Swildon's hole - Luke Lyons returns after 30 years

Luke Lyons was a regular caver in his youth, we take him back to Swildon's hole after a 30 year break.

Swildon's hole streamway flows down through the Mendip hills and comes out through the resurgence at Wookey Hole Caves.


Swildon's Hole is an extensive cave in Priddy, Somerset. At 9,144 metres (30,000 ft) in length, it is the longest cave on the Mendip Hills.[2] It has been found to be connected to Priddy Green Sink and forms part of the Priddy Caves Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The cave was first entered on 16 August 1901 by members of the Wells Natural History and Archaeological Society. Very rapid progression was made to what is now known as the 40 foot pot. Between 1903 and 1910, in spite of access being banned by the landowner, various trips took place to photograph and explore the passages.[4]

In 1914 the limit of exploration was extended to Twenty Foot Pot, and in 1921 the first of the sumps was reached, but not passed (despite attempts to make progress by blasting). Sump 1 was finally successfully dived in 1936, and Sump 2 was passed soon afterwards. By this point a length of cave only one-fifth of the amount known today had been discovered.[5]

Ever since 1936 caving groups have been seeking to extend the explored area of the cave, and thus far eleven principal sumps have been passed. Sump 12 has so far proved impassable. Work continues to find a way through the adjacent Sump 12b.[

IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH!!!!
CHECK OUT SOME EXTREME CAVING IN SOUTH WALES
DAREN CILAU -    • Daren Cilau  

MY FIRST TRIP TO SWILDON'S HOLE
   • Swildon's Hole - My first trip!