Showerbath Cave

Overview

A short and small phreatic tunnel which was extended during the summer of 2018 and again autumn 2020.

Cave length: 48 m

Entrance: SY 67948 71305 (50.54063, -2.45366)

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 which is easily recognisable by the huge quarry block wall on the seaward side. Follow the inland quarry wall south and descend a steep gully (permanent cart rope & staples in place to make this easier).  From the bottom of the gully double back North and follow the climbers path.  Approx. 50 m beyond the climb up to Sandy Hole a wet-weather showerbath is passed followed by a step up in the path.  The cave entrance is found upon a vegetated bank above this step up, a few metres south of the bolted climbing route 'Niagara Wall'.

Description

From the entrance, the phreatic tunnel can be followed around a left hand bend to a small chamber after 8 m. This marks the former end to the cave prior to 2018.  A route through collapsed boulders has been dug and stabilised to find the continuation of the phreatic tunnel.  After 12 m the cave then turns right handed into a tight and awkward passage broken into in May 2018.  This initially heads inland for approx. 5 m and then takes a 90 °C left hand turn to once again head north. Beyond the corner, the going eases slightly, and after 3 m an area where some loose bits of roof have been removed provides the last opportunity to turn around (if you are small and agile enough).  Beyond the turning point the passage can be followed for approx. 10 m to an awkward wriggle marking the 2020 breakthrough point.  A further 5 m of small passage can be followed to a view beyond a rock into more small passage.  There is a howling gale blowing down the tunnel and hence we do not think it simply pinches out.  Work continues. 

Warning - the passage beyond the 2018 breakthrough point is very small and most (if not all) will need reversing out of.

Trip time - 30 min.

Kit

Knee pads & a sense of humour.