Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Long Drop Cave

Appin, Glenamuckrach, Argyllshire.

Cave

Rigging Description, Entrance climb - Belay 14m handline to (birch?) tree well back from entrance for climb down, usually very slippery. 12m pitch - Starting at large thread in roof some way back from pitch (extra long sling required) rope then belayed to P anchor in left wall shortly before pitch (mainly to aid climb out on return). From Y hang on right hand wall descend to bottom or when pitch wet descend 2 or 3 m then swing onto obvious ledge & traverse into parallel dry shaft where next Y hang found. Deviation part way down pitch avoids rope rub.

Alternative Names: Bhruthaich Chais Fhada (Uamh a'), Uamh a' Bhruthaichais

Notes: In Nov. 2011, Mark Lonnen and Ivan Young, accompanied by George Antill, completed eco anchoring of Long Drop Cave. From main road onwards forest track being 'improved' in preparation for extracting timber. In reasonable condition up to forest gate though parking area no more. From there Mark had difficulty driving through mud up gentle slope and parked before downhill stretch just before crossing river. At Long Drop inserted three more anchors. Once again main shaft wet. Perhaps route formerly taken by water bypassing pitch choked. Added another anchor and deviation to complete route down the parallel dry shaft, plus an anchor before the top of the pitch. You now have a choice of a direct descent of 12m shaft or alternative of dry shaft if direct route wet. Afterwards checked all anchors in Claig-ionn okay.

Mark's battery box detached itself from his helmet as he squeezed up through top of Chest Pot & disappeared into pool. Mark invested many hours machining it from solid aluminium so if anyone happens to find it he'd like it back.

Hydrographic Feeds: Un-named feeder to Glenstockdale Burn

Hydrographic Resurgences: Un-named feeder to Glenstockdale Burn