During the summer of 2011, the Backwater Choke in Speedwell Mine recieved some more attention after a 19 years break. Armed with digging tools, the choke was soon passed into a large ascending passage to climb up into the base of a large aven, 6 m wide, 10 m long and approx 25 m high.1st Aven of Backwater Aven Extension. © Shaun Puckering

The aven was climbed for 30 m into a small passage, a further choke was passed into a large ascending passage to a blind dome. A 6 m climb reached a further choke which is currently being dug.
Picture by: Shaun_Puckering

For more information and the full story, see: Peak District Caving Website

Cavers visiting Speedwell Cavern should be aware that this is an active dig and are asked to avoid everything above the base of the first aven until the chokes have been properly stabilised and the pitches properly rigged.

Thanks - The Backwater Aven Project.

News Flash

Victoria Aven Safety Notice - 26/09/2022

It had been reported to the Peak Cavern keyholders that there is a damaged section of rope in Victoria Aven - this whole area has now been completely re-rigged and the very large boulder assessed and can now again be included in the list of possible trips within the system.

However, there are still loose rocks of varying sizes which could easily be displaced and could cause serious damage/harm so please exercise extreme caution!