Other Holes

Clay Ope

There are 3 sites of interest at Clay Ope, all within a few metres of each other. The first is the old dig (Clay Ope Dig), briefly worked in the late 80's. This appears to be an undercut in the cliff, possibly a phreatic development running parallel to the cliff edge intersected by cliff retreat on one side. The second, a couple of metres to the South, is Clay Ope Cave; a small vadose passage with a narrow rift in the ceiling, heading directly inland for 6 m before ending in solid rock. This was unearthed by digging in 2022. The third is an opening approx. 3m below Clay Ope Cave extending for approx. 3 m inland where it is completely choked with a dry, dusty silt mixed with rocks. Either side of the opening appears to be solid rock however it's not clear if this is a completely choked water formed cave or some other feature.

The three sites can be found via two approaches...

1. Park in Chiswell and follow the broken path over green hump to Hallelujah Bay. On the far side of the bay is a rocky rib heading up to the cliff way above. Follow this rib by initially boulder hopping on scree. Higher up it becomes increasingly steep and grassy before the base of the cliff is eventually reached. Head a few metres South to find two obvious entrances above a rock ledge (awkward 3 m climb). Clay Ope Dig and Clay Ope Cave are visible from the boulder beach in Hallelujah Bay so navigation is straight forward. The third entrance is at the base of the cliff around a slight corner created by the ledge on which you stand to access Clay Ope Dig & Cave. Climbing the final 20 m of the grassy slope to reach the caves via this route may require some creativity. A rope for protection and some stakes to attach the rope to is a huge advantage. It's probably lethal to attempt this route if the grass is not dry.

2. Park in St Georges Church car park and take the path on the opposite side of the road which heads out to West Cliff. At the cliff edge turn left (South) and follow the path to an artificial rock arch over the path. 3 m North of this arch is a gully heading down over the cliff. Descend here (rope essential) and then follow the base of the cliff South to find the 3 entrances. A selection of rope, trad gear, stakes etc. is required to protect the traverse along the base of the cliff.

Entrances: SY 68193 72037 (50.547234, -2.450266)

Durdle Rift

A short and loose rift which is found in the same cliff line but around 300 m further South of the main Grove Cliff Caves. The cave is best approached by finding the narrow steep path leading from the old railway line to the cliff top at the Southern end of this cliff. A few metres from the top a vague path can be followed heading north following the base of the cliff. The cave is in the second gully found immediate after passing beneath a sizable bush. The entrance which is obvious from below requires a straight forward but exposed 10 m climb up the friable rock. A belay can be rigged to a large ivy rooted in the floor of the cave. Once in the cave the rift can be followed up slope for approx. 20 m to a choke. Accessing the cave is the best bit.

Entrance: SY 70336 71870 (50.54584, -2.42002)

Mermaids Crevice

A short, tight rift approx. 8 m long, to the south of Church Ope Cove. Take the path which leads down to the beach from Rufus castle and the view point at the top of the Cove. Once on the beach head south, initially on pebbles until it is necessary to boulder hop. Continue for approx. 150 m to find the entrance in a shallow corner in the short cliff at the back of the boulder beach. The 'cave' starts off tight and is best entered feet first. After an initial squeeze it opens out a little providing sufficient space to turn around in before becoming lower and tighter once again. Those enthusiastic enough can probably achieve a total length of 8 m before getting stuck!

Entrance: SY 69675 70848 (50.53662, -2.42926)

Sand Hole

An decent sized, single chamber, abandoned sea cave South of Cheyne. Take the coast path South from Cheyne towards Portland Bill. Just before you arrive at the first boating derrick scramble down onto the beach and head back North. The entrance is found in an obvious corner amongst boulders.

Entrance: SY 68772 69374 (50.52331, -2.44187)

Sunset Hole

A short, linear phreatic tunnel approx. 12 m long intersected at both ends by quarrying. The western entrance is high up in the quarry wall however the east is easily accessible in the base of a small gully beneath bushes. To reach the cave park at Fancys Farm and head South following the path along the edge of Admiralty Quarry. At an obvious junction take the right hand path to find a raised island of rock left by quarrying fronted on the North West side by an obvious cliff dropping to the quarry floor. Just beyond the cliff face (which contains the western entrance) a rough path leads steeply up the earth bank leading to the top of the rock island. At the top head West to find an obvious shallow gully after 30 m. The Eastern entrance is at the back of this gully beneath bushes. Despite being short in length the tunnel is of sizable proportions for Portland.

Entrance (East): SY 69617 72975 (50.55574, -2.43025)