A PRELIMINARY REPORT & SURVEY

CR11-1

INTRODUCTION

This Report of the western area of St. Cuthbert’s Swallet, commonly known to many as the Long Chamber/Coral Area, is additional to B. E. C. Caving Report So. 7 – A Second Report on St. Cuthbert’s Swallet – now unfortunately out of print. It attempts to summarize the recent discoveries made since that Report was published and to tie them in with the parts of the cave mentioned in the ‘Second Report’. The section of the earlier Report on the Coral Series has been rewritten in this one.

For many years this area of St. Cuthbert’s has remained an unknown quantity with many leaders knowing it in part only. This has caused a great deal of confusion, particularly when discoveries were reported. No one could be absolutely sure that they were new as they may have been entered several years earlier and only vaguely reported.

It has been felt for some time that an all out effort should be made to explore and survey this area. Now, with the co-operation of several leaders, most of the known passages and chambers have been recorded, together with additional finds made this year totalling many hundreds of feet.

The survey produced with this Report is thought to be complete as regards the known passages, except those noted in the text, but many points have still to be pushed, photographed and surveyed. So apology is made for the detailed description given in the Report as the area is so complex. To ease the interpretation of the survey it has been produced on two sheets; the Long Chamber Series being – above Coral Chamber and its associated passages. The accuracy of the survey cannot be given as the area was surveyed as chambers were entered but the grading is between C.R.G., grades 1 and 3. It is planned later this year to commence a new survey, at as high a grade as is possible, to be attached to the 1962 St. Cuthbert’s survey (B. E. C. Caving Report No. 8). Anyone who has been in the area will appreciate the difficulties that a surveyor will encounter, e.g. in the region of Annex Chamber there are five levels! However, the present survey, together with these notes, will help leaders to find their way through the area without any great difficulty.

NAMING OF AREAS

Confusion has arisen due to people not recognising chambers that have already been discovered because the descriptions of them have been vague. Consequently several chambers have been given names already allocated to another chamber; in addition one chamber – Long Chamber Extension – has been known under two names with many leaders believing two chambers existed! To name all the chambers in the area (which now exceed 40) would be absurd, so for reference purposes chambers will be referred to in the text by a chamber number and the name (if any).

The survey shows that this area can be divided into two basic series of chambers in addition to the Rocky Boulder Series.

1. LONG CHAMBER SERIES.	Consisting of Long Chamber, Long Chamber Extension, Upper Long Chamber, Chandelier Passage and accompanying passages, extensions to the west of Long Chamber Extension (including chambers 9, 10 and 33), etc.
2. CORAL SERIES.	Consisting of Annex Chamber, Coral Chamber and Fracture Rift.
3. ROCKY BOULDER SERIES.	Consisting of Rocky Boulder Chamber and part of Rocky Boulder Passage.
In addition to the two main levels there are:-
a. Pillar Extensions		These passages and chambers are up-dip of Upper Long Chamber and connection between the Long Chamber Series and Pillar Chamber can be made.
b. Marble Hall Area		At the time of writing, only partially explored; it consists of Marble Hall and a ruckle at the south end, together with a pot
c. Quarry Passage		This passage and its associated passages above Boulder Chamber connect Boulder Chamber with Upper Long Chamber.

Seven passages connect the two basic levels but they are in general only of a minor nature, but enable a variety of routes to be chosen, although in some cases care must be taken due to loose boulders, etc. The connections are shown on each survey sheet by a capital letter.

N. B. Only part of the Rocky Boulder Series is shown on the survey and described in the text; the remainder of the Series leading to Lower Mud Hall and the Sew Route has been included in a grade 5 survey being carried out by Roger Stenner which it is intended to publish at a later date.

FUTURE PROBES

As mentioned earlier, several extensions have been found notably Marble Hall and Upper Long Chamber areas and the possibility of more finds is extremely good. The areas suggested for further probes (in addition to scores of other holes) are at the south end of Long Chamber Extension, 1962 Extension, Ruckle Passage, Marble Hall area, Rocky Boulder Chamber and Upper Long Chamber. Who knows, if the fault line can be breached an Eastwater – St. Cuthbert” s through trip might just be possible.

LONG CHAMBER SERIES

LONG CHAMBER (Chamber 15).

A climb over the boulders on the west side of Boulder Chamber leads to Long Chamber (Ch. 15). There are several routes connecting the two chambers, that most commonly used being to traverse along the top of the boulders to a cluster of dry curtains. Bear right, over the large boulders and follow the hanging wall to the chamber (see figure l).

This chamber of high triangular shaped section is the lower half of Ch. 15 (Long Chamber) and has three ways on. To the north (directions in the cave can be determined as the dip is very approx. N – S.) through a triangular hole on the left hand side of the wall of boulders leads to Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber) to the south a climb over large boulders to the right of the stal. bosses on the floor, then left for twenty feet leads to the further reaches of Ch. 15 (Long Chamber). Finally a hole in the floor below the west wall of the chamber leads to Ch. 13 (Annex Chamber). In the centre of the chamber are some fine coloured formations in the form of stal. bosses, the top of one containing a colony of Springtails (1964). High on the east wall of the chamber is a very fine curtain over eight feet long.

The climb to the south mentioned above leads to the upper levels of Ch. 15 (Long Chamber). This section is basically a rectangular bedding plane overlooking Ch. 24 (Upper Curtain Chamber) and is on two levels as shown in figure 3. Traverse across the first section to a point fifteen feet down dip where a long, low hole leads to a higher level traverse across to the far wall where there is a short, steep climb upwards through a boulder ruckle leading to Ch. 16 (Long Chamber Extension). There are several entrances to this ruckle.

A climb down into Ch. 24 (Upper Curtain Chamber) can be made from the lower end of the higher level traverse. A further climb from this chamber can be made to the lower part of Curtain Chamber (Ch. 25) but this MUST NOT BE MADE in order to preserve the formations.

From the beginning of the traverse take care not to dislodge stones as there are some fine formations at the lower end; also the hand and foot holds flake easily in the second half of the traverse.

LONG CHAMBER EXTENSION (Chamber 16).

Climb from Long Chamber (Ch. 15) through a ruckle, then Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16) is soon reached. Discovered in 1962, the direction of the axis of this high chamber is almost due north – south. The chamber, about eighty feet long and fifty to sixty feet high, has a high boulder pile forming a false wall behind which one can climb and overlook the chamber. Below this point is a traverse to the 1962 Extension.

Remaining at the lowest level of the chamber, climb towards the north end of the chamber and a hole under the hanging wall leads to Upper Long Chamber (Ch. b) via the top of Fracture Rift and a bedding plane. A short climb from here heading north-west leads to a forty feet long passage (actually a boulder filled section of Ch. 16 (Long Chamber Extension)). Here the boulders take on a light grey appearance. The passage terminates with a ruckle of tightly packed boulders. The floor contains many holes, most of them leading to the top of Fracture Rift.

EXTENSIONS FROM LONG CHAMBER EXTENSION (Chamber 16).

Straw Chamber (Ch. 38.) and Miscellaneous Passages (Figure 8 ).

An indeterminate route vertically through the boulders from the bottom of the north-east section of Ch. 16 (Long Chamber Extension) soon widens to a series of climbs and traverses to a gravel floored chamber -Chamber 37. On the right is a large open trench in a passage containing several climbs; after 100 feet, or more, it ends in a ruckle. Under the third climb three fine nests of cave pearls and spherulites may be seen in the same pool, (figure 9). This is known as Pearl Passage.

A climb out of Ch. 37 on the left wall leads to Straw Chamber (Ch. 38), aptly named, with straws up to three feet long. A fine curtain attached to a pillar can also be seen. A bedding plane over the entrance leads to two passages. The left is well decorated and has not been probed further than a crystal pool; the right hand passage becomes choked after about forty feet.

Ruckle Passage (Figure10).

This passage through the ruckle at the most northerly point of Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16) connects with Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber). Of the three possible routes in this area connecting the two chambers, this is the safest.

At the far end of the north-east passage of Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16) the boulder floor drops away then rises again exposing a large smooth area of the overhanging wall. Towards the top of the far boulder slope there is a hole in the boulders marked by a block of black rock with white calcite banding. A more convenient hole enters from the side.

Climb down over the ‘bridged’ rock and through a hole on the right of the floor; straight ahead is a squeeze in the floor. Bear right immediately below to a small chamber with a rift passage on the left leading to Marble Hall (Ch. 36). Straight ahead is a hole in the wall giving access to Coral Chamber (Ch. 14). Care is needed when entering Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber) as the floor drops steeply for over thirty feet.

Bedding Planes West of Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16).

At the end of the passage at the north-east end of Ch. 16 (Long Chamber Extension) a small passage leads to the right for fifteen feet. The way on is through a hole on the left; this enters Ch. 28. Four feet in front of the entrance is a squeeze leading to a lower chamber – Ch. 11. By climbing in a northerly direction, or to the right of the entrance hole, continue upwards until the bedding plane narrows at the entrance of Ch. 9.

A ten feet deep hole exists in the floor of this chamber and is hidden by loose slabs of rock – care is required. A small intermittent stream, thought to be the one feeding Coral Chamber, enters on the far left. This can be followed to Chamber 33. Following the stream, or stream bed through Ch. 33 a rift passage can be climbed until it becomes too tight.

Alternatively, before entering Ch. 9 bear left to a continuation of the bedding plane, turn down dip to the lowest point where a small stream enters on the right. Straight ahead is a. large chamber over thirty feet high, Far Chamber (Ch. 10) – see figure 11. To the right in Chamber 10 (Far Chamber) is a rift passage through boulders that forks but soon closes down.

At the bottom of the bedding plane (opposite the stream) near the entrance to Ch. 10 a hole in the floor leads to Ch. 11 via a short ruckle. A hole in the floor of Ch. 11 loads to an awkward climb down to Coral Chamber (Ch. 14).

Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16) to Coral Chamber (Ch. 14).

Instead of climbing up dip in Ch. 28 towards Ch. 9, go through a squeeze in the floor to Ch. 11 and down an awkward climb over a hole in the floor leading to Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber). The hole gives access to a twenty five feet deep ladder pitch into Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber). Ch. 11 is an L-shaped chamber and at the bend there has been a recent fall of rock.

At the far end of Ch. 11 a route exists leading to Coral Chamber (Ch. 14) but this should not be used as it is very unsafe.

Passage ‘A’ Over Long Chamber Extension.

By bearing left after entering Long Chamber Extension (Ch. 16) one may climb up the wall of the boulders that terminate at a point overlooking the chamber. Just below this point on the climb is a hole lined with muddy stalagmite on the right. A thirty foot passage leads to Ch. 47 via a very tight squeeze or a very low bedding plane. A bedding plane on the right and a passage opposite the entry to the chamber have not yet been entered.

Passage ‘B’ Over Long Chamber Extension.

Bear left at the entrance of Straw Chamber (Ch. 38) and continue to the end of the chamber near the fifteen inch long erratic. Follow the passage into boulders. Drop down ten feet to a point where a stal. flow emerges from boulders, then climb up through two squeezes to a low chamber with a very fine stalagmite cascade. This passage continues for a further thirty feet than closes down.

UPPER CHAMBER (chamber 8)

Climb through the hole in the north wall of boulders in Ch. 15 (Long Chamber). Above this point is an awkward fourteen foot climb through jammed blocks into the lower end of Ch. 8. To the left and above the climb is the entrance to Chandelier Passage. Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber) appears to be on the same plane as Ch. 15 (Long Chamber) (Fig. 2). It is roughly rectangular with a continuation on the west side not readily seen as the roof drops to within 2-3 feet of the boulder floor. The overall dimensions are: length of roof, 75′; width, 30′; roof height, 2 – 12′.

From this chamber there are several ways on as shown in Fig. 7.

1. To chambers above8 (Upper Long Chamber)
2. To bedding planes
3. To16 (Long Chamber Extension) via bedding plane
4. To crystal pool
5. To15 (Long Chamber)
6. Chandelier Passage
7. Entrance to Quarry Passage
8. To Ch. 7 (Bell Chamber) via a very tight bedding plane
9. & 10 Bedding planes not yet fully explored

11) &12) Miscellaneous holes interconnecting above roof

13) Rift Passage to Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber).

Passage 1) from Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber) (Figure 7)

At the top of Ch. 8 a hole in the boulders bridging a transverse rift leads to a tight and very awkward bedding plane. After fifteen feet this leads to a ruckle, bearing right soon leads to Upper Stream Passage.

Passage 3) (Figure 7)

From Junction 5) & 6) (Figure 7) cross the chamber to the continuation (Figure 6) and climb to a low passage in the north wall of boulders. Bearing left after eight feet leads to a twenty feet long low tunnel showing signs of solutional activity in the roof. At the end, bear left, keeping right at a junction after ten feet. This leads to a bedding plane leading dorm dip at approximately 55 – 40°. The floor of the bedding plane is fluted similar to the bedding plane in the Catgut Series. After 25 feet bear left to the top of Fracture Rift. To cross the rift climb over the boulders on the left (care required) and follow the passage for fifteen feet to a low hole in the wall on the right, leading to Ch. 16 ”Long Chamber Extension). Various holes in the floor either lead to Fracture Rift or close down.

Passage 4) (Figure 7)

From Junction 5) & 6) (Figure 7) cross to the continuation of the chamber (Figure 6) under the low roof. High up in the boulder wall a stalagmite flow will be seen. An awkward climb will avoid the stalagmite and lead to a low, wide passage with stalagmite continuing up the passage in a trench to a large white crystal pool. To avoid the stal. stream, a hand line looped around the muddy stalagmite boss on the right of the trench will be found useful. The passage is blocked with stalagmite on the far side of the pool.

Passage 6) (Figure 7) Chandelier Passage

At the top of the fourteen foot climb from Ch. 15 (Long Chamber) to Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber) a narrow stream passage leads to a ten foot climb. Carry on up the passage to where the passage appears to end (the formations at this point are taped off) (Figures 8 & 9). A low level passage on the left leads to a twelve foot climb to Quarry Passage. A climb at the end of Chandelier Passage (fifteen feet) leads to Ch. 22 (Top Grotto). This climb must not be made in order to preserve the helictite cluster at the base. The ‘Chandelier’ can be seen high on the right hand wall. Climbing the tight slit in the left hand wall gives access to a high level passage leading to Ch. 7 (Bell Chamber) and is an alternative route to Ch. 22 (Top Grotto).

Bell Chamber (Ch. 7) and Associated Passages

Bell Chamber is a small triangular shaped chamber formed along the path of the inactive Upper Stream Passage. The boulders in the roof are unstable and should not be climbed. A steeply inclined passage under the ‘Bell’ leads back to Chandelier Passage above the ten foot climb, or by following the bedding plane to a rift, again at the top of the ten foot climb leading to Upper Stream Passage.

On the left of the entrance- passage is a tight bedding plane joining up with Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber). An awkward 45° trench on the left side of the ‘Bell’ leads to a bedding plane above the chamber, after two squeezes one above the other. Bearing left and traversing across the bedding plane leads through a short ruckle to Upper Stream Passage. Bearing right above the squeezes a narrow crawl passage, about four feet long, leads to a small ‘chamber’ containing formations flowing from boulders in the roof. A dry rectangular crystal pool can also be seen. A ten foot climb down through the hole in the floor to the right of the crystal pool leads to a passage on the right. Ch.’ 22 (Top Grotto) is soon reached which contains some very fine formations, the most outstanding being the rimstone pools covering about twelve square feet, forming a fine crystal lacework over the floor. A passage behind a stalagmite candle has not been entered in order to preserve the flows.

From the chamber containing the flow from the roof, i.e. the one above Ch. 7 (Bell Chamber), an awkward climb up through the boulders in the roof (not the hole from which the flow emerges – this closes down) leads to a richly decorated chamber, Ch. 5. To the right in the stal. floor is a small crystal pool. There is .also a passage on the opposite side of the entrance but this soon closes down.

Above Ch. 22 (Top Grotto) and Ch. 7 (Bell Chamber) are several passages and bedding planes which interconnect but shortly close down.

Upper Stream Passage

Continuing from the bedding plane above Ch. 7 (Bell Chamber) traverse across the top of Upper Stream Passage to the level of the boulders. Following the passage for twenty feet, over a 25 feet deep pot (see below) with Ch. 47 on the left, leads to a fair sized boulder chamber, Ch. 17. A climb on the north side above the large boulders leads to a continuation of the passage but two loose and balanced boulders have to be negotiated on the way. This finally ends in a ruckle. This passage is very unstable. A climb to a rift passage high up in the wall of Ch. 17 leads to a series of tight passages.

Climbing down ten feet to the floor of the stream way below the traverse from the bedding plane above Bell Chamber, a tight rift passage connects with Chandelier Passage. A short ‘passage’ on the left of Upper Stream Passage connects with the bedding plane loading to Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber).

Pot in Upper Stream Passage

A careful climb through the boulders leads to the lower part of a stalagmite flow. Then follows an easy climb of twenty feet to the passage leading to the junction in Pillar Chamber Extension. (This lies between Ch. 30 and Ch. 3l).

1962 EXTENSIONS

These are a series of two bedding planes and a rift at the southern end of Long Chamber Extension containing several boulder choked avens. It has been reported that a rift some 100 – 150 feet long runs behind Lake Chamber from the extension but this has yet to be established.

CORAL SERIES

CORAL CHAMBER (Ch. – 14)

(Figures 13 k 14)

This is a large, low roofed chamber, inclined at approximately 40°, running across dip and downwards against the strike. The roof height is generally about twelve feet. The most striking feature is the Gorge, a large channel, cut by the stream, running almost the full length of the chamber.

A side passage joins near the bottom of the chamber and connects again at the top end of the chamber near Coral Pot (a blind pot 30 feet deep). A traverse across the top of the pot leads to a bedding plane that closes down. Another noticeable feature is the hole in the roof. This was maypoled and found to connect with Rocky Boulder Pitch after two low squeezes and 30 feet of passage (Figure 12). Near the entrance to Ruckle Passage (q.v.) a bedding plane can be seen in the roof but this soon closes down.

Coral Chamber to Boulder Chamber

Following Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber) to the lowest point leads to a sandy floored passage with a large natural bank of gravel on the right. A short climb soon leads to Ch. 18 (Rocky Boulder Chamber). A climb to the roof on the left wall of Rocky Boulder Chamber leads to an upper chamber, Ch.40. Alternatively, a tight but sporting rift with a chock stone wedged midway leads to the same chamber. This is located at the end of the passage from Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber). Immediately opposite the top of the rift is the entrance to Rocky Boulder Passage.

A ten foot climb in Ch. 10 which is rather loose, leads to a hole in the roof via a prominent ledge on the solid wall, giving access to Boulder Chamber below the climb to a rift leading to Ch. 13 (Annex Chamber).

Boulder Chamber to Coral Chamber

From Kanchenjunga bear right at Quarry Corner keeping to the same level at the foot of the climb to Ch. 15 (Long Chamber). Climb down over the boulders to the hole in the floor that leads to the rift with a chock-stone and Rocky Boulder Passage. To the left of the hole an inclined rift will clearly be seen. A short climb leads to Ch. 13 (Annex Chamber) – a muddy chamber with two ways on. To the left a short climb leads to Ch. 15 (Long Chamber). A rift opposite the entrance leads to Fracture Rift. At the junction with Fracture Rift a step across, the rift to a passage leads to Coral Pitch. Bearing left at this junction and traversing down the rift by an obvious ledge to a short climb, leads to the lowest level of the rift. A tight vertical squeeze on the right at the end of the rift leads to Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber) near the ‘hole in the roof.

ROCKY BOULDER SERIES (part only)

ROCKY BOULDER PASSAGE

From Ch. 27 (Pillar Chamber) bear right behind the ten foot high pillar to a passage ending in Ch. 3. After a short climb down bear right to a passage leading south under Ch. 27 (Pillar Chamber). The passage soon narrows and shortly ends at the head of Rocky Boulder Pitch (20 feet). At the same level, but opposite, is Coral Pitch and the central hole leads to the ‘hole in the roof of Coral Chamber. At the bottom of Rocky Boulder Pitch the passage widens to a bedding plane on the left loading to Lower Mud Hall and the Now Route. On the right a wide passage loads to a low crawl that is again on the right, to the top of Oubliette Pitch, a twenty feet deep blind pot. Following the passage on the left, a short slide leads to a tight rift on the right, which in turn leads to Ch. 40. Immediately opposite is the entry to Chockstone Rift.

ROCKY BOULDER CHAMBER (Ch. 18)

At the lower end of Chockstone Rift, a hole on the left or a short climb down, opposite the rift lead to Rocky Boulder Chamber. An alternative entry to this chamber may be made by the larger built caver by bearing left at the top of Chockstone Rift and making a difficult twenty foot climb through the roof of Rocky Boulder Chamber.

In the floor of Ch. 18 (Rocky Boulder Chamber) close to the entrance, a passage can be seen. This ends by a short rift in the floor, with a passage through the boulders leading to an inclined down dip bedding plane on the right. This enters Ch. 19 with a passage located on the far wall terminating in a final, small, mud choked chamber with fine rock pendants, Ch. 46.

PILLAR CHAMBER EXTENSIONS

HOLE IN THE ROOF….. OF……… PILLAR CHAMBER

This hole leads to approximately 30 feet of passage over Mud Hall.

PILLAR CHAMBER EXTENSION

At the lower end of Pillar Chamber (near the three runged ladder) bear right over the shattered stal to a hole in the roof to Ch. 30, a small boulder chamber. Bear left to a hole in the wall leading to a ruckle. After 40 feet the ruckle leads to a high chamber, Ch. 31, with remains of a water worn pot forming the floor. Behind the wall a squeeze overlooks Ch. 3 at the head of Rocky Boulder Passage (30 foot drop). Turning left at the entrance to the chamber a careful climb will load to a larger chamber, Ch. 32, about 30 feet long. On the left wall is a 25 feet high narrow rift that closes down but six feet from the bottom of the rift on the right hand side is an awkward squeeze that leads to a. wide rift about 25 feet long with fine stalagmite flows at the far end. Climbing down the rift to the edge of the stal. gives access to a bedding piano on the left. After ten feet the head of a 54 feet deep pot is reached; belay tackle to the boulders in the floor of the rift when descending. At the bottom of the pitch is a squeeze giving access to bedding planes that connect with Ch. 32. A short series of bedding planes leads to Ch. 8 (Upper Long Chamber).

Near the entry to Ch. 31 an aven on the right leads to Upper Stream Passage (q. v.).

MARBLE HALL AREA

MARBLE HALL

This is reached by entering Ruckle Passage from Ch. 14 (Coral Chamber) to the small chamber. Immediately opposite is a continuation to Ch. 16 (Long Chamber Extension). On the right is the entrance to the rift passage through a vertical hole four feet high and about two feet wide. This opens immediately to a wide inclined rift. After 50 feet a small hole in the floor leads immediately to another hole above a small rift chamber. In the left wall of the chamber a rift passage leads to a lower chamber, Ch. 35, via a short climb, with stalagmite flows on the left wall. Immediately left again at floor level is a squeeze opening out into Marble Hall. This chamber, about 45 feet long, is entered by climbing down a very steep bank of eroded breccia.

The chamber is developed in what must be the Lake-Gour Hall fault. To the east (up dip) holes enter along the bedding; these may be followed to the ruckle mentioned below. The west wall is part of the fault and has some mineralization. On the loft of the chamber, at the lowest point, a climb vertically downwards can be made and the way on is through boulders on the left leading to a steeply inclined passage. At the bottom several passages lead off but are choked with a coarse gravel fill – the dip of the rocks at this point appears to be nearly 90°. A 25 foot aven can be climbed above the lower part of the passage but has been found to re-enter the lower part of the first vertical climb from Ch. 36 (Marble Hall). A dig is contemplated at the lowest point of a side passage that contains a considerable drip.

MARBLE POT (Figure 17)

In Ch. 35, instead of bearing left to the squeeze to Marble Hall, continue to the end of the chamber and climb through a hole in the floor to a short passage. On the left is a blind passage; on the far side in the floor is a split tube – go through the left hand side to a lower rift chamber. Opposite the entrance a squeeze in the floor gives access to a 30 foot climb down. At the bottom is a small open horizontal tube about six feet long. (N.B. The split tube is extremely difficult on the return journey and is not recommended for the larger caver.)

RUCKLE BEHIND MARBLE HALL

Climb up the wall for ten feet at the far end of Marble Hall (Ch. 36) to a hole in the boulders that leads to a spacious ruckle. To date the ruckle passages soon close down except for three chambers above the entrance hole; much further work is required in this area.

QUARRY PASSAGE

From Junction 5) & 7) (Figure 7) climb up the chamber to a large hole in the floor by the east wall – some twenty feet from the junction. A ten foot climb down over, boulders leads to a lower passage sloping downwards in an easterly direction. High on the right wall is an awkward muddy stalagmite’ climb that connects with Chandelier Passage. Continue down the passage to a right angle bend where the passage has cut through several solutional tubes.

The first leads to the drip above the Kanchenjunga carbide dump, a branch of this leading to a hole overlooking the south side of Boulder Chamber looking towards Everest Chamber. A tight rift passage near the drip leads to a large passage above Boulder Chamber having another entry near the mud slope to the Vantage Point.

The main Quarry passage continues, from the right angle bend, down dip and leads to .Boulder Chamber under the Quarry Corner overhang. In addition there are numerous other passages producing a miniature rabbit warren. A rift, approximately 30 feet deep, near the exit to Boulder Chamber has not yet been climbed.

MISCELLANEOUS PASSAGES

There are several extensions off the main route from Pillar Chamber to Kanchenjunga. These may connect with the upper reaches of Chandelier Passage when pushed. Also, two holes, in the roof of Boulder Chamber and in the roof of Cascade Chamber, may well connect with the solutional tubes already known to exist in the roof of Boulder Chamber and above the Cascade.

OTHER NOTES

DISCOVERY DATES

Coral Chamber	1955
Long Chamber	1955
Long Chamber Extension	1962
Long Chamber Extension–various passages	1962/63/64
Quarry Passage	December 1963
Upper Long Chamber	December 1963
Marble Hall	July 1964
Chandelier passage	March 1964
Marble Pot	August 1964
Pillar Extensions	September 1964
54FootPot	October 1964

APPROXIMATE PASSAGE LENGTHS

Long Chamber Series	1590+ feet
Marble Hall area	300+ feet
Quarry Passage & associated passages	200 feet
Rocky Boulder Passage/Coral area	920 feet
Pillar Chamber extension	150+ feet
Total passage length approximately	3200 feet

TACKLE REQUIRED

– Additional to that listed in Caving Report No. 7.

Marble Pot Depth: 45 ft 40 ft lifeline with foot loop (optional) required for return journey.

Marble Hall 10 ft ladder and 20 ft tether required for entry to ruckle.

54 ft Pot Depth: 54 ft 60 ft ladder, 120 ft lifeline and 40 ft tether required

Chandelier Passage to Quarry Passage 12 ft 60 ft hand line required.

CHECK LIST OF CHAMBERS ASSOCIATED WITHTHIS AREA OF THE CAVE

1.	——(off Ch. 32)	25.	Curtain Chamber
2.	—– (rift to 54′ Pot)	26.	Everest Chamber
3.	—– (off Rocky Boulder Pass.)	27.	Pillar Chamber
4.	54 Foot Pot	28.	—- (off Ch. 16)
5,	—–) (above Ch. 22)	29.	Mud Hall
6.	—–)	30.	—- ) (off Pillar Ch. Ext.)
7.	Bell Chamber	31.	—- ) (off Pillar Ch. Ext.)
8.	Upper Long Chamber	32.	—- ) (off Pillar Ch. Ext.)
9.	—– (off Ch. 16)	33.	—- (off Ch. 9)
10.	Far Chamber	34.	—- ) (chambers loading
11.	—– (off Ch. 16)	35.	—- ) to Ch. 36)
12.	Rocky Boulder Pitch	36.	Marble Hall
13,	Annex Chamber	37.	—- (off Ch. 38)
14,	Coral Chamber	38.	Straw Chamber
15.	Long Chamber	39.	(Recorded by Roberts (l960), not yet located
16.	Long Chamber Extension	40.	—- (above Ch. 18)
17.	—- (above Ch. 7)	41.	—- ) (in passage A above Ch. 16)
18.	Rocky Boulder Chamber	42.	—- ) (in passage A above Ch. 16)
19.	—- (below Ch, 18)	43.	—- ) (off Ch. 36)
20.	1962 Extension	44.	—- ) (off Ch. 36)
21.	Boulder Chamber	45.	—- ) (off Ch. 36)
22.	Top Grotto	46.	—- (below Ch. 18)
23.	Cascade Chamber	47.	—- (off Upper Stream Passage)
24.	Upper Curtain Chamber

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Caving Report 11 – The Long Chamber/ Coral Series area of St Cuthbert’s Swallet