Flagpole Rift to Guano Rift is Portland's classic novice trip being popular with outdoor activities groups. This route was extensively used throughout the 1990's and 2000's however since the decline in use of Portland's caves it's much quieter nowadays. Competent parties should take no longer than 30 to 45 min to complete the trip.
Climb up into the gully containing Flagpole Rift entrance. Turn right into the cave and follow the rift to a T junction. At first glances, left appears blocked, however by climbing up 4 m the link to Skittle Alley Rift is found. Our way ahead however, is to the right. At the next junction (Ammonite Corner) turn left. The rift straight ahead soon becomes tight, however provides a view to daylight for the persistent. From Ammonite Corner, a straight section follows over a couple of holes in the floor which provide a short, very tight and entirely pointless cellar for small people to explore. You then arrive at Concrete Corner (an excellent example of artificial flowstone!). Left leads into Tibet via a tight rift, however the way on is to the right. The rift floor rises a little and you soon arrive at a short narrow section, the Letter Box Bypass, by-passing a tight letter box on your left which drops into Letter Box Rift. Mid way through the by-pass a turn to the right is required giving rise to a 2 m drop (feet first) into the much wider Guano rift. The left hand option is the usual route into Letter Box Rift which enters 3 m above the floor. Having dropped into Guano Rift, directly ahead is the connection to Allotment dig. The larger passage to the right is followed until it is necessary to climb up through boulders into a wide rift chamber. Take the obvious, greasy, downwards slope leading to daylight. Novices may be more comfortable with a handline which can easily to rigged to boulders at the top of the slope.