Caving in South Wales

There is a wide variety of caves in South Wales and many are within a short walk or drive from SWCC HQ. The closest cave is Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, with cave passages running close to beneath the HQ! Dan-Yr-Ogof is another major cave that is close by and is located on the other side of the valley. Rigging topos for OFD can be found here.

Information about other caves in South Wales can be found either on the Cambrian Caving Council website or at Caves of South Wales.

We also have information on access procedures and can provide information on likely conditions.

We also have a catalogue of all the Cave sites in the OFD Area.

Following the withdrawal of NRW (National Resources Wales) from the direct management of OFD via the OFDCMC (OFD Cave Management Committee), a new committee of SWCC was set up, in conjunction with NRW, to advise both SWCC and NRW regarding various aspect of the cave and caving in the OFD area. Please see the OFDCAG pages for information.

Access Arrangements and Information

Please see the links below for information on access and conditions for caves in the area.

SWCC no longer operates a Duty Officer system on most weekends. Keys are held at SWCC for many local caves but access to these must be arranged in advance; see the individual pages above for more information.

All cavers collecting keys from the key boxes at SWCC must complete the Key Users logbook at the SWCC Headquarters. SWCC no longer provides a callout system so you must make your own arrangements for rescue.

Please note that in the interests of conservation, the use of carbide/acetylene lamps is not permitted in any of the caves in the South Wales area.

Rescue

HOW TO CALL OUT CAVE RESCUE

  1. Dial 999
  2. Ask for the POLICE
  3. Then ask for CAVE RESCUE
  4. Be prepared to give as much information as possible about the location of the cave, the cavers involved and the injuries sustained.
  5. STAY BY THE PHONE
  6. A Cave Rescue Warden will call you back for more details

SMWCRT The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team HQ is at Penwyllt cottage no 2, and many of our members are also members of SMWCRT. The team hold training events throughout the year, usually in the local area Penwyllt - see their calendar for details.

Participation Statement: The SWCC recognises that caving, mine exploration and diving are activities with a risk of personal injury or death. Participants in such activities should be aware and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Through its association with the BCA the SWCC recognises that correct training is one way of minimising such risks and provides opportunities for training.