Nookey Hole

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. 75 m until you find a faint path heading left into a small quarry. Follow the middle terrace to the cliff edge and then around to the left into a small secluded bay called 'The Nook' containing a short wall of bolted climbs. The entrance is found at the top of a mud slope on the far side of the bay.

Description

Drop through the entrance delicately to avoid disturbing loose rock & mud and descent a short muddy slope to emerge in a 60 cm wide rift in which you can stand. 5m ahead the floor of the rift rises and it is necessary to squeeze over a large boulder, the bitch of Nookey Hole, into a wider but low passage. This is followed for a few meters past an array of short straws (care needed) to pass an enlarged constriction into a small chamber, Chamber 69. Immediately on the left is the window and connection to Red Door Tunnel 26 m below (35 m rope required). Ahead the rift continues as the floor drops away beneath a death boulder where it is possible to stand and then immediately rises to a very unstable looking choke.

Trip time (through trip to Red Door Tunnel): 45 min.

Kit

Knee pads.

35 m rope and abseil equipment for through trip.