gPOTHOLING  You
don’t have to ascend to explore. If you can overcome any claustrophobic
fears you will find another world below your feet. Caverns, stalactites,
and amazing underwater pools are all there to be experienced.
On this thoroughly mapped world, opportunities to set foot where no-one
has ever been before, is the main lure of caving. To be able to fulfil
this ambition almost literally on your doorstep spells adventure of a unique
kind, an outdoor pursuit that uses many other skills - camping, mountaineering,
orienteering, diving - as tools of the trade. It is the ultimate 'wild
sport'.
Caving tends to attract two main types of people. Sporting cavers are usually
young and cave for the combination of the physical feat and for the thrill
of exploration. The other type of caver describe the activity as scientific
study of caves and their geology. Which ever you are it is recommended
that cavers receive some basic training from a recognised organisation
or operator before making their first descent.
Compared to its neighbours, Scotland is not blessed with plentiful caverns
but there are limestone caves to provide thrills and others still remain
to be discovered. Caving - or 'speleology' to give it its proper title-
allows for plenty of intellectual exercise too. Few Scottish caves have
been studied properly before.
There are a few caving clubs in Scotland. The premier organisation is the
Grampian Speleological Group, based in Edinburgh but with a National membership.
Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities also have clubs but for insurance purposes
these are limited to students, staff and graduates.
The G.S.G welcomes beginners over the age of 18, and provide trips as 'tasters'
before signing up new members. Simply contact them on the emails below.
There are no full-time commercial caving ventures in Scotland.
Links:
TOURIST BOARD
www.visitscotland.com/adventure
SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD
ORGANISATIONS
www.british-caving.org.uk
BRITISH CAVING ASSOCIATION
www.nca.org.uk NATIONAL CAVING ASSOCIATION
www.gsg.org.uk GRAMPIAN SPELEOLOGICAL
GROUP
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