Caving is a potentially dangerous activity. You must be aware of and accept the risks involved. You are responsible for your own actions and for your own and your companions safety.
If you are unsure about SRT, or safe rigging methods then we recommend joining a reputable club, or attending a training course. These rigging guides are provided for the use of experienced cavers only. The provision of a guide does not mean that the route is safe and the caver must use her, or his own judgment when rigging and descending the cave. Weather conditions, deterioration of the anchors, loose rock, the cavers skill level, fitness and many other factors can affect the safety of the route.
Derbyshire Caving Association and its member clubs undertook a programme to replace the old 8mm “spits” with stainless steel resin fixed hangers. These anchors are inspected on a regular basis and are safe at the time of inspection. You must always check any anchor yourself before using it. No anchor can be considered totally safe and it would be unwise to trust your life to a single anchor. Adequate back-ups are available. Details of the DCA anchor scheme, the type of anchors that DCA install, how to check any anchor prior to use and how to report a defective anchor can be found at https://www.thedca.org.uk/equipment/resin-set-anchors. Other anchors are not installed, or inspected by DCA and should be treated with the same amount of caution. Natural features, including trees, must be inspected carefully before use as belays. Ash die back disease is prevalent in the Peak District and can make afflicted ash trees dangerously weak.
Fixed ropes should be treated with the greatest of caution. Especially those heading upwards, where the upper anchors and rope condition cannot be checked before trusting your life to them. A few have been installed by DCA and have a regular inspection and replacement schedule. Some have been adopted by caving clubs, but others have received no care after installation.
Pitch Lengths are for guidance only. Rope lengths may need to be increased depending on your rigging techniques. Err on the side of caution; are your ropes long enough? Have you tied a knot in the end?
We’ve made our best efforts to make this guide as accurate as we can. CCPC can accept no responsibility for any errors, or omissions in the guide. If you find any errors, or wish to make any suggestions, then please let us know. There is a feedback form on the rigging guide web site.