Fossil Cave

Overview

A linear phreatic tunnel in an abandoned quarry at The Grove containing some nice formations towards the end. Unfortunately locals have used this quarry as a rubbish dump (hence the alternative name) for many years and now it's contents are horrendous. In years gone by the local outdoor education centre maintained a path across the rubbish however this is long gone. A new access path to the quarry edge above the entrance was created in Oct 2018 allowing trips to be possible once again by dropping down the quarry face on a ladder directly to the entrance.

Cave length: 93 m

Entrance: SY 69712 72385 (50.55044, -2.42886)

Location

Take the road from Easton to the Grove. After passing the fire station and then a football field on you right turn right handed off the main road and park alongside a children's play area. Follow the track opposite the play area passing the quarry containing the cave on your left. Round the top end of the quarry to reach a sycamore tree in the corner of the quarry above the entrance. Descend the slope to the right of the sycamore tree to find a path / clearing, leading to the quarry edge. A small tree on the right a couple of metres before the edge and a bolt on the edge can be used to protect a 2m climb onto a sloping ledge. Once on the ledge, 2 bolts on the face to your left can be used for a ladder and lifeline (10 m ladder and 20 m rope). The pitch is approx. 7m. Descend the ladder to arrive at a landing area immediately outside the entrance.

Description

The cave begins as a stooping height tunnel which can be followed for a short distance to a 90 degree bend right and shortly after back left. Follow the tunnel straight to arrive at a small chamber at another 90 degree bend to the left. After a short distance the cave turns back right again with some stained flowstone on your left. Starting on your knees and gradually decreasing in size follow the tunnel straight ahead. You eventually end up on your belly working your way through stal constrictions. Beware of the nadger stones. There are some good formations in the furthest reaches of the cave which have been preserved by the effort required to see them. Just before the end there is a small chamber only a couple of feet high, but sufficiently wide for a few people people to pass / turn around in.

Trip time - 40 mins

Kit

Knee pads

10 m ladder and 20 m lifeline to get to entrance.