Masson Entrances · AditNow Community

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ObviousSpectre
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

Hoping to hop down Masson Cavern soon, I've been in the showcave before but never ser foot in the actual system. I have the survey but am unsure as to where the entrance is. I have been told that it is along the road off of the Jug holes layby but is it easy to spot or do you have to look around for it? I am also unsure of where abouts the entrance takes you to in the system, I believe it drops down to Crichmans chamber but there are several entrances marked on the survey and I'm a bit confused. I would be very grateful if anyone could help a poor newbie out ;D

Thanks,

ObviousSpectre

"Well, worst case scenario we die a slow and agonising death".

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AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

Both of the entrances into Masson are situated in the former spar opencast that destroyed the western part of the system. Th main entrance is at the south end under the overhang, there are several holes that drop down bu the one you want has a stainless "P" bolt over it that's used for rigging a handline. That brings you in to Crichman Chamber. The alternative way in is on the west side, climb up the rocks and there's an obvious chamber at the foot of the face, then from there you can get to the internal shaft with the gym rope on it and climb down to one of the coffin levels.

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

Praada
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

I'd take the first route rather than the second. I live nearby and have done masson many times, happy to show you if you have any problems! Not been in Masson for a while. You should check jugholes out over the road afterwards takes about 45minutes to an hour to go the through route in the cave opening out the adit corrugated tube 🙂

"I got enough batteries to live down here indefinitely!"

ObviousSpectre
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

Been through jug already and tackled the first half of Masson on Sunday. Trip was very enjoyable and we spent about 3 hours in there, I hope to return to explore the further reaches. Thanks for the info guys!

"Well, worst case scenario we die a slow and agonising death".

Praada
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

Which part did you do in 3 hours? I can't imagine you've much more to do? Did you find the mineral wall which leads to an amazing crawl, allbeit to nothing but its worth it for the fun factor if crawls are what you enjoy 😉 Is the chamber to the right of the crichman chamber flooded again yet? It looks like there is a route on the otherside but its blocked i think on the map that blocked route is into masson show cavern, i've never been able to get a look at the actual show cavern just peered through the gate around the other side...

"I got enough batteries to live down here indefinitely!"

ObviousSpectre
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

We managed to explore just over half of the system and had a good look at the lake etc. The mineral crawl was spectacular and as someone who loves to take photos, I was there for a whil. I didn't notice any flooded chambers of Crichman's but can't say for sure. I'm not local to the derbyshire area but hope to pick up some new shiny kit and check out a few more systems in the area such as Giants and Wapping. The Masson show cave isn't much to write home about, there is a long, faurly narrow but tall chamber connecting the show cave to the rest of the system. When I get time I would like to go back to Masson and go right through to the showcave entrance. :thumbsup:

"Well, worst case scenario we die a slow and agonising death".

Pete K
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

"ObviousSpectre" wrote:
When I get time I would like to go back to Masson and go right through to the showcave entrance. :thumbsup:

...and mess up access for everyone? Please stay out of the showmine, it's gated off for a reason. It's down to their good grace (as owners of the non-show mine bit too) that explorers, Scouts and outdoor centres can use the mine at all. DCA have just had new anchors installed as well and it'd be a shame to waste all that effort. Buy a ticket for the tour if you must see the showmine.

Apologies if your post was tongue in cheek. Text does not convey sarcasm well.

Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.

Praada
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

I'm hoping to get somebody to take me on the through trip down to artists corner when the spring comes around, been wanting to do it for a while now but i don't have the experience or information needed to make it through without getting lost, plus i don't fancy abseiling in on my own or with the guys i explore with as we aren't all that experienced with the ropes...

Over the winter i'm hoping to get in touch with somebody who offers SRT training, i believe that DCA use devonshire cavern for SRT practice so hopefully there is a group organised over the next coming months that i can join as its very local for me 🙂

"I got enough batteries to live down here indefinitely!"

ObviousSpectre
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

7 years ago

"Pete K" wrote:

"ObviousSpectre" wrote:
When I get time I would like to go back to Masson and go right through to the showcave entrance. :thumbsup:

...and mess up access for everyone? Please stay out of the showmine, it's gated off for a reason. It's down to their good grace (as owners of the non-show mine bit too) that explorers, Scouts and outdoor centres can use the mine at all. DCA have just had new anchors installed as well and it'd be a shame to waste all that effort. Buy a ticket for the tour if you must see the showmine.

Apologies if your post was tongue in cheek. Text does not convey sarcasm well.

I was saying that I want to go from Crichmans chamber to the gate leading to the showcave. I have great respect for the operation of the showcave.I'm not planning to go inside the actual show cave, Just to the gate on the non showcave side. Sorry for any confusion caused.

"Well, worst case scenario we die a slow and agonising death".

Pete K
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

#10

Apologies for the confusion then.

Not seen the sun for months. Now evolving to see in the dark.

Coggy
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

7 years ago

#11

I went in some adit mine from the Masson opencast in 1975. Explored until I came to a large stope with open shafts in the floor, I returned as my carbide lamp was sputtering

if eight out of ten cats all prefer Whiskas
Do the other two prefer Lesley Judd ?