Neddyfields Rift

Overview

A short, tight and arduous rift, opened up in Aug 2018 which contains a good selection of formations. This is a place for the slim and physically fit only. A level of insanity helps too.

Cave length: approx. 20 m

Entrance: SY 69023 70108 (50.52993, -2.43840)

Location

Park at Cheyne on the road between Southwell and Wakeham. Take the coast path sign posted from the road, through a gate heading towards the Bill. Follow the path for approx. 180 m past a small quarry on the left (containing Emigres Rift) to find the first small quarried gully on the right. Follow a vague path into this gully to find the entrance hiding behind a spur of rock.

Description

The impressive entrance soon becomes a very tight and awkward letter box squeeze on the left after a few metres. The squeeze, which has been enlarged to make it passable (just), is between an extremely dodgy looking roof slab which appears to be levitating and a massive wedge boulder. Extreme care must be taken. Once through the squeeze you will find yourself suspended in a narrow, smooth walled rift approx. 6m above floor level. The rift can be descended however is blocked in both direction. Extricating one's self having reached the bottom is strenuous at best - a rope might prove helpful. Instead of descending to the floor a holdless traverse for 5 m just below roof level (care needed not to damage the formations hanging from the ceiling) leads to a false floor on the far side. The rift can be followed at this higher level for a further 5 m around a slight bend to an extremely tight squeeze below a very vulnerable stalactite. This has been passed (by a ferret) to find the only person sized route ahead being a very tight descent which has not yet been explored.

Trip time: 30 min

Kit

A sense of humour and a good dose of courage.