Lake district mine.

[Mad-Dan]

Took a trip up to Force Crag Mixture Mine in the lakes today with Matt, Got to be the best mine i've been into, There is a bit of everything, climbs, ladders, stoops, and a million and one things to see like indoor water falls, stageing, false floors, 300ft drops.. as said, a bit of everything

We aimed to enter at the lower level and make our way to the top to exit, we came a bit unstuck at a climb where you have to stand on a ledge, then climb up a fairly steep manway, Neither of us are what you would call a climber, and as there wasn't one with us to climb it them rope it for us, we ended up turning around and heading back. total time underground, 5 hours.

i will deffo be going back, but i think i may start at the top next time and work downwards, i think it would be a much easyer trip.

anyway, some pics.

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Thewayin.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Whinch.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/WheelBarrow.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/WetIncline.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Tunnel.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Trackoverthehole.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Staging.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/RunningWater.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Props.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Pipes.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/LookingBack.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/FalseFloorsandAxles.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/Bucket.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/AnotherBarrow.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/WetColdandHungry.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/WalkingBackToTheCar.jpg

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/ExitViews.jpg

[Hugh Jeers]

Brill photos, looks like a great place, wish I had been able to get out. Thanks for the offer though :tu:

[Bodge]

Good pics there Dan! Hoping my turn out half as good. Taken 51 pictures which probably means I'll have 4 decent ones.

Was a good trip but knackered today, especially after 3 hours of walking up and down hills to find a tiny opening. Wasn't so keen on spending the day soaked through, and the wellies filling with water wasn't exactly a highlight either.

Will be good to go back but from the top down and see if we can get right through it.

HJ - join us again on the next visit?

[hellonpluto]

i like your expiditions. Amazes me that they just leave everything there when they close the mines etc. Do you find any treasure anywhere?

[Hugh Jeers]

Depends when it is Bodge, and depends how things go. Hoping this week will be a good 'un, but you never know...

[Mad-Dan]

i like your expiditions. Amazes me that they just leave everything there when they close the mines etc. Do you find any treasure anywhere?

You know what they say, one mans rubbish is another mans treasure.

to be honest, No! I've found some interesting things, old bottles, tools, cig boxes etc etc, nothing of any real value though.

[Ace]

http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z438/Mad-Dan2010/Force%20Crag/WetColdandHungry.jpg

Jesus Dan, your hairline has massively receded since last time I saw you! Sorry mate! :lol:

[Mad-Dan]

Jesus Dan, your hairline has massively receded since last time I saw you! Sorry mate! :lol:

i must be getting old (or it could be where the hard hat and sweat has styled my hair)

[Hugh Jeers]

Don't worry Dan, mine is like that and I'm a LOT younger than you :oops: Had my hair cut today, and spend the rest of the day in depression, because it looks shit when it gets longer, but when I have it cut, I see my Steve McDonald quiff :cry:

[Mad-Dan]

Don't worry Dan, mine is like that and I'm a LOT younger than you :oops: Had my hair cut today, and spend the rest of the day in depression, because it looks shit when it gets longer, but when I have it cut, I see my Steve McDonald quiff :cry:


LOL, i'm not worrying, my hair has been like it is forever, i have no less hair now then i did when i was 10

[Hugh Jeers]

I only hope mine stays the same :pmsl:

Cheers again for the invite, and sorry I couldn't make it.

[ben306]

Is there any real issues with heading down these places? Such as safety and legally?

How do you find them/hear about them. This kind of thing Ive always found interesting.

[Mad-Dan]

Is there any real issues with heading down these places? Such as safety and legally?

How do you find them/hear about them. This kind of thing Ive always found interesting.

The trips are as safe as you make them, if you start with some of the well visited mines and go with someone who knows what they are looking at, you'll soon get an idea of whats safe and what isnt. The main risk is getting lost in there or self stranding, as in you climb down into an area you cant get back out of.

legally, you can visit if there is access granted by the land owners, a lot of mines have access rights granted, some are looked after by caving clubs, and you can go in if they let you, a lot of clubs won't let you in unless you have BCA insurance, it's just a case of finding out what the score is before you turn up.

once your in there, no ones going to ask you to leave and at the very worst, it's trespass, which isnt a crime and the police have no interest in. the only other thing is having to be rescued, you will be billed for the full cost, which could cost thousends

[Teknobry]

I'm gutted I couldn't make this one, pics look great! This was one of the two that I really wanted to do as well.
Have to do it the way you went in though, non of this go through the top to make it easier nonsense ;) :lol:

[Mike H]

Brill pics Dan! Love the water shots on long exposure :D