Windy Dig

Overview

A short but interesting cave with some fine orange formations (just a pity near all are damaged) early on followed by a typical Portland rift.

Cave length: 76 m

Entrance: SY 67965 70700 (50.53519, -2.45338)

Location

Park in Reap Lane and follow the obvious track past a barn on the right to the cliff top coast path.  Turn right and follow the coast path for approx. 250m until a path is found leading over the cliff edge.  This path has recently been upgraded by the local climbers.  As the path takes a right hand bend and enters a gully the small entrance is found at head height on your right.

Description

Post yourself through the entrance and immediately drop 2 m to floor level.  After a short distance the rift appears to end at a choked hole in the floor, however the way on is 3 m up through a hole in the ceiling above a floor level boulder.  There is usually an old bit of rope (of dubious quality) conveniently hanging through the hole to which a ladder (5 m) can be attached to aid the ascent of the first person.  Alternatively much thrutching is required.  Once the first person is up a ladder and line can be properly arranged and belayed to a convenient boulder.  You now find yourselves in a rift chamber.  From here the lower route past good formations is the way ahead, however a climb up the slope ahead provides an upper option which can be followed to find some good formations and a small chamber with interesting banding.  If investigating the upper chamber be aware that the odd stone or two tends to fall into the lower passage in which the rest of the group are crawling.  The crawl quickly opens at a pitch head.  A 6 m ladder and life line can be belayed to naturals or vintage bolts as seen fit.  Alternatively competent climbers may prefer to take the route under the large boulder at the pitch head and free climb.  At the bottom of the pitch the rift drops away down a steep slope.  Novices may like a handline for this.  From the bottom the rift can be followed by clambering over boulders and varying height as required until you decide further progress is futile (the more pies you eat the sooner you'll turn around).  Back at the base of the pitch the rift can be followed for a short distance towards the cliff until choked.  Upon returning to the entrance the first out should be poised with a camera to snap the amusing positions the rest of the group find themselves in whilst trying to exit. 

Trip time - approx. 1 hour.

Kit

6 m ladder and appropriate lifeline.  The same ladder and line can be used for both pitches.