Rowten Pot

The in-situ ropes on the Roof Tunnel pitch to the Master Cave in Valley Entrance have been reported to be in a dangerous condition. These ropes are not CNCC owned or maintained. We urge cavers planning to ascend or descend this pitch (including as part of a pull-through from Simpson, Swinsto, Rowten or Turbury Pot) you must always rig your own rope. It takes only 30 minutes to rig via Valley Entrance before you head up the hill. Never assume any in-situ ropes on this pitch are safe and never assume they will be present, as they may be removed at any time.

We have been notified of a wobbly block near the top of the big pitch on Big Gully route (around anchor 52 as shown on the topo). This block seems to be jammed in a groove and is a popular foothold on this otherwise holdless section of ropework. Although it may seem keyed in and cannot be easily brought down, it does wobble, and visitors are advised to be aware of this.

We have received a note on 7th December 2024 that the handline ropes through the Rowten Sumps (which are sometimes free-dived as part of a trip to Valley Entrance) are in a very bad condition, down to just a few threads. The consequence of these breaking when being used to pull a free-diving caver through the sumps could be serious. Cavers are urged to consider this very carefully.