Coffin Hole

Overview

A short phreatic tunnel which breaks into an area of very loose rift. The cave is only a few metres from Grove Cliff Caves however a connection is unlikely given that it is contained entirely within a detached block and the adjacent area beneath the scree slope, terminating at the point it reaches the main cliff.

Cave length: 23 m

Entrance: SY 70355 72321 (50.5499, -2.41978)

Location

Park in the cliff top road behind HMP Portland (the YOI) at The Grove. A few metres South of the ventilation tower it is possible to hop over the wall and follow a path Southwards. This is not the signposted footpath which is found a few metres North of the ventilation tower. Immediately after passing through a small gully opposite the point Allotment Dig is seen up to the right make your way down the slope on the seaward side. A 'path' has recently been gardened (June 2018). A hand line (15 m) might prove useful. The entrance is located at ground level in the cliff on your left hand side as you reach the bottom of the slope.

Description

The cave consists of an 8 m long phreatic tunnel which ends at a choke. An opening on the left can be passed to enter a rift chamber with a very loose looking earth ceiling. Beyond this a few short ways on in the rift can be follow however quickly terminate in blockages.

Trip time - 10 mins.

Kit

15 m hand line for approach path.