Slightly off topic, but still in Rampgill, I think one of the most dangerous roof sections, I have noticed, is in the area, just before the Smeaton door.(So called because he had to fix the boundary between the two estates).
Whilst looking at the way up to boundary Cross Vein, which is THE place in question, on a number of occasions, I realised it is definately not a place to linger.
Makes it all the more important that when going underground you must let someone know where you are going.

Funny you should mention B'hill exit...we had been thinking about getting rid of the water.

Somebody suggested that on here several years ago, and was shouted down. That part of the mine is famous for its deep water & its character would be greatly reduced were it lowered.

The water doesn't prevent access to any part of the mine and even if it does restrict access to a tiny amount of people, does it really matter? BH remains a lovely mine because its general state puts the idiots off. It'd be a shame to sanitise it at the risk of turning it into another Smallcleugh with all its mess.

I've done that section without a wetsuit as it happens. A bit chilly but unlikely to kill anyone...

RJV - you are right, it was more from the viewpoint of providing an alternative escape route with a casualty, and the pleasure of digging falls(!). However.....there are so many other falls to dig I think that it is unlikely that we would get to this one.

Much as I despair at the visual effect of the many feet going into the Ballroom, I note that very few people turn off the beaten track......

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I've done that section without a wetsuit as it happens. A bit chilly but unlikely to kill anyone...

Have you got a lot of body fat then? :lol:

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I've done that section without a wetsuit as it happens. A bit chilly but unlikely to kill anyone...

Have you got a lot of body fat then? :lol:

Big bones as it happens! 😞
Actually think it was because of the withering look a certain well known Weardale explorer gave me when I suggested wearing wetsuits... ::)

Much as I despair at the visual effect of the many feet going into the Ballroom, I note that very few people turn off the beaten track......

Absolutely, have never bumped into a soul past Gypsum Corner which isn't a bad thing. The mine isn't in that bad a state really, its just all the flaming arrows that annoy. Used to try and rub them off but its a bit of a Sisyphean task to say the least...

Wire brushes and pair remover used to work! Maybe we should organise a conservation working event?

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Why not, at the very least it can't do any harm.
With sufficient notice (& a weekend date) I imagine that there'd be at least a handful from Cleveland happy enough to trawl over.

Choosing where to start would be the biggest problem!

The entrance is a good start point I always find...
That said you have to take care with choice of entrance, using the entrance to the Miners Arms is likely to be unproductive!

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We seem to have come round to Smallcleugh again, even when all the mines were working it was felt that visitors to this mine would come away feeling that mining has large open spaces in them. Whereas all the other contenders for similar areas were worked later and at the present time flooded.
The mention of gypsum corner, stimulated my brain cells, something needs to, and coupled with the ginging damage, made me think of the second sun vein passage to the Cowhill Cross Vein junction.
The whole of this section seems to in a state of constant movement. I know digs have had to be put, past the Carr's. Junction, but even the section, from the corner on Smallcleugh Cross Vein, to Carr's seems to be moving one way or another. I do not think there is anything much that can be done about it, but it will have to be watched.
I think that the whole of this Second Sun passage, to the Longcleugh junction was completely re-built by V.M. Hence the general instability of this passageway.

John - the VMZ plan of this area - (that you discovered) - shows that this section was understoped, probably around 1900. The rise from Rampgill into this area is full of debris coated in mineralised mud and flowstone.

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Peter, point taken, just emphasises the unstable nature of this passage and the importance of letting people know where you are going.
I never expected to see that rise/ stope develop on the Second Sun/Smallcleugh junction, although you had it, as a sump below the Horse level on your first plan.

Going back to the original topic...

The remaining timbering in the entrance fall has now been replaced with stone. Forgot camera so no pictures yet.
It seems likely that the collapse happened under what was an early waterblast shaft which was as close to the entrance as possible without building it from wood!

The walling a bit further inbye is still bulging a bit so please don't go prodding it as the tiger will escape and cause undue consternation and dismay...

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Thanks for the report guys, keep up the good work!
I always reckon the mine entrance is most likely place to run in.
That's why so many adits are hellishly difficult to find, so keeping entrances clear is a major + + +

Well done, it works. After interrupting your works on the way in, we got out alright a few hours later, so looks like job done OK.