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Caving, Potholing and Mine Exploration

The Peak District region of Derbyshire has a wonderfully diverse range of caving, potholing and mine exploration possibilities for all ages abilities.

Caving Peak District

Our privileged access arrangements to some underground cave venues and our levels of technical expertise mean that, the underground experiences we offer can rarely be replicated.

Acclimbatize caving Instructors and Leaders are trained to impart geological, historical and environmental information with the aim of bringing the underground environment to life. This approach to cave leadership enriches the cave experience for our clients.

Derbyshire benefits from a rich history of metal and stone mining. Join us and step back in time to understand how the Peak District played a crucial role in the industrial revolution and uncover the rich industrial heritage of the area.

Developmental Instruction

Caving provides a powerful group experience in which participants can work co-operatively in an environment which may be physically or emotionally challenging.
 Individuals will often implement team decisions in response to changing circumstances.

The activity provides genuine opportunities for people to take on leadership roles and achieve success both at a group and personal level.

Key Learning: Safety Equipment, Safety Instructions, Team Work, Decision Making, Leadership Opportunities, Assisting Others, Environmental Awareness. Caving Peak District

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Introductory Caving Trips - Level 1

Introductory caving trips will take place in underground cave systems which are predominantly horizontal in their nature. Prior to setting off underground, we equip you with helmets, lighting, oversuits and boots.
 You will then explore a variety of subterranean cave passages under expert instruction. Some caves considered to be ‘level 1’ have sections where climbing / scrambling is required to negotiate sections of cave passageway – these can be protected by use of the leaders rope from above.

Our instructional staff will bring the underground environment to life by imparting information about the structure of limestone, the origin of caves (formation and development), how the caves were discovered and subsequently explored. Most cave leaders seem to have a natural leaning towards story telling which can add a ‘further dimension’ to your underground experience!

Intermediate Caving Trips - Level 2

Still suitable for beginners so called ‘Level 2’ indicates that caves will have vertical sections.
 These vertical sections of cave are negotiated by a variety of more advanced caving techniques such as abseiling during descent and by rope (lifeline) protected ladder climbing when returning to the surface.

Vertical caving offers a superb variety of adventurous underground challenges. These trips usually take a full day in duration and may be more physically committing. Appropriate technical skills training may be completed above ground before venturing into the cave system.

Mine Exploration

The Peak District affords the opportunity to explore numerous abandoned mines. The sites we use are all inspected and approved for group use by a qualified mines inspector.

The use of such places with groups provides a rare backdrop from where the most powerful learning can be fully experienced in this dynamic environment.

Classic Caving – Derbyshire and Yorkshire

We offer cavers the opportunity to join us in exploring some of the biggest, deepest and most spectacular caves in the country.
 We visit many classic systems, which may otherwise be beyond the present scope of our clients for logistical or technical reasons. Some previous vertical caving is necessary.

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Enjoy the Benefits of Caving in Derbyshire

  • All underground sites we use are monitored and approved by an outside organisation and the mines are routinely inspected by qualified engineers for structural integrity.
  • A broad range of suitable caving options for all levels and abilities.
  • Our privileged access arrangements and our levels of expertise mean that caving experiences with us could rarely be replicated.
  • Caving skills courses directed by highly qualified C.I.C holders.
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Frequently Asked Questions

A typical caving day will involve equipment issue – usually a suit, boots and a helmet with lighting. Following a safety briefing groups will move underground and enjoy exploring a variety of passageways. Constricted passageways or squeezes are optional. Participants may get involved in reading cave surveys and taking a turn at route finding. Some venues may require the use of a rope for protection. Only in more advanced caving systems will teams face committing or constricted sections of passage. The aim of most introductory sessions is to inform and educate about the environment. On more advanced caving sessions participants can expect to abseil, climb ladders and negotiate exposed sections on fixed lines.

Acclimbatize has sufficient equipment for around 40 cavers however we would never put this many people in 1 cave. Usually we use multiple locations with larger groups. There are locations where larger groups can be accommodated. In these scenarios we offer half the group caving related activities such as abseiling, ladder climbing or roped traversing on, or close to the surface.

We can usually figure out a suitable venue or route within a cave for any fitness level – please let us know of any concerns in advance. Alternatively if you are wanting a good physical challenge let us know during the booking process.

We also operate in the Yorkshire Dales

Caving combine well with Canoeing, Climbing, Abseiling and other activities depending on the location of the cave.

Related Activities

You can view our other activities below

Abseiling

Bushcraft

Canoeing

Gorge Scrambling

Mobile Climbing Wall

Onsite Activities

Orienteering & Hiking

Raft Building

Rock Climbing

Rock Scrambling

Team Building Activities

Accreditations

The association logos throughout the pages of this website represent membership of the highest professional bodies at both national and international levels. Click on any of the logos below to view our safety and quality information.