Sharbutts Rift

Location

From the cliff top coast path a few metres north of the where the route from the Westcliff climbers car park joins, descend into Sharbutts quarry.  The entrance is a small opening in the corner at the base of the 2 m climb down into the quarry.

Description

Note:  Recent slumping of the dirt bank above the entrance has resulted in it being periodically blocked and hence a spade may be needed to access this cave.  Unblocking it rarely takes more than 20 mins.

Once you've gained entry, post yourself feet first through the entrance to find yourself suspended approx. 16 m above the floor in the narrow rift.  A bolt just outside the entrance can be used for protection.  Once inside the cave, a rope and ladder (16 m) can be rigged to descend from two bolts.  Those confident in the art of 'falling down rifts' will likely be more comfortable with a hand line alone.  Please note that although the rift is narrow enough to undertake a controlled free descent, getting back up without kit is extremely arduous and for most likely impossible.   Please heed this warning, particularly if you are unsure whether you'll fit through the connection into Sandy Hole.  At the bottom of the pitch a hole at floor level a couple of metres to the North (left, looking inland) is the route into Sandy Hole.  Drop down the hole to reach the floor 1.5 m below then then through an enlarged gap just above floor level.  Traverse ahead on a small ledge for approx. 3 m in the widest section and then drop down at the obvious point into Gold and Silver Passage.  

Back at the base of the pitch, a route to the South can be followed by passing below loose looking choked infill.  Gradually work along and downwards through the obvious gaps to find the rift floor.  South chokes almost immediately however North can be followed for around 8 metres until it becomes too tight.  A very small draughting phreatic tube can be found at the lowest point which has been briefly dug.  This is thought to connect to Ammonite Passage approx. 30 m south of the Inkwell in Sandy Hole.

Trip time: Through trip to exit Sandy Hole - 1 hour.

Kit

20 m rope to abseil or 16 m ladder and 35 m life line.

Knee pads.

Survey