Hopeless Hole

Overview

A short phreatic tunnel which was extended by digging to enter the 40 metre long 'A Hope in Hell Rift' in 2021.  Following the discovery of a vocal link, a connection was completed in Apr 2023 to join Hopeless Hole to C&A rift in Ariel Cave.  Previously, in Oct 2018 a connection to Steve's Endeavour was established near the former end of the cave. 

Cave length: 94 m (excluding Steve's Endeavour / Ariel Cave)

Entrance: SY 67860 71536 (50.54271, -2.45493)   

Location

Take the climbers path over the cliff edge 50 m North of Blacknor Fort.  The path heads South along the underside of the cliff and requires some care in places.  Follow this until you find the impressive pinnacle on your right.  The obvious entrance is in a small alcove at ground level a few metres before the pinnacle between the climbing routes 'Californian Hot Licks' and 'Doughnuts and Duvets'. 

Description

From the entrance, the phreatic tunnel can be crawled along for 17 m to a small unstable chamber, barely any bigger than the main passage.  A wooden pillar marks the location of the connection to Steve's Endeavour Rift off to the left (see below). Continuing straight ahead under a very dubious ceiling becomes a flat out crawl before rising a couple of feet into the small Squatting Hole Chamber (big enough for a maximum of 3).  The continuation is through an obvious hole straight ahead, where a left turn is taken to follow a solid wall.  After a few metres the cave turns back right handed through a flat-out section before passing beneath a rift blocked with calcited infill.   The cave continues as a low excavated crawl for a further 20 m to emerge into the base of a rift where it is possible to stand up.  The way ahead is up to the left where care is required not to disturb anything loose.  Take note, a substantial rockfall here would likely block your way out!  After a few metres you pass through a gap into the main rift.  To the left, the nicely decorated rift closes down after approx. 10 m.  To the right the rift must be climbed carefully to pass over a loose boulder pile directly above the end of the tunnel.  At the top of the boulder heap, an enlarged rift to the left, is the connection to C&A rift in Ariel Cave.  Beyond, after a descent to floor level, the rift decreases in size and can be followed for approx. 25 m to a choke.  By climbing high up in this tall rift a false floor and several fine formations can be found including the 'dehydrated piss stal'. 

The link to Steve's Endeavour can be found by heading to the left into the rift at the wooden pillar.  Initially follow the slope for a couple of metres through a tight section (which has been made wide enough for most) until the rift widens slightly and it is possible to climb directly upwards.  Climb the widest part of the rift straight up for approximately 9 m.  A vertical crack several metres long and some large flakes probably held on by nothing more than air glue provide some useful hand holds.  Eventually you can step left onto a false floor for a little rest bite from the climbing.  From here daylight can be seen to the left.  From the false floor, the way on is once again up heading a couple of metres to the right as you go.  After approx. 4m further climbing you end up stood on top of some loose looking chock stones with the ceiling of the rift only a few metres above your head.  Clamber down the other side to stand on top of a massive flake providing a fine vantage point looking ahead into the main rift of Steve's Endeavour.   Climb down to floor level to find the end of the 'trade route' in Steve's Endeavour. 

Instead of climbing up into Steve's Endeavour, it is also possible to continue along the rift at floor level from Hopeless hole for approx. 15 m to find another usable entrance (Steve's North Entrance).  Approximately halfway along most will need to clamber over a head height wedged boulder.  The very slim will be able to pass beneath.  This route, however, is more strenuous than using the Hopeless entrance and has received little traffic.

Warning - to exit via Steve's Endeavour South entrance having completed the through trip from Hopeless Hole requires two pitches to be free climbed.  Both are free climbable to the competent.  If you've negotiated the connecting rift without rope you're unlikely to find either of the two pitches anymore challenging.   The first pitch encountered can either be climbed directly from below or avoided by a high level, but exposed traverse.  The entrance pitch is best negotiated by climbing up early on small, greasy foot holds wedging yourself as you progress (alternatively pre-rig before undertaking the through trip).

Trip times:

To the end of A Hope in Hell Rift and back to the entrance: 60 mins.

The through trip to Steve's Endeavour South entrance: 1  hour 15 to 2 hours 30 depending upon climbing ability / rope use.

To Fools Paradise (Queens Tunnel) in Ariel Cave (via A Hope in Hell Rift & C&A Rift): 45 mins.

Kit

Knee pads.

Less competent climbers may wish to rig the pitches in Steve's Endeavour if completing the though trip (see Steve's Endeavour page for details).