EVENTS - 2026
The page is currently showing trips at all grades
Where kit is shown, this is for guidance only. You should check with the organisers if you are uncertain what to bring.
List shows 14 items.
Events on Saturday 20/06/2026
UFGc - Faggergill No1 Level to Langthwaite Cavern
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 09:30 - 17:00
Meet : NGR NY 99940 03109 Distance from base : 15 minutes
Details :
Faggergill lead mine is the most extensive mine in the Swaledale ore field with nearly 10 miles of horse level, although we won’t be visiting all of it! We will traverse various horse levels until we reach Langthwaite cavern, one of the largest natural caverns in the area. Along the way we will pass various small artifacts and miners graffiti.
This is a long trip, with waist deep water in the entrance, then mainly dry with a few muddy sections, various small climbs, none greater than a few meters.
Several sections of stooping / crawling a good level of fitness and a lamp with greater than 6 hours run time required !
Rating : Difficult Kit : Wet socks, Furry and good oversuit, Lid & Lamp, Lunch + Drink
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UDea - Devis Hole SRT
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 16:00
Meet : NGR SE 04894 96844 Distance from base : 10 minutes
Details :
Devis Hole Mine was begun in the early 1820s by Robinson, Whitelock and Company who drove the Horse Level and Main Crosscut south-east from Cogden Gill. They quickly hit natural passages that exist throughout the mine and that made access to the mineral veins relatively easy. In the northern section of the mine the Main Crosscut hits Wellington Vein running from southwest to northeast, and the northeast branch soon reaches Cranehow Bottom Level and Wellington Level. Along these levels the Great Limestone, and hence the ore-bearing veins, dip to the south, so in the early 1850s the miners dug two shafts (miners’ “sumps” ) on Cranehow and one on Robinson’s (all about 20m in depth) to reach more deposits. The lower southern section of the mine is packed with natural “maze” cave passages and it is often difficult to know if a passage is entirely natural or modified by the miners.
The SRT visit to the mine will pass through the northern section of the mine to descend the shaft (Pearson’s Sump) at the end of Robinson’s Level to the southern part of the mine. A traverse through the natural South Cave Series reaches Wyvill’s Level, in turn accessing the East Cave Series
Rating : Difficult Kit : SRT Kit
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UFGa - Faggergill No1 Level to Stang Shaft SRT Exchange
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 17:00
Meet : NGR NZ 01295 06279 Distance from base : 15 minutes
Details :
Faggergill lead mine is the most extensive mine in the Swaledale ore field with nearly 10 miles of horse level.
The group will split into two with one half desending the shaft which the other unlucky group will have to ascend at the end of their trip.
This very challenging trip involves a 75m wet SRT pitch, some of which is narrow. Many areas on this trip are rarely visited. Faggergill No1 Level also features waist deep water.
Due to the technical/physical nature of this trip, the guides will contact the delegates directly to discuss further details.
Rating : Severe Kit : Full SRT Kit, Lid & Lamp, Lunch + Drink
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
USFa - Sir Francis Level
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 14:00
Meet : NGR SD 95092 98212 Distance from base : 30 minutes
Details :
A legendary wet Swaledale trip to see a unique hydraulic engine, the 1km journey to the engine chamber is entirely in very cold water, which varies from waist to neck deep.
The level was started in 1864 and struck the Friarfold Vein in 1877.
A shaft was sunk to test the vein at depth and this shaft was equipped for winding and pumping with hydraulic engines, which still remain in place today.
The engine chamber is in a remarkable state of preservation with its winding engine and water-pressure pump, designed by Henry Davy and installed in 1879.
NOTE : This trip is subject to cancellation if oxygen levels become unfavourable
Rating : Difficult Kit : Wet Suit
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : 5
UBua - Burtersett Stone Mines
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 10:30 - 12:30
Meet : NGR SD 90204 89628
Details :
The mine worked the fissile sandstone between the Simonstone and Middle (or Scar) Limestones of the Carboniferous Yoredale Group, mainly for paving and roofing stone.
Started in the mid-1800s, its heyday was probably about 1881 when it employed 36 labourers. By 1892, however, the mine was in difficulties, and was advertised to let and was close to bankruptcy several times, until final closure in 1931.
One of the most interesting features of the mine today are the dry-stone pillars holding up the roof. The rail tracks were sold for scrap in 1938.
If possible we would recommend combining this trip with the Raygill trip in the afternoon as they have the same guides and meet point.
Some shallow pools, some scrambling.
Rating : Easy
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UDec - Devis Hole Lead Mine
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 10:30 - 14:00
Meet : NGR SE 04894 96844 Distance from base : 10 minutes
Details :
Devis Hole Mine was begun in the early 1820s by Robinson, Whitelock and Company who drove the Horse Level and Main Crosscut south-east from Cogden Gill. They quickly hit natural passages that exist throughout the mine and that made access to the mineral veins relatively easy. In the northern section of the mine the Main Crosscut hits Wellington Vein running from southwest to northeast, and the northeast branch soon reaches Cranehow Bottom Level and Wellington Level. Along these levels the Great Limestone, and hence the ore-bearing veins, dip to the south, so in the early 1850s the miners dug two shafts (miners’ “sumps” ) on Cranehow and one on Robinson’s (all about 20m in depth) to reach more deposits.
Trip will include Wellington Vein, then Robinson's Level to Pearson's Sump, with short diversions to the Central Maze, Occidental Series and Cranehow Bottom Level.
Water will be over welly depth and some crawling will be required, the pipe entrance can be awkward and has a hand-line.
Rating : Moderate
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : 3
UBRa - Brandy Bottle to Hard Level Through Trip
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 11:00 - 15:00
Meet : NGR SD 98918 99832 Distance from base : 20 minutes
Details :
Initially known as Force Level work started in the summer of 1777, the intention being to access the rich Old Rake Vein. The name was changed to the Hard Level when the level cut the Underset and Main Limestones which slowed progress.
The Brandy Bottle Incline, also know as the Fryerfold Incline Plane dates from the second half of the 1810s. The initial intention had been to operate the incline by steam however whilst the engine was installed it was soon replace with a horse whim.
The Brandy Bottle incline connects with the Hard Level via the Black Cross Cut which was driven between 1814 and 1816.
A circa 4km walk brings us to the head of the Brandy Bottle / Fryerfold Incline, passing significant points of interest including the Old Gang Smelt Mill, Hard Level Portal. We will descend the incline to its foot and enter the Black Cross Cut. The Cross Cut is noted for its neck-deep water and a wetsuit or neo-fleece is essential (anyone with one will not be allowed on the trip).
We will follow the cross cut to North Vein and and Old Rake Vein before exiting via the Hard Level, most of which is waist-deep water.
Note: This trip is rated as severe and is fully deserving of it.
Rating : Severe Kit : Wetsuit or Neo-Fleece. Neoprene socks
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : 2
URga - Raygill Lead Mine
Date : 20/06/2026 Time : 13:30 - 16:30
Meet : NGR SD 90204 89628 Distance from base : 45 minutes
Details :
Raygill Level was driven by the Leeds Mining Co in 1862-71. From its starting point a few yards north of the Hawes to Bainbridge road it is driven southwards on a string from Raygill Vein to work a flat east of the vein.
2 hour trip with possibly over welly deep water, some crawling and scrambling and short (10 - 12') fixed ladders.
If possible we would recommend combining this trip with the Burtersett trip in the morning as they have the same guides and meet point.
Rating : Easy
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
Events on Sunday 21/06/2026
UFGd - Faggergill No1 Level to Langthwaite Cavern
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 09:30 - 17:00
Meet : NGR NY 99940 03109 Distance from base : 15 minutes
Details :
Faggergill lead mine is the most extensive mine in the Swaledale ore field with nearly 10 miles of horse level, although we won’t be visiting all of it! We will traverse various horse levels until we reach Langthwaite cavern, one of the largest natural caverns in the area. Along the way we will pass various small artifacts and miners graffiti.
This is a long trip, with waist deep water in the entrance, then mainly dry with a few muddy sections, various small climbs, none greater than a few meters.
Several sections of stooping / crawling a good level of fitness and a lamp with greater than 6 hours run time required !
Rating : Difficult Kit : Wet socks, Furry and good oversuit, Lid & Lamp, Lunch + Drink
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UDeb - Devis Hole SRT
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 16:00
Meet : NGR SE 04894 96844 Distance from base : 10 minutes
Details :
Devis Hole Mine was begun in the early 1820s by Robinson, Whitelock and Company who drove the Horse Level and Main Crosscut south-east from Cogden Gill. They quickly hit natural passages that exist throughout the mine and that made access to the mineral veins relatively easy. In the northern section of the mine the Main Crosscut hits Wellington Vein running from southwest to northeast, and the northeast branch soon reaches Cranehow Bottom Level and Wellington Level. Along these levels the Great Limestone, and hence the ore-bearing veins, dip to the south, so in the early 1850s the miners dug two shafts (miners’ “sumps” ) on Cranehow and one on Robinson’s (all about 20m in depth) to reach more deposits. The lower southern section of the mine is packed with natural “maze” cave passages and it is often difficult to know if a passage is entirely natural or modified by the miners.
The SRT visit to the mine will pass through the northern section of the mine to descend the shaft (Pearson’s Sump) at the end of Robinson’s Level to the southern part of the mine. A traverse through the natural South Cave Series reaches Wyvill’s Level, in turn accessing the East Cave Series
Rating : Difficult Kit : SRT Kit
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UFGb - Faggergill No1 Level to Stang Shaft SRT Exchange
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 17:00
Meet : NGR NZ 01295 06279 Distance from base : 15 minutes
Details :
Faggergill lead mine is the most extensive mine in the Swaledale ore field with nearly 10 miles of horse level.
The group will split into two with one half desending the shaft which the other unlucky group will have to ascend at the end of their trip.
This very challenging trip involves a 75m wet SRT pitch, some of which is narrow. Many areas on this trip are rarely visited. Faggergill No1 Level also features waist deep water.
Due to the technical/physical nature of this trip, the guides will contact the delegates directly to discuss further details.
Rating : Severe Kit : Full SRT Kit, Lid & Lamp, Lunch + Drink
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
USFb - Sir Francis Level
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 10:00 - 14:00
Meet : NGR SD 95092 98212 Distance from base : 30 minutes
Details :
A legendary wet Swaledale trip to see a unique hydraulic engine, the 1km journey to the engine chamber is entirely in very cold water, which varies from waist to neck deep.
The level was started in 1864 and struck the Frairfold Vein in 1877.
A shaft was sunk to test the vein at depth and this shaft was equipped for winding and pumping with hydraulic engines, which still remain in place today.
The engine chamber is in a remarkable state of preservation with its winding engine and water-pressure pump, designed by Henry Davy and installed in 1879.
Rating : Difficult
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : 2
UDed - Devis Hole Lead Mine
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 10:30 - 14:00
Meet : NGR SE 04894 96844 Distance from base : 10 minutes
Details :
Devis Hole Mine was begun in the early 1820s by Robinson, Whitelock and Company who drove the Horse Level and Main Crosscut south-east from Cogden Gill. They quickly hit natural passages that exist throughout the mine and that made access to the mineral veins relatively easy. In the northern section of the mine the Main Crosscut hits Wellington Vein running from southwest to northeast, and the northeast branch soon reaches Cranehow Bottom Level and Wellington Level. Along these levels the Great Limestone, and hence the ore-bearing veins, dip to the south, so in the early 1850s the miners dug two shafts (miners’ “sumps” ) on Cranehow and one on Robinson’s (all about 20m in depth) to reach more deposits.
Trip will include Wellington Vein, then Robinson's Level to Pearson's Sump, with short diversions to the Central Maze, Occidental Series and Cranehow Bottom Level.
Water will be over welly depth and some crawling will be required, the pipe entrance can be awkward and has a hand-line.
Rating : Moderate
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None
UBRb - Brandy Bottle to Hard Level Through Trip
Date : 21/06/2026 Time : 11:00 - 15:00
Meet : NGR SD 98918 99832 Distance from base : 20 minutes
Details :
Initially known as Force Level work started in the summer of 1777, the intention being to access the rich Old Rake Vein. The name was changed to the Hard Level when the level cut the Underset and Main Limestones which slowed progress.
The Brandy Bottle Incline, also know as the Fryerfold Incline Plane dates from the second half of the 1810s. The initial intention had been to operate the incline by steam however whilst the engine was installed it was soon replace with a horse whim.
The Brandy Bottle incline connects with the Hard Level via the Black Cross Cut which was driven between 1814 and 1816.
A circa 4km walk brings us to the head of the Brandy Bottle / Fryerfold Incline, passing significant points of interest including the Old Gang Smelt Mill, Hard Level Portal. We will descend the incline to its foot and enter the Black Cross Cut. The Cross Cut is noted for its neck-deep water and a wetsuit or neo-fleece is essential (anyone with one will not be allowed on the trip).
We will follow the cross cut to North Vein and and Old Rake Vein before exiting via the Hard Level, most of which is waist-deep water.
Note: This trip is rated as severe and is fully deserving of it.
Rating : Severe Kit : Wetsuit or Neo-fleece. Neoprene socks
BCA Caving Membership required : Underground
Space available : None