Many cavers choose to leave ropes (or other aids) in caves for longer than the duration of their single visit. Reasons may include to expedite an ongoing project, or for their own convenience or the perceived convenience of others. At popular sites, these ropes can make it more difficult for other groups to rig their own ropes and can detract from their enjoyment of the cave.
Importantly, ropes left in caves can become damaged very quickly and present a serious hazard.
As there are so many reasons and situations for ropes being left in caves, the CNCC does not wish to police this or declare this practice right or wrong. Nonetheless, we would like to appeal to everyone to consider the following before leaving a rope behind in a cave:
Finally, CNCC would like to remind all cavers that we strongly recommend not to use ropes which have been left behind in caves. This is because the condition of these ropes cannot be ensured. If you go against this advice, the risk should be assessed and mitigated as best as possible.
Council for the Northern Caving Community
January 2023
