After a trip in Wapping this morning can anybody that is new to caving and mine exploration. please not use string as a way of finding your way, in there was like a spiders web of garden twine and fishing line , there are enough trip hazards in these places without adding to them .

To find you way if not sure is done with a arrow in the clay on the floor or a mini cairn or arrow made with small stones and also done in a discreet way .

String and spray paint have no place . :curse:

Divers lay line that is taught but believe me that is a skill in its self taking lots of practice, AND there are also directional arrows in place. The string in Wapping this morning was ALL OVER the place that didn't even have any form of knowing what direction was in or out. 😢

If you are new to this I would advise to build your ability up and start by going with more experienced people and build on that, that is how to stay safe and get more enjoyment . 😉

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I use a trail of breadcrumbs.

thats a new one to me and also acceptable , have you been in Dale mine near Hartington Shropshire ? that would ex-plane the little paw prints in there very much like a polecat

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I have no difficulty finding my way out of anywhere, its the opposite direction to the way I came in.

Paul, did you take all the string junk out?

It is a bit trying I know having spent considerable time myself with a wire brush removing silly arrows left behind by those whose guide to practice and equipment is Enid Blyton's "Famous five".

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we did Roy and there was a LOT ! the clear fishing line was a real trip hazard it was almost invisible , I know through recent personal experience how much damage you can do to yourself falling over and that was walking our dog !

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Well done Paul. I was in there last month and took a bit out but was assessing so did not have much time. I'm training mine leaders in the area in Nov and will probably head in there but this time will be prepared and will have a scrubber in my pocket.
I met a couple of chaps a while back that used chalk marks to navigate. I thought the conversation was clear then but I've seen a lot of chalk recently. I found I expect was their plastic chalk box dropped in Wapping and have been cleaning what I assume is their chalk marks off the walls in a number of sites over the summer, Devonshire included. I'll be educating them again if we meet underground again.

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There was also a lot of rubbish beer cans and pop bottles ect , why do people want to drink beer underground ? we didn't have a bag with us to pick up

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If I haven't got room to pack crap out, I'll pile it up and pull it out, or let people know if I don't expect to be back there for some time.

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Last time I was in Wapping I took out about 50,000 tea lights, if nothing else the place is probably singlehandedly supporting a candle factory somewhere.....

i suspect that 25% of world tee light use = british urban explorers 😛

thats a new one to me and also acceptable , have you been in Dale mine near Hartington Shropshire ? that would ex-plane the little paw prints in there very much like a polecat

If it's good enough for Hansel and Gretel...

Dale Mine? Don't think I've heard of that one?!

thats a new one to me and also acceptable , have you been in Dale mine near Hartington Shropshire ? that would ex-plane the little paw prints in there very much like a polecat

If it's good enough for Hansel and Gretel...

Dale Mine? Don't think I've heard of that one?!

It's in the Staffs Moorlands, just over the Manifold from Ecton.

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thats a new one to me and also acceptable , have you been in Dale mine near Hartington Shropshire ? that would ex-plane the little paw prints in there very much like a polecat

If it's good enough for Hansel and Gretel...

Dale Mine? Don't think I've heard of that one?!

It's in the Staffs Moorlands, just over the Manifold from Ecton.

Ha, that makes more sense!

Good for you guys removing these used T lights.
It seems to be some sort of fad!
We first met with some in Smallcleugh, many years ago!
Basically the way to the North End flats, was lit, every metre or so with lit T lights.
We were told it was an organised Halloween party!
We have also noted a few scattered about other easy enterable mines, presumably for similar reasons.

Last time we went down there, we removed a load of fishing wire, orange if i remember right, not sure how you get lost in wapping anyway; everywhere either leads back full circle in the maze or brings you up into cumberland system...

I know the first time we went down into the maze, we got a little disorientated; but after a few mins you know you've gone wrong as you end up back at the mineral chamber which branches off three ways... Good advice regarding markings but at the end of the day, there are surveys available which make it much easier and safer.

If you aren't confident in knowing the route, don't go that way. There is just as much to see following the easier higher route to the spiral stairs into cumberland.

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Typical capitalists...