Ogof Carno

Location
Grid Reference: SO164127

Altitude: 360m

The reference above is for the entrance to the adit. The cave entrance is approximately 1750m inside the adit.



Access
Access is usually controlled by Brynmawr Caving Club on behalf of Welsh Water. However,at the present time (March 2013) Welsh Water are denying all caver access.

See the access page of the Cambrian Caving Council website for details.

Description
Length 8.9km / Depth 63m1

An extensive cave system under Mynydd Llangynidr, Ogof Carno is noted for its unusual access via 1750m of Welsh Water tunnel - Carno Adit. The cave itself has a reputation for being a bit grotty. Mud and thrutches dominate, though there are some impressive large chambers and passages. The cave has very little in the way of calcite formations, but has its own distinct character and charm!

History
The 3km adit was dug between 1905 and 1912 to supply water to the expanding steelworks at Ebbw Vale. The intention was to tap into springs at the head of Cwm Claisfer. The adit was abandoned before reaching its target.

From 1982, Bill Gascoine, Charles Bailey and others dug at obvious cave features within the adit where it passed through limestone. In 1991, a significant breakthrough was made into cave passage and large extensions quickly followed in 1992.