Beginner Caving Day

Take a step into the dark, secret and mysterious world of caves and ancient mines. Our Peak District based Beginner Caving Course is aimed at those who have not been caving before as we venture in and out of a couple of cave systems on this day to get a feel for the mysterious underground world!
An ideal introduction for people wishing their first steps underground to be fun carefully organised, informative and conducted by highly experienced nationally qualified instructors.
Learn about the cave, its geology and the 300 million years it took to create it. Pick up tips on how to move underground efficiently, maybe try your hand at wet sections, muddy bits or squeezes and we promise you won’t get stuck. You can see underground rivers and waterfalls, fascinating pieces of geology, cave decorations or historical sites of past times and ancient techniques.
Please note that this is not a typical 'come and try it’' guided day, but a full adventure. You will get wet, it will be dark and you do need to have a good level of fitness.

Itinerary

9.30am: Arrive at The Adventure Hub
Your instructor will welcome you and discuss the aims of the course and you own aspirations over a great cup of fresh Italian coffee or tea. You will be provided with an over suit, wellington boots, helmet, knee pads and lighting. All you need do is check your food and drink for the day and pack a change of clothes and your towel.
10am: Go caving
Depending on weather, group experience and size of group we select a local venue and then drive round to the best location! The exact location will depend on the weather and the aims and abilities of the group. Typically this is a 15 minute drive from the Adventure Hub. Some Peak District caves charge a modest trespass fee of up £3 payable at the venue.
Once kitted up and ready to head underground, your instructor will brief you on general caving safety and the specifics of each cave visited. We will spend the rest of the day underground discovering fascinating caves and caverns along with some of the man made additions. Along the way you will learn about how the caves were formed, the interesting mineral formations you encounter and what it takes to explore this adventurous environment. Throughout the experience your instructor will ensure you feel safe so you can enjoy your day fully.
4.30pm: Pack Up and De-brief
Depending on where we went caving, we usually head back to the Training Centre for a de-brief, pack away the equipment ready for cleaning and grab another cup of tea before finishing up the course and heading home.
Please note that you could be required to transport yourself to the venue from the training centre (we usually promote car sharing at this point to reduce environmental/parking impact) as the instructors' van will be FULL of caving equipment.
 
Inclusions
What's Included
🧰 Equipment - We will provide you with a caving over suit , wellies, knee pads, helmet and head torch along with any specific technical equipment required for your adventure.
 
What you'll need
🍴 Food
🥤 Drink
📋 Other - Caves maintain a cool temperature of around 10 degrees throughout the year. Make sure you wear plenty of warm layers and avoid cotton clothing. Thermal underwear, leggings and fleece type tops are ideal. Please bring some spare change as some of the caves we use require a trespass fee of approximately £3 per person which is not included in the price. Bring a change of clothes and a towel in case you get soaked!
🧤 Warm Clothing