Q. How
many can go?
A. Up to 8 persons in a group but we can accommodate multiple groups.
Q. Is
there a caving season?
A. No, caving can be enjoyed whatever the
weather and we operate throughout the year.
Q. Who can participate?
A. Our
sessions have been enjoyed by persons of average fitness up to retirement age. The caves we use allow
a choice of routes and obstacles that can be varied according to the abilities
of the group. The sessions are not ideal for anyone who is severely
claustrophobic, very overweight and physically unfit, or suffers from a serious
medical condition.
Q. Is there a
minimum age?
A. Not for dry caving which can be enjoyed by
children of all ages. We do not usually take children under the age
of 10 wet caving unless water levels are very low.
Q. What clothes do I
need to bring?
A. Comfortable, loose fitting clothes, that you do not mind getting slightly
dirty. Bring at least two warm layers for your upper body. An old pair of
gardening cloves will save your nails from damage. Cotton and denim are not
recommended as they do not retain warmth when wet. Ideal clothing would
be tracksuit trousers, thermal vest and fleece or woollen sweater.
Please remember to bring a towel and a complete change of clothes.
Q.
What should I wear on my feet?
Suitable
footwear in caves is very important as floors can be slippery and some climbing
is involved. We recommend Wellington Boots with a snug fit and a good tread.
(Walking boots, work boots or army boots can be used but they do not grip well
on smooth surfaces). No trainers please.
Q. What
equipment is supplied?
A. It is our policy to provide all essential specialist caving equipment.
This includes:- a modern comfortable caving helmet, a bright reliable lamp, a
cavers belt and a water resistant caving over suit. We are very experienced
caving expedition leaders. We use only the latest equipment and safety is our
main priority at all times.
Q. What if
I am the most unfit of the group, and get scared?
A. We can bypass harder parts of the caves, and give hands on help. Fear of
the unknown is very normal.
Q.
How dangerous is caving? Will we be safe?
A. Caving is a much safer activity than most people realise, especially
under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The parts of the cave we
use have been very carefully chosen and used safely hundreds of times.
Slips and bumps can sometimes happen but, in 20 years of operation, none
of our customers have sustained any serious injury.
Q. Will I
have to go into a tight hole, and will I get stuck?
A. Our Instructors will never make you do anything you do not want to do. And
you will never get stuck.