This rare opportunity takes you into the old Braich Goch slate mine, in Mid Wales, which was first worked in 1836 and abandoned by the miners around 40 years ago. More than 130 years of history is captured inside waiting to be discovered.
Caving / Potholing
Caving / Potholing
What is it?
Caving (also known as potholing) is the practice of adventuring into caves to explore what's inside! Not to be confused with the scientific study of caves called "speleology", caving is wholly recreational in purpose and comes from the desire to investigate that which is hidden from sight.
What does it involve?
The general practice of caving can vary from light exploration in big, easily navigated cave systems to more extreme aspects such as cave diving. Some caving needs a lot of safety equipment as it can involve navigating fairly treacherous areas and steep and narrow inclines, but the general purpose of caving is exploration and fun.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Caving will be greatly educational in understanding the formation and history of the earth and the environment, and learning about the chemicals and reactions involved in formations such as stalagmites and stalactites can be fascinating. The extensive and slow-forming history of caves will increase a students respect for nature and its immense power over time, and can incite a sense of adventure and desire for new discoveries and things to learn.
What equipment do we need?
In general, you'll be with an activity provider when venturing into a cave, so it's unlikely you will need to supply any equipment! If needed, the organisers should supply safety apparatus, but check ahead beforehand for advice and to see if you need to advise the students on how to dress.
Who is it suitable for?
As the levels of caving can be adjusted for ages and abilities, it should be suitable for everyone. Providers will know what sort of caves are suitable for different groups, so as long as you consult with them it should be a good fir for everyone.
Costs?
The type of caving experience you decide upon will alter the costs of your trip greatly - a simple tour of an open cave system will cost a lot less than guidance than a trickier and more specialist cave experience.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger children should be well supervised in cave systems and you should be confident that they can obey all safety instructions.
How do we include?
Some of the more popular and open cave systems will be set up for disabled access, but the nature of caving means that they are generally hard to reach! Check with the provider if your group has someone with a disability that you are concerned about to get some advice on what would be suitable for them.
Doing it abroad?
Some of the most impressive cave formations can be found abroad - it would be worth a visit for the spectacle alone!
Main website:
http://www.trycaving.org.uk has some great general information, but always check individual provider websites for their own exact details.
Venues with this Activity
Our qualified and experienced teaching staff offer schools and colleges exciting outdoor courses using dramatic and inspiring natural environments. We also provide training and activity courses for adults and family groups and special interest holidays.
Hi, I'm Mike and I run a wide variety of Sea Kayaking and adventurous activitie courses.
Adventurous activities are my business and also my hobby. I love what I do, and enjoy passing on that passion to my clients.
Absolute Adventure is a licensed provider of outdoor activities. This means we are regularly inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, so you can be sure of the very highest standards of safety and instruction.
Welcome to Isca Outdoor, specialist provider for outdoor activities. Based in Devon, we offer a wide range of adventure activities and courses for groups of all ages and abilities.
Lake District activities including Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Sailing. We specialise in fun for families, group adventures and team away days.
They have been providing Outdoor Education for almost 60 years to schools from Staffordshire and beyond, although it was another 20 years before it began to take the shape that you may recognise today.
Pages
Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
Login/Sign Up
Latest News
British schoolgirl assaulted on school trip to Iceland
A viral video shows a black girl being assaulted by a white woman in a corridor.
Police in Iceland are investigating after a British schoolgirl was slapped and chased by a tour guide in a hotel corridor.
The schoolgirl, 13, who attended Harris Girls’ Academy, was assaulted whilst on a school trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. The incident occurred at Hotel Örk, Hveragerdi on 13th October.