I noticed this pair were missing from the database, so I've duly added them. There's not much to see on the surface at either site, but they're damn good underground, particularly around Wesson shaft, which has a fairly sizeable buddling complex fed by a large pool which has now developed a good coating of cave ice. It also has a superb example of a drystone pack and clay raised launder, an passage full of cave pearls, and a leaning tower of deads cemented into place by flowstone.

Access is limited due to Upper Orchard shaft being in a paddock behind someone's house, although both PDMHS and the Wirksworth mines group are on good terms with the landowner and so can do occasional trips in. Wesson shaft is on land owned by the parish council, who prefer the large gritstone slabs covering it to stay in place for the safety of the general public.... Incidentally, the connection between Orchard and Wesson is what I'm squeezing through on my avatar picture ::)

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