Caving

We go caving with the Scout caving group as guides. Typically we go caving in the Medip Hills and by in we mean it literally!

It's always great fun and very unusual. Around 150 meters underground at times! Often we are squeezed into spaces not wide enough to even roll over or turn around in!

Descending head first into the darkness down a vertical 30ft burrow" it is a squeeze for the smallest of Scouts even. The "stocky" parent who went with us kept getting stuck....

As you can see from the photo's we wear a helmet and headlight that are provided by the caving club if you don't have your own. Dress is important old clothes or overalls are essential and work on the basis they will be ruined. Sliding down the rocks using your clothes and knees as "brakes" takes it's toll so no smart suits or designer gear... ;-)

Wellies or boots are best but the boots should not have hooks as they catch on the caving ladder wires. It can get pretty warm as it is quite physical so coats are good for the outside but underground can be quite warm. Layers are the best bet by far. A long sleeved shirt with overalls over the top are normally OK with maybe the option of a thin fleece too on really cold days.

You can download your kit list HERE

You can download a permission slip HERE