Knotlow Cavern

=Hillocks / Whalf / Knotlow= Hillocks, Whalf and Knotlow are interlinked mine systems with portions of natural cavity. The boundaries between systems are not easily defined and this description attempts to describe the whole system accessed using the different entrances.

Location
Grid Reference Knotlow Whalf Hillocks Exit the village of Monyash using the B5055 West bound. After 250m the road turns sharply left, carry straight on down a dirt farm track, past two farms to park by a ruined barn at the [Knotlow triangle].

Access
No known access restrictions. Please park sensibly as the tracks are used by both off road enthusiasts and the the farmer. The farmer has a very big tractor which will make a mess of your Mondeo. All the capped shafts are secured by a lid that is released by undoing a locking nut. The bigger shafts have two locking nuts. Most of the nuts are different sizes so take an adjustable spanner. The DCA approved tightness for these nuts is tighter than hand tight. Please do not lose the nuts. 3 of the 4 shafts have a solid (locked) outer lid and an inner grill lid. This should enable you to leave the main lid open but leave the inner grill down while underground to prevent livestock joining you.

Description
'''WARNING : This system has a long history of Methane and Carbon Dioxide build ups. Please read the warning notices posted at all entrances and on the DCA website www.thedca.org.uk/Circulars/2005-4.htm#Whalf

Whalf
The Climbing Shaft is located in the woods. Drop down the first pitch, a low crawl leads to another short pitch and a couple of climbs down. Turn right and head down the slope until you enter the impressive chamber at the base of the Whalf engine shaft. To your left now is passageway heading towards the connection to Hillocks mine. This is recognised by admiring the coffin level in the roof which has then been expanded to a cartgate. Straight on is a rising passage heading towards Knotlow.

Kit List
Cave is amply equipped with DMM P Hangers

For further details, see CCPC Rigging guide to the Peak District 9th Edition