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Braving adventure caving

Andrew Ditton confronts his fears of confined spaces and heights by signing up for a session of adventure caving at the Wild Wookey experience in Somerset. Find out how his nerves cope with wriggling through narrow gaps and abseiling down sheer drops.

By Andrew Ditton | 27 Oct 2018

Mustering caving courage

I’m not keen on confined spaces and heights make me physically shake with fear... But they say the key to conquering fears is to confront them head-on – so how could I resist the opportunity to try adventure caving, an activity during which participants are encouraged to wriggle through narrow gaps and abseil down sheer drops.

What do you need?

  • All the specialist equipment is provided.
  • You need to bring decent pair of Wellington boots.
  • Bring suitable clothing to wear under the overalls. 

 

Different available experiences

A regular visit to Wookey Hole Caves attraction will be open and accessible to all, with lighting and elevated pathways. In contrast, the Wild Wookey experience in Somerset involves more strenuous activity.

To take part in the Wild Wookey experience you must:

  • be at least 14 years old
  • be 5ft or taller
  • have a minimum weight of 40kg (about 6 stone)
  • have a maximum weight of 105kg (about 16 stone)
  • have a maximum waist of 39in
  • be moderately fit and flexible

The Wookey experience

We met our two passionate instructors (Becca and Chris) and were suitably briefed and suited-up.

At the cave entrance, I was incredulous when seeing the tiny hole through which we’d be passing. I dropped onto my front and wriggled through the narrow opening into the first chamber.

Here, we congregated to listen to the story of the earliest cave visit (1470). We all switched off our lamps so we could experience the rare phenomenon of total and utter darkness.

Abseiling in the show cave

After wriggling, shuffling and crawling in near blackness, we made it to the first ‘show cave’.

I was clipped into the abseiling equipment. Becca was so confident and reassuring that my anxieties simply melted away.

The next hour was spent clinging to the walls of the Cathedral Chamber and crossing a wobbly bridge.

We continued with a physically demanding ascent, pulling our way up some 100ft. I caught the most amazing view of the River Axe as glorious mineral colours were illuminated.

Enthralling escapades

The amazing climax of the trip involved a short boat trip across the river followed by squeezing through the newly-discovered crystal corridor until we reached daylight.

It turned out we were a good 60ft above the ground and returning involved an exhilarating ride down a 50m-long zip wire.

Wild Wookey is, quite simply, a ‘must-do’ if you are the slightest bit adventurous. I can’t wait to go back and have another go.

Top Tips for this trip:

  • Parking at Wild Wookey is both free and motorhome-friendly.
  • Wookey Hole is easily-reachable from the following Club sites: Longleat, Hurn Lane and Bath Chew Valley.
  • For Certificated Locations in the wider area see p451-460 of the Sites Directory.
  • Know what you're booking; Wild Wookey experience is very different to visiting Wookey Hole Caves attraction.

About the author

Andrew Ditton (and Dougal)

I have been caravanning since I was knee-high to a jockey wheel, originally in a 1969 Thomson Glenmore, and first joined the Club when I was 17. Nowadays you’ll find me with Dougal, my trusty dog, living the dream in a variety of caravans, van conversions, and motorhomes. We tour the length and breadth of Europe on a year-round basis, but my heart is very much in Scotland and especially the beautiful Western Isles. I love the Outer Hebrides so much, I even learned to speak the Gaelic.

Touring is all about freedom, adventure, discovery, and spontaneity. Club Sites are great when I need to relax in the knowledge that I'm going to have everything I need to hand in order to feel safe and comfortable. However, in the warmer months, my preference is to find a quiet and remote CL where I can get back to basics and back to nature. 

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