Buxton
SLOTS...10
COST….£19 GRADE..INTERMEDIATE

SHORT CRAWLS - SCRAMBLES - LADDER CLIMBING - MUDDY BUT NOT DESPARATE!

A chance for exploring Hillocks lead mine in Monyash. The mine dates back to the 18th Century, it contains caverns, hand-picked passages and natural cave sections. We will work our way down to the lowest point of the mine where we will be able to look up the 190ft Engine Shaft! Lots of interesting squirms to explore! Beginners or experts will be challenged, but can expect to enjoy a couple of low crawls, scrambles, 2 short ladders and wandering in large mined-out passages and galleries. Expect to get damp and muddy, but nothing desperate! Only one flat-out crawl near to the entrance. You must be reasonably fit and agile. A chance for those of you that have been bitten by the caving bug to take it a bit further.

DIRECTIONS: TAKE BEST ROUTE TO BUXTON. FROM BUXTON TAKE A515 (ASHBOURNE RD) FOR APPROX 7mls TO LEFT TURN FOR MONYASH. BULLS HEAD IS ON LEFT IN VILLAGE CENTRE, BEHIND THE GREEN.

Caving Days
Spice Cave Grading System

As a rough guide to caving within Spice - this is what you may expect. All caves are dark, damp and very muddy. Dress suitably with wellingtons, full old waterproofs, layered warm clothing and a pair of marigold gloves (trust us!)e.g. trakky bottoms, leggings, army pants or other similar, but NOT jeans. Double layer or wear long johns. Thermal vest or T shirt, sweat shirt or jumper with fleece jacket or similar. Boiler suit with old kag top OK. NOT trainers. Warm socks Don't forget a complete change of clothing for the pub afterwards and A good sense of humour! You will normally be underground for about 2 hours in the easy & moderate caves. It will be longer for caves above that grade.

EASY: No climbs or abseils or major difficulties

MODERATE: No climbs or abseils but may have short crawls and scrambles

INTERMEDIATE: More strenusous sections, small underground waterfalls

SEVERE: Short ladder/SRT underground climbs and abseils

EXTREME: Underground abseils, long crawls, water and very strenuous.

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