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Redhouse Lane Swallet

English Bicknor.

A concrete ring lies over a locked and gated entrance shaft. A number of fixed ladders drop to crawls and an active streamway with several ducks. A series of fossil passages lead off before the stream way enlarges and terminates in a sump. This was the limit of the cave before a boulder choke was passed on 10th August 2024, after 2 years of digging.

The extensions comprise of very large fossil passage with many side series, and a lower streamway with an impressive pitch. The furthest reaches terminate very close to the cliffs overlooking the River Wye. The extensions contain unique and scientifically important calcite formations, cryogenic calcite, mud and sand deposits and care is required when passing. Visitors must not cross beyond the taped sections.

No access is permitted beyond the start of Snow Flake Passage or the end of Crack in Black as footfall will irrevocably damage the floors.

Alternate Names: None recorded.

Notes: WARNINGS: The whole entrance series can flood to the roof and should not be entered after prolonged, or during heavy rains. The cave is generally inaccessible from November to the end of March.

Loose boulders abound. Rescue from beyond the 2024 breakthrough would be extremely long and difficult.

Trips to the end are long and return through the arduous entrance series should not be underestimated.

Hydrographic Resurgences: Slaughter Risings