Darfar Potholing Club, based in the Manifold Valley, Staffordshire

The boys at Lathkill Dale

Today Dave, Ed, Ian, Pete and Martin visited various caves in Lathkill Dale. First, Lower Calesdale was entered but found to be sumped about 30m in. Then they went in Lathkill Head and were able to get to the 'climb' down into the main river passage. Finally, Ed, Ian, Pete and Martin (Dave's knee was playing up) went as far as they could in Ricklow Cave, which was to the climb down to the connection with Lathkill Head where the river was again met. A return will be made in the summer. The next visit to Lathkill Dale will be to descend Lathkill Head top entrance down through the Waiting Room to the river passage. (Weather permitting.)

Pete reaches the top of the 1st pitch