This site last updated 16th March 2001

Caving pics from trips in South Wales, UK by Tony Bond and Gareth Morris, Brynmawr Caving Club. These Pictures are not a scientific study, just a bit of fun aimed at our caving colleagues, active or of the "armchair" variety. This is a completely revamped site mark 2. One of the problems encountered by visitors to my previous site, was the time in downloading the graphics. I have therefore used the thumbnail type index, so you can link to the individual photos if you so wish. I have included the descriptions of the caves featured for the benefit of new visitors and the usual links to other related sites, including of course, Brynmawr Caving Club and Cwmbran Caving club. PLEASE remember the web site publisher retains the copyright on all material used on the site.

CAVING CLUB MEMBERSHIP

The "sport" of caving can hold attractions for a diverse range of people from all walks of life. It can satisfy those with a thirst for the sporting/physical challenge. It can be fascinating scientifically, or it can have a purely aesthetic appeal. There can be inherent danger in the cave environment, but like all pastimes, if done properly, and with the correct equipment, the dangers are probably less than the average person undertakes traveling to work. Caves, due to the combination of restricted access and the physical difficulty, are by nature one of the last unspoiled natural resources on the planet. They are also the winter "home" of hibernating species such as bats. There are also insects like moths wintering there. They, along with the caves we visit deserve respect. Many of the formations have been millions of years in the making and are extremely delicate. You should NEVER remove any natural feature from a cave. An old cave saying says-

"Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs"

                                   shuusssh Guys - We are  trying to get some sleep !!!

It cannot be emphasized enough then, JOIN A REPUTABLE CAVING CLUB !

Local Caving Clubs.
If you have never been caving or are new to the activity then membership of a club is essential both for cave access and more importantly, SAFETY. There are a number of reputable clubs operating in the area. Two of these are "on the doorstep" of the caves subject of these pages. These are my own club Brynmawr, and our friends in the Cwmbran club. Both have web sites so please feel free to visit either or both for further information. Remember that the correct equipment for caving is not cheap, particularly the most important item ,lighting. Club members usually have spare equipment and are only too willing to lend it to people wishing to try the sport.

There are also items on both sites to interest the more experienced "surfer".

USE THE LINK BUTTONS ON THE LINKS  PAGE TO CONNECT WITH BRYNMAWR OR CWMBRAN CAVING SITES

; Registration code (if you have it) ; Optional URL link when the applet is "clicked". ; Reglink opened in new frame? ; Name of new frame for reglink ; Statusbar message ; Number of flozoids ; Distance allowed between flozoids ; Tendency of flozoids moving toward center ; Acceleration of flozoids ; Speed of flozoids ; Side bouncing factor ; Flozoids have heads? ("YES", "NO") ; Interactive mode ("YES", "NO") ; Flozoids go over text? ("YES", "NO") ; Background image (it's name or "NO") ; Background colour (red component) ; Background colour (green component) ; Background colour (blue component) ; Flozoids colour1 (red component) ; Flozoids colour1 (green component) ; Flozoids colour1 (blue component) ; Flozoids colour2 (red component) ; Flozoids colour2 (green component) ; Flozoids colour2 (blue component) ; Optional image over applet ; Over image X offset ; Over image Y offset ; Memory deallocation delay ; Task priority (1..10) ; Min. milliseconds/frame for sync Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java.; Message for no java browsers. ; End of applet tag

This is mark 3 of this web site There is  a new navigation aid in that you can link to the main site pages using the navigation bar at the top of the screen.
The links to the photos are contained on the Cave photo thumbnails page. You can view the photos in one of three ways.
1. You can link to each individual photo and back from the index by clicking the left hand DRAGON button on the bottom of each individual photo page.
2. You can start with the first or any subsequent photo and enjoy a "slide show" by following the right hand DRAGON button at the foot of each photo page.
3. At any time you can link back to the photo index page by clicking the LEFT dragon or go anywhere else on the site using the menu at the top of the screen.

Below follows a description of the caves subject of these pages. If you wish to go straight to the photo index page then follow the Dragon link below the cave descriptions.

THE CAVES

Below is a description of the caves subject of these pages

OGOF DRAENEN, Pwll ddu, Blaenafon.

For the Technically curious, Ogof is the Welsh word for cave and Draenen is Welsh for thorn. Therefore the most recently discovered major system (1994) translates as "Thorncave". It has been "pushed" to around 30,000 meters and it has still many secrets awaiting discovery. It is a major undertaking with the far reaches subject of trips of up to 12 hours.

O.S.map 161 - grid ref SO 2463/1178 - Altitude 362 metres - Length 30,000 metres +++

OGOF CRAIG Y FFYNNON, Blackrock, Brynmawr.

Arguably one of the most decorated caves in the UK, the literal translation into English means rock and fountain. The cave is situated in a quarry behind a public house from which it got it's name.

O.S.map 161 - grid ref SO 2201/1286 - Altitude 255 metres - Length 12,000 metres ++

OGOF PEN ERYR, Llangattock hillside, Crickhowell, Powys

This is a small cave situated in the Llangattock quarries and is a good novices cave although there is a tight corkscrew near the entrance. Another Welsh name, pen meaning head (top) of and the eryr bit is the Welsh word for eagle. I have yet to hear what possible connection such a bird has with a Welsh mountain cave!

O.S.map 161 - grid ref SO 2074/1520 - Altitude 408 metres - Length 426 metres.+

SIAMBR DDU (Black Cavern) Pwll Ddu, Blaenafon.

Most respectable cavers would never admit to visiting this single huge chamber not far from Draenen. The truth is that it offers no sport at all but none the less it makes for a fascinating visit for the sheer size and the very colourfull display of the iron rich rock.

O.S.map 161 - grid ref SO 2509/1145 - Altitude 380 metres - Length 45 metres.

SHAKESPEARE CAVE Clydach Gorge, Blackrock Brynmawr

This is a sporting cave which never fails to give a thorough soaking due to two ducks and a free divable sump. (handline in place) Best avoided in very inclement conditions. It is the drain for the Llanelli Quarry pot on the hill above.

O.S.map 161 - grid ref SO 2170/1249 - Altitude 206 metres - Length 365 metres.

Link to the photo index page below

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