Ease Gill OpenHouse is an annual open caving meet running this year from 5th-14th June. It’s organised by the RRCPC who will pre-rig seven of the most popular entrances into the Ease Gill cave system.
We encourage cavers to come and enjoy some of the best UK caving tackle-free…and no permits needed!
Being pre-rigged provides a fantastic opportunity for cavers to enjoy a variety of through-trips, visit popular locations and sights, or learn how to navigate this complex system.
Additionally, the Red Rose can provide bunk accommodation in the hut, or camping space (*both of which must be reserved in advance.)
Social evenings and a bar complete the scene…whether for one day, several days or a week’s caving holiday!
Click the links below for answers to some common questions about the event:
What is OpenHouse?
OpenHouse is an annual caving meet running this year from 5th-14th June. It’s organised by the RRCPC who pre-rig seven of the most popular entrances into the Ease Gill cave system. Cavers are encouraged to come and enjoy some of the best UK caving, tackle-free and with no permit requirement. Being pre-rigged it is a fantastic opportunity to do through-trips and learn how to navigate this complex system.
Is it like the Gaping Gill winch meets?
In a way, yes. It’s organised and hosted by a local caving club and is volunteer-led – we welcome cavers to come and use our rigging. However it is not open to the general public in the way of the classic winch meet. Therefore a level of competency and kit (i.e. SRT kits for roped entrances) are expected.
Are there any fees?
Nope — using the rigging is completely free. If you’d like to support the club, we always appreciate donations, which can be made at the Rose bar.
You can also help us out simply by enjoying what we offer: staying at the hut, camping or grabbing a bunk for the night; buying an Ease Gill survey, buff or artisan mug; or having a post‑trip pint at the bar. Every bit of support will help keep this event running!
Do I need to bring anything?
Just you, your SRT kit, your pals and lots of enthusiasm!
Do I have to pre-book?
We strongly encourage attendees to pre-book parking and accommodation to avoid disappointment. Our booking form shows total availability so this should help you plan when things will be busy too!
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. If you find any of the booking options are full, you can sign up to the waitlist which will be displayed instead, on the same form.
How do call-outs work?
We ask that all people entering Ease Gill during the event leave a call out on the sheet at the bar. This will help with coordinating the event and avoid queues underground. When you have finished your trip, please let us know you are all out and safe, and we will cancel your call-out.
Do I need to pre-book a CNCC permit?
No, these have already been booked out by the RRCPC.
Is there parking available?
Yes but it is limited. Please book your parking on the sign up form, even if you aren’t staying the night. We would love it if you can lift share, there is space at the end of Wandles Lane (///slings.staples.freely) to leave cars or parking at Devils Bridge (///shuttling.beefed.hawks) but both will require a lift or a couple hours hike to get to the Farm.
Is there accommodation available?
Yes, we have bunks and also camping space available at the farm which you can book here.
Can I van-camp?
We ask that you avoid van camping to help save parking space where possible.
Is there bike storage available?
Absolutely, we’ll have space undercover to put bikes should you choose to cycle up to the farm.
Will there be food?
We will be serving food for £5pp every night around 8pm, except on Wednesday.
Food needs to be pre-reserved each morning by 10am. We cater for vegetarians and other dietary needs, please just list these on sign up.
Are there cooking facilities?
Yes, the guest kitchen at the farm will be available for overnight staying guests to use for cooking.
What other facilities are available at Bullpot Farm?
Changing rooms, hot showers, a drying room, WiFi and log-burning fires are all inside the farm and day fees to use these are just £2pp. See the full details of the Farm on our webpage here.
When will the bar be open?
Every evening except Wednesday, due to licensing. (We also won’t be serving food on Wednesday evening either, as our cooks take a rest day!).
Does the bar take card?
Yes, card payments will be possible and we also accept cash. When paying hut fees, we also accept bank transfer (details are in the hut and this costs us less money).
What drinks will be available at the bar?
Barrels of local beer and cider supplied by Settle brewery will be served at the Rose bar when it is open.
Which entrances will be rigged?
The following cave entrances will be rigged for SRT:
Top Sink
Pool Sink
County Pot
Lancaster Hole
Cow Pot
Link Pot
Pippikin Pot
Other non-tackle entrances such as Wretched Rabbit and The Mistral will also be open, making even more permutations for through trips.
Is Ease Gill beginner-friendly?
There are aspects of the Ease Gill system that are well suited to novice cavers. However, navigation can be challenging in some parts of the system. If you are unsure, we recommended speaking to an experienced club member who can advise suitable itineraries before you embark on a trip.
**If you are completely new to caving and would like to try caving for the first time, please contact the secretary in advance. We will endeavour to run trips for complete novices, but we cannot guarantee member nor gear availability during the Open House. As a club, we annually run separate ‘New to Caving’ events. Further information on these, which are also regularly run by other caving clubs, can be found here: CNCC ‘New to Caving’
I don’t know my way around Ease Gill,. can I still come?
When setting a call out at the sign-in desk, club members will be on hand to advise and potentially offer trips. We also have system surveys available to buy, or alternatively the CNCC website has the latest surveys, rigging topos and route descriptions available to download.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, all cavers should have insurance. Most cavers will already be members of the BCA Insurance scheme, either as members of a club or as individuals. But check you do have insurance cover before you come along.
!!FOR SALE!!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the organisers directly, we’ll do our best to answer your concerns.
Hello
