A short but reasonably sporting rift which is contained entirely within the lump of Portland being calved off by Steve's Endeavour. A through trip is possible for the slim.
Cave length: 65 m
Main Entrance: SY 67851 71486 (50.54226, -2.45505)
Ferrets Entrance: SY 67860 71453 (50.54196, -2.45492)
Take the climbers path over the cliff edge 50m North of Blacknor Fort. The path heads South along the underside of the cliff and requires some care in places. Follow this until you pass Hopeless Hole on your left and then the pinnacle on your right. The main entrance to Gemini Rift is found approx. 8 m up the cliff in the next obvious corner (to the right of the climbing route 'Birthday Girl'). To find Ferret's Entrance, continue along the path for another 50 m until it is possible to double back on yourself up a sloping ledge. The entrance is a narrow rift at the top of this ledge between the climbing routes 'The Launch' and 'Fat Falling Pigs'.
The climb up to the main entrance is best negotiated by working your way up the shallow chimney. The first 3 bolts of the climbers route 'Birthday Girl' can be used in conjunction with a clipstick to provide protection for the leader. A 20 m rope is sufficient to double for descent. There is very little to belay from inside the entrance.
Once at the top of the main entrance climb, a very loose scree slope can be followed upwards and directly ahead for a few metres in daylight. The main cave however is found by turning right at the top of the entrance climb and starts by descending a loose, earthy slope. Once at the bottom, ascend the slope opposite and then make an awkward climb up a boulder. From the top of the boulder descend 5 m to floor level by climbing down the wedged boulders. At the bottom daylight can be seen through the narrow rift on your right (Ferret's Entrance). The tightest part is getting into the rift which is best done 1.5 m above floor level. The left hand fork can be followed for approx. 15 m until it becomes too tight. By climbing high up in this part of the rift a false floor can be found from which a further climb up onto a second false floor can be made to find some good formation just below ceiling level.
Trip time: 40 min
20 m rope is sufficient for the entrance climb. If using a ladder, 10 m is required.