Lathkill Head Cave

Location
Grid Reference:

Resurgence: Grid Ref: SK 17079 65882 Alt: 210m Top Entrance: Grid Ref: SK 16719 65952 Alt: 247m Garden Path: Grid Ref: SK 16508 65982 Alt: 260m

Length: 1.5km+, Vertical Range: 50m.

Description
For a description see here http://www.peakcavemonitoring.org.uk/images/stories/Lathkill_Dale/Lathkill%20Head.doc

Access
The Resurgence: This entrance is next to the Lathkill Dale public footpath, but be aware it is within a National Nature Reserve. An agreement has been drawn up between the Derbyshire Caving Association and Natural England (English Nature as was).

No prior permission is required, but.... all lights must be electric (i.e. no Carbide) and all visitors must be affiliated in one way or another to the National Caving Association, and the rest is just common sense.

-Top Entrance: No prior permission required but the agreement between DCA, Chatsworth Estates and Natural England (English Nature as was) must be adhered to:

1). Access is limited to members of DCA or to members of NCA member clubs who must also be able to produce evidence that they hold a current Public Liability Insurance.

2). The prescribed route to the cave must be followed: Follow the public footpath from Lathkill Dale to One Ash Grange; Leave the footpath at a point just north of the 4-wall junction with two cattle troughs at SK 16595 65867, go through the gateway over to the left (E)and head diagonally NE across the field to the obvious gateway by the wall junction; Go through the gate and then follow the wall north to the entrance.

3). The lid on the shaft requires a large adjustable spanner to undo the bolt and it must be bolted shut from below once you are down the shaft. (The bolt can be undone from either above or below at all times.)

4). Cavers must comply with the NCA Minimal Impact Caving Code - also maximum party size is 6 and minimum is 3.

5). A log book is kept inside the cave at the top of the shaft and cavers are asked to sign in on entry.

6). The cave is within the newly redrawn boundaries of the Lathkill Dale SSSI and National Nature Reserve. All digging activity in the cave must be approved by Natural England.

- The Garden Path: This entrance is gated and locked on the instruction of the landowners (Chatsworth Estates). This is covered by a different agreement from Lathkill Head Cave Upper Entrance, and access is restricted to those doing scientific work. Details of the conditions for such work to be carried out are available from the DCA Access Officer. Proof of P.L. Insurance required.

References and Further Reading
Caves of Derbyshire by TD Ford and DW Gill