| An interesting network of caves and potholes converging on the spectacular Kingsdale Master Cave, the West Kingsdale System is popular with cavers of all abilities and disciplines. The most popular, easy and most convenient route into the Master Cave is Valley Entrance, accessible through a lidded entrance next to the Kingsdale road. The Kingsdale System offers several through trips. One such trip is via Swinsto Hole. Often done as a pull through or pull down trip, this is where after abseiling each pitch the rope is pulled through, effectively burning your bridges as you go. Swinsto is an easy but sometimes wet trip with the worst part being a lengthy 300m crawl early on in the trip. A more challenging through trip is through Simpson's Pot where the main challenge is the 27m Slit Pot which involves squeezing through a narrow vertical slot at the top which opens out onto a deep drop. A through trip from Rowten Pot is also possible but that involves diving three short sumps into the Master Cave. Free diving is possible but use of SCUBA equipment is advisable. Any team undertaking a through trip is advised to carry a spare rope and an SRT kit should a rope jam on the attempt to pull the rope down. Another risk is that there is a danger of abseiling off the "wrong end" of the rope taking it with you can resulting in serious injury! ALWAYS use your cowstails before launching yourself off the top when abseiling. While it may be possible to free-climb the pitch leading up to the Roof Tunnel when leaving the Kingsdale Master Cave it is best to rig the pitch with a ladder before undertaking a through trip from above. |
 Map of the West Kingsdale System |
 Me in Kingsdale Master Cave |
 Formations in Kingsdale Master Cave
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 In Kingsdale Master Cave |