A short, narrow, greasy rift in The Verne Ditch with no redeeming features. A jaunt to the end is moderately sporting despite it's short length and having succeeded no doubt you'll wonder why you bothered! A visit is best combined with checking out the other two caves in the area, Admiralty Rift and The Heads.
Cave length: 25 m
Entrance: SY 69562 73449 (50.56000, -2.43106)
Park outside Fancy's Farm at The Verne. Take the footpath which follows the fence line of the farm heading South and then East. After 250 m turn right down an obvious wide grassy path and after a further 80 m head left taking the steep path down to the lower level. Head towards the cliff edge and take the path on your left following the cliff line. After 250 m a vague path on your left heads into The Verne Ditch amongst the bushes. Follow the path to a clearing and then head left towards the southern wall of the ditch. The path then heads West along this wall. The first entrance to be found after 20 m is Admiralty Rift. After a further 20 m you arrive at The Heads, 5 m further still is the entrance to Magazine Rift.
The rift is greasy and fairly tight throughout its entire length. The entrance enters the cave at roughly half height where it is best to stay at this level and traverse rather than descend to the floor. After 10 m a corner is encountered with the rift turning to the left. It is extremely tempting to head to the now wider and higher floor 1.5 m below. It is however 'easiest' to remain higher and head directly to the top of the boulder ahead. The very greasy nature of the cave makes it extremely difficult to climb this boulder from the floor. Beyond the boulder the cave soon pinches out.
Trip time: 15 min
A sense of humour.