LUSS in Spain: List of Caves Recorded by LUSS
This page is currently being developed using the information from LUSS
Expeditions 1972-present.
Latitude and longitude references are taken from the map:- Edicion
Militar No. 56, 1st edition 1943, Direction General del Instituto
Geographico y Catastral (Carrena-Cabrales) Scale 1:50 000.
The areas described can be found on the
Location Maps page.
Caves by Area
Tresviso Area
Top Camp - Andara/Sara Region
Middle Camp '78
Pico Del Moro Area
Sierra de la Corta
Marniosa Sink Region
Grajal Depression
Valdominguero Area
Mazarrassa Mine Area
Some caves are described seperately since their description is quite
large.
Tresviso Area
From cave no. 50 onwards the numbers given in the text are painted on
the cave entrances.
No.2 Mine with natural shaft.
Lat. 43 15' 35" Long. 0 57' 55"
Explored Length 100m
Location:
Follow the path from Urdon to Tresviso and after the steep section turn
off right in front of the first cabana. Climb over the small ridge to
the head of the steeply descending gorge.
Entrance:
A small but obvious entrance which has an adjacent spoil heap.
Description:
An old cobalt mine level, continues to 10m natural shaft. The shaft was
descended for 13m with possible continuation. There are further mine
workings in the Sobra Valley.
No.3. C.23.
Lat. 43 15' 40" Long. 0 58' 32"
Explored length 25m
Location:
The entrance is 600m from the Tresviso bar, slightly above and to the
east of the village, on the lower slopes of the ridge. It is level with
and 100m to the west of two cabanas.
Entrance:
A very large obvious entrance in the hillside.
Description:
The entrance leads into a large chamber decorated with innumerable old
formations. No way on from the chamber was found.
No.4. La Torca Cueto.
Lat 43 15' 25" Long. 0 58' 45"
Explored length 60m, Depth 65m.
Location:
Approx. 250m from the Tresviso bar, the entrance is on the small ridge
to the south of the village, just over the crest.
Entrance:
Two closely placed, obscure entrances, approx. 2m across and found
amongst the rock outcrops.
Description:
The two entrance shafts join 40m down and continue to a boulder, bone
and rubbish floor. A small passage leads off at the bottom and ends
after 60m in a boulder choke.
No.5. La Cueva de Tresviso.
(not the local name)
Lat. 43 15' 28" Long. 0 58' 48"
Explored length 200m, Depth 30m
Location:
The entrance is on a flat cultivated area of land, 100m east
of the Tresvso bar.
Entrance:
A large obvious shakehole which is surrounded by trees and
the local cheese caves, contains the 8m high entrance. The stream which
runs through Tresviso sinks into this cave.
Description:
Apparently phreatic, the tube descends steeply for 200m
over a floor of boulders and rubbish. The cave ends with a silted,
impassable sump pool.
No.6. Cueva Muerte.
Lat. 43 15' 35" Long. 0 58' 52"
Explored length 200m
Location:
Approaching Tresviso from Urdon, turn right after the first group of
houses, on the right, in the village.
Entrance:
The entrance is large and immediately obvious, placed in a small cliff.
There is a further, smaller entrance just around the corner.
Description:
This cave is used as the village cess pit, so beware of the many small
inlets from local lavatories. the passages all have mud floors which
eventually meet the roof. A 6m climb up mud and calcite at the end of
the main rift may lead to a continuation via an aven. Near the second
entrance, in the left hand wall, there is a series of narrow rift
passages which end in loose boulder chokes and a further rubbish choked
entrance.
No.7. Three Small Caves.
Lat. 43 15' 38" Long. 0 58' 56"
Location:
From Tresviso walk 200m up hill along the valley between La Mesa and
the northern ridge.
Entrances:
There are three small entrances within 30m of each other in the valley
floor.
Descriptions:
a.) Easterly entrance, approx. 30m long and ends in a small but well
decorated chamber.
b.) Upper Entrance, passage continues for 8m to a small chamber,
way on too tight.
c.) Lower Entrance, this cave might repay further investigation as a
strong draught blows out of the entrance. The passage is tight and was
followed for 20m before becoming impassable.
No.8. La Cueva de Conjtina.
Lat 43 15' 0" Long. 0 58' 52"
Surveyed length 250m, Depth 30m
Location:
Follow the indistinct path leading off from the main track to Sobra,
just past the last house in Tresviso. The path leads to a cabana after
0.5km of descent. The entrance is 70m south east of the cabana on the
downhill side of a large boulder.
Entrance:
The entrance is very difficult to find, being low, narrow and in the bank.
Description:
After a short, tight, entrance section, the cave passage opens up a
little and descends to a choke. A passage taking off on the right,
leads past a shaft (not descended) to a climb up a mud bank and 5m high
vadose passage. At the end, a crawl reaches a low, well decorated
chamber. The passage continue s low and starts to ascend. A shaft is
passed by an awkward traverse to a more roomy continuation and a
further shaft (10m not descended). A passage on the left leads to
another pitch and aseries of choked rifts.
The cave was discovered and explored by the people of Tresviso and may
be part of an old resurgence. Descent of the various shafts may lead to
further passages as the cave draughts strongly.
Survey
Survey(retraced)
No.9. La Torca las Garmas.
Lat 43 17' 42" Long 0 58' 55"
Depth 65m
Location:
Follow the path from Corrales Aravanes up past El Ortigal and the group
of largely deserted cabanas. The path runs southwards along the western
side of the valley, and the entrance is 50m below it, approx. 500m past
the cabanas.
Entrance:
The entrance (3m across) is obscure, hidden amongst the rock out-crops
on the valley side. A tree grows in the entrance, but does not stand
proud of it.
Description:
An entrance pitch of 30m leads into a rift and this descends in two
further steps of 25m and 20m before becoming too tight.
No.10. La Torca Ustacares.
Lat 43 17' 40" Long 0 58' 57"
Depth 40m
Location:
Follow the path from La Torca las Garmas, south for 500m to where the
Collada Hermosa ridge can just be seen. The shaft is in a small
depression which the path passes through.
Entrance:
Just to the left of the path is a large tree and this hangs over the
large rift entrance.
Description:
This is a large solid-walled shaft which ends in a boulder floor. In
August there was a pile of snow at the bottom.
No. 11. Cueva del Rio Chico.
Lat 43 14' 32" Long 0 59' 8"
Location:
Follow the canal for 1km down from La Cueva del Agua. On the sharp bend
in the canal (after walking through a tunnel on planks supported above
the water) one finds a sluice gate and a cave entrance.
Entrance:
The entrance has been modified by blasting and lies on the fault. A
stream issues from the cave and joins the canal.
Description:
The passage has been enlarged by blasting for the first 200m and the
stream is carried by a man-made canal. This has re-directed the stream
from its previous route which was down a steep fault-guided rift that
we did not explore. A further 100m of walking and climbing leads, via a
series of deep pools, to a sump, very large and clear. Possible
continuations include steep upward slopes (see survey) and a draughting
but impassably tight hole above the sump. Engineers had worked
extensively in the cave, penetrating as far as the sump, presumably
when the canal and hydro were built.
Survey
Retraced Survey
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 28.
No.12. Bulls Head Hole.
(not the local name)
Lat 43 14' 50" Long 0 59' 22"
Explored length 15m, Depth 15m
Location:
Follow the track from Tresviso towards Sotres for 600m and walk for
100m down from it on the left hand side.
Entrance:
The entrance is a small shaft at the bottom of a steep grass-sided
depression, surrounded by trees.
Description:
The 15m entrance pitch drops into a passage running eastwards for 15m
before choking.
No. 13. Cueva Del Agua.
Full description and Surveys.
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9,
No. 28 and
No. 36.
No.14. Cave.
Lat 43 15' 5" Long 1 0' 5"
Explored length 30m
Location:
Follow the track from Tresviso towards Sotres and turn left at the
wall, 100m before the Sobra gate. The entrance is 300m from the track
on the far side of the small hill to the South.
Entrance:
There are two small entrances close together amongst the rock outcrops.
Description:
The entrances lead to two large connecting chambers with no way on.
No. 15. La Cueva Mueria.
Lat 43 15' 2" Long 1 0' 22"
Location:
South side of the Sobra Valley. On a bearing of 227 degrees from the
bridge below the Sobra dam.
Entrance:
There is a large entrance which is crossed by a wall and surrounded by
nettles.
Description:
A winding phreatic tunnel 7m wide and 4m high forks after 35m. Left
lowers to a bedding plane choked with calcite, right goes to another
fork. Ahead a narrow headed rift, ends as a small aven, whilst to the
right, a climb down into a chamber gives a choice of three ways on.
Sharp right leads to a 10m blind pitch. Ahead is a lowering passage
which seems to have been artificially blocked to create a cheese store,
the walled entrance to which is on the left. Here a high rift
containing rotten wooden shelves, doglegs sharply and opens to a 7m
high chamber with some fine old flowstone.
From here, a downward slope ends in a small aven, while up to the left
a climb up calcite with two holes on the right leads into a small
passage ending in a choked chamber. The whole cave is dry and contains
many old massive formations.
Survey
Retraced Survey
No. 16. La Torca Mordal.
Lat 43 17' 2" Long 1 0' 22"
Location:
This shaft is situated near a solitary tree on the edge of a cliff. The
tree can be seen to the right of the path leading from the Cabanas de
Llau to Tamamdon, when the Tamandon-Oceno valley comes into view.
Descended by Kinswood Caving Group (Reading) to a large chamber and
choke.
A little further along the same path, just before the climb down to
Tamandon, another shaft was noted, but was not descended. There are
probably many other shafts in this area.
No. 17. La Cueva Calvenga.
Lat 43 17' 6" Long 1 0' 55"
Location:
From Cabanas de Tamamdon, looking northwards towards Oceno, a large
cave entrance can be seen on the eastern side of the valley.
Entrance:
The entrance is well above the valley floor and about 500m from
Tamandon. Several other large entrances were seen in 1974, but not
visited, further down the valley. All entered by Kingwood Caving Group
in 1975 (see Report).
No. 18.
Lat 43 15' 35" Long 1 0' 50"
Depth 50m
Location:
Go towards Sotres along the Sobra Valley and proceed for 75m past the
very sharp bend. The entrance is 4m from the track, up the right hand
side.
Entrance:
The entrance cannot be seen from the track and is a 4m wide hole in the
rock.
Description:
A fine abseil leads to a boulder choked floor.
18A. Torca Tajadura.
Lat 43 16' 00" Long 1 01' 10"
Location:
Cross the ridge running parallel to the Tresviso-Sotres track at the
first break after the sharp bend. This leads into the valley of the
cabanas de Tajadura. Beyond the stream opposite the cabanas is the
entance.
Description:
The 3m by 2m descending rift is loose and tight, but opens up after 20m
into a 5m passage. A further 10m pitch ends in a tight, impassable
squeeze.
18B. Torca Hogo Nial.
Lat 43 15' 45" Long 1 01' 50"
Location:
From 18A follow obvious valley up opposite side of the depression,
bearing right on to rocks.
Entrance:
The mouth of the big, round shaft is surrounded by rocks and trees.
Description:
A 45m shaft with large canyon passage leading off. One direction goes
to a sink, the other direction ends in a boulder choke.
18C. Torca Comino Slaguniosu.
Lat 43 15' 50" Long 1 01' 55"
Location:
Follow path skirting around spur beside 18B for about 20 minutes.
Entrance:
Obvious entrance, just to the left of the path.
Description:
A 12m pitch is followed by twin pitches. One chokes after 10m and the
other, not decended, looked unpromising.
18D.
Lat 43 16' 00" Long 1 01' 55"
Location:
From 18C walk back down the path and take the left fork. Follow this as
it curves back upwards.
Entrance:
Tight rift in cliff face, is marked by large boulder in front of, and
partly concealing, the entrance.
Description:
Old cheese cave. Low passage leads into first store cave, where broken
ladders indicate way on into further small chambers.
No. 19. Cueva De La Marniosa.
Full description and Survey.
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9.
No.20. Numerous sinks.
Lat 43 15' 0" Long. 1 1' 40"
Location:
A number of streams form on the sandstone at the head of the Sobra
Valley. Several of these form the head waters of the Sobra stream, but
all of those forming below the track, on the south side of the
sandstone and the limestone, there are at least four large sink holes
and numerous shafts to be seen.
No. 21. Cueva C.29.
Lat 43 14' 0" Long 1 2' 12"
Length 250m, Depth 150m
Location:
From the head of the Sobra Valley follow the track towards Sotres.
After the narrow pass there is a T-junction and the right hand track is
taken. Shortly after this more level ground is encountered and the
track passes through a shallow grassy depression. To the right and left
of the track are large steep sided dolines. C29 is marked on the small
cliff above the entrance to the cave, just 30m to the left of the
track. A small stream sinks further back up the dry valley, in which
the entrance is situated.
Entrance:
The entrance was excavated and is a small hole between boulders in the
rock face.
vv
Description:
Once through the entrance squeeze, there is a 2m climb down into a
small chamber. A low passage leads off and the mud floor had initially
to be dug out to enable further progress. Muddy crawling leads to a
high narrow trench passage and the top of the first pitch. Loose
boulders necessitated the use of a wedged beam at the take off for this
pitch. At 5m down there is a narrow ledge and a further 11m pitch in a
large shaft. A climb and 4m pitch over a jammed boulder leads via a
stooping passage to a junction. A climb to the right, down a hading
fault formed rift, leads to a massive shaft. 23m down a clean wall
lands upon a spacious ledge. (No belay points). The shaft continues
with an awkward take off to a fine free-hanging abseil of 50m.
The passage, now more roomy, continues through various pools to a climb
and a furhter pitch with an awkward take off. Unfortunately, the
continuation becomes wet and low, soon sumping.
This cave is more typical of Yorkshire than Spain, but makes an
excellent days caving. If it drains towards Sotres and Tielve it has
500m of depth potential. Towards Tresviso it has considerably more.
Survey
Retraced Survey
No. 22. Region of many caves/sinks opposite track to C29.
Just across the track from C29, there were two bedding plane cave
entrances and a little further up the Valley a gated cheese cave.
Following this dry valley down northwards led to a large depression
draughting strongly through the boulders at its bottom. In the sides of
this depression were five cave entrances; three of which choked and
none of which were explored, but they were explored by SUSS in 1977.
No. 23. Series of sinks near Caballar
Following the track from C29 towards Sotres, near the cabanas of
Caballar, there is a large depression on the right hand side of the
track. In this depression at least twelve entrances were noted, two of
these were very large and one of the two had been previously descended
by a French group. This region has been explored by SUSS.
No. 24. Torca.
Lat 43 15' 35" Long 1 2' 22"
Depth 40m
Location:
Follow the track from Tresviso towards Sotres and 200m before the bend
at the head of the Sobra Valley, climb up and over the break in the
ridge. Once over the ridge, there is an obvious deep valley which can
be followed down to a number of large depressions.
Entrance:
A small stream sinks just befor the depression containing the shaft's
twin entrances.
Description:
The two shafts join near the bottom, and one can be free climbed for
the first 20m. At the bottom there is a large chamber with a crawl
leading off. Another visit would be worthwile.
No.25. Cave.
Lat 43 15' 35" Long 0 59' 45"
Explored length 25m
Location:
At the western end of La Mesa follow the dry valley north up towards
the ridge and then around to the east. At the junction of the sandstone
and the limestone, directly behind a lone cabana, lies the entrance.
Entrance:
Approx. 3m high, the entrance is situated in a small cliff face.
Description:
The entrance leads directly into a large chamber which is used for
housing goats in the winter. There is no way on.
No. 26. Cave.
Lat 43 15' 32" Long 0 58' 42"
Explored length 40m.
Location:
From No.7 (Three small caves) walk 400m east. The entrance is 10m above
the wall which marks the start of the rough pasture.
Entrance:
A small entrance in the hillside which is approx 1m across.
Description:
The rocky entrance leads via a squeeze, to a climb and a small chamber.
From the chamber, a descending rift can be followed for 20m to a corner
and then a further 20m to a calcite choke.
NOTE: THE MAJORITY OF THESE CAVES ARE INCLUDED ONLY FOR
COMPLETENESS AND EVEN WITH THESE DIRECTIONS MAY BE DIFFICULT TO LOCATE
WITHOUT A LOCAL GUIDE.
No. 40. The Hole of the Rotten Sheep.
Lat 43 15' 45" Long 0 59' 30"
Length 25m. Depth 66m.
Location:
Above 'La Mesa', near Tresviso village. From Tresviso follow path
climbing up on the eastern end of 'La Mesa', following a small valley
at the junction of the sandstone and the limestone. Once you reach the
plateau, continue for about 300m until you reach three cabanas. The
entrance lies 100m up the slope, above the last of these cabanas.
Entrance:
The entrance is hidden in a rock outcrop. It is about 2m long, and 0.5m
wide, with a large boulder straddling the drop. (This makes a good belay).
Description:
Below the entrance is a pitch of about 40m down a shaft which bells out
slightly to a cross-section of 4m by 3m. There are numerous ledges,
covered with loose boulders, mud and dead sheep. The rock is rotten
and brittle. A parallel aven can be entered at one point on the
descent. At the foot of this shaft is a boulder floored chamber, into
which both avens enter. Two parallel pitches of 16m lead into a lower
chamber from which a small stream trickles down a further 10m, which
can be free-climbed. At the foot of the climbs, a small rift passage
can be followed towards Tresviso for about 6m and then becomes
impassably tight.
No. 41. Cueva 41.
Lat 43 14' 50" Long 1 00' 5"
Length 20m plus.
Location:
South side of the Urdon Gorge. Follow the track toward La Cueva del
Agua from Tresviso. Beyond Invernales de las Espinas turn right and
follow path which traverses along the gorge side. After 200m turn left
at fork and descend to the floor of the gorge. Ascend once more on the
far side until the path traverse without rising or descending. After
about 150m a large cave entrance can be seen about 100m above the path.
Entrance:
The entrance is a large solution hollow, used by goats.
Description:
On the left hand side of the entrance chamber a short climb leads to an
old phreatic tube. the passage is 2m high and 1m wide and twists and
turns tortuosly. It continued for 20m with no end. Might be worth a
return visit.
No. 42 C42. - Two Caves
No. 43. Railway tunnel Cave.
No 44. Las Minas de los Ingleses.
No. 45. Armadillo Lodge.
No. 46. La Cueva de Resplenda.
Survey(scaned image)
Survey(retraced)
No. 47. Torca 51.
No. 47a.
No. 48. La Torca Grande.
No. 49. Skull Cave.
No. 50. La Cueva de Valdediezmo.
v
No 51. Chough Cave.
Middle Camp.
Map of Middle Camp Area.
T64
Location:
Follow lower track to end, then take bearing 300 degrees for 150m.
Entrance:
On flat ridge exposed shaft by erosion.
Description:
20m shaft, bells out slightly but chokes with flat bottom.
T65
Location:
Take a bearing of 190 degrees through trees after reaching the end of the upper track. T65 is
on the edge of a rocky outcrop.
Entrance:
Open shaft 7m across.
Description:
Vertical drop of 50m to snowplug.
T66
Location:
Immediately adjacent to T65.
Entrance:
Open shaft.
Description:
20m shaft to snow plug.
T67
Location:
Continue on the bearing of 190 degrees
for another 50m from T65.
Entrance:
Shakehole on exposed ridge.
Description:
Narrow rift 15m long is open on one side of the
shakehole. This drops 28m to a snow covered floor.
In the bottom corner of the shakehole a 10m passage
leads into an impassable, tight rift.
T68
Location:
To right of upper track. Obvious and marked with painted white arrow on the floor.
Entrance:
Open shaft 15m across.
Description:
30m drop to snowplug. Shaft narrows to 10m.
T69
Location:
In depression adjacent to T68.
Entrance:
Small draughting hole at farthest point from track.
Description:
7m pitch to squeeze and 3m climb into small chamber. A rift
leads off, this draughts strongly but is too tight.
T90 Elusive Pot.
Location:
From cairn bear at 130 degrees for 30m.
Entrance:
1m wide hole in grass and rocks.
Description:
33m shaft with passage at bottom, this chokes.
T94
Location:
At 30 degrees to T68 traverse to the right of a large rock outcrop.
Drop into right hand side of depression.
Entrance:
Boulder choke.
Description:
5m pitch through choke to small chamber and another 3m climb.
This leads into a passage with chokes in two directions.
T95
Location:
150m below T68 but on left of track.
Entrance:
Hole in rock wall immediately below track.
Description:
5m pitch to rift with another 20m pitch, chokes.
T99. All Down Pot.
Location:
Where track takes a right turn about T68, drop down and
skirt to farthest side of shakehole. This leads to a rock ridge.
Continue for 100m to small cairn and drop down to left for 18m.
Entrance:
Small open hole among rocks.
Description:
56m shaft opens slightly towards floor but chokes with flat bottom.
3.2. Fallen Bear Hole.
Full description.
Sara Region.
Sketch map the Sara Region
Top Camp Sketch
Sara
Full Description and Surveys
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9,
No. 39.
2.20
Lat 43 12' 30" Long 1 01' 10"
Location:
Above SARA mine.
Description:Large, loose rift by water pool. About 30m of
easy walking mine passage to choke.
2.21
Lat 43 12' 25" Long 1 01' 15"
Location:
Above 2.20
Description:
Small climb splits into two passages. One chokes after 6m; the other is
small and loose, leading into a mined chamber. This chokes but daylight
enters from a nearby shaft.
2.22
Lat 43 12' 30" Long 1 01' 20"
Location:
A few metres NW of 2.21.
Description:
Mined. 2.5 second free-fall stone down shaft. May join SARA. Worth
investigation.
2.23
Lat 43 12' 30" Long 1 01' 15"
Location:
East of 2.22
Description:
Snow-plug entrance has two passages above it. One, a roof tunnel, sinks
to boulders, the other is a deep shaft, undescended, needing another
visit.
2.24. Tere.
Full description and survey
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9 and
No. 15.
2.1
Lat 43 12' 20" Long 1 01' 05"
Location:
West of 2.24.
Description:
Small snow plug in old mine entrance. After 3m the passage sumps, but
as mine props continue further in, this must have been passable at some
time.
2.2
Lat 43 12' 25" Long 1 01' 10"
Location:
Directly beneath SARA mine, at base of spoil heap.
Description:
10m shaft is choke at the bottom by mine debris. Possibly a faint noise
of running water.
2.25
Lat 43 12' 30" Long 1 01 05"
Location:
South east of 2.1.
Description:
2m by 5m entrance, with snow slope appearing to overhang a ledge 7m
below.
2.26
Lat 43 12' 15" Long 1 01' 05"
Location:
South east of 2.25.
Description:
Tight entrance leads into low passage, ending after 6m.
2.27
Lat 43 12' 15" Long 1 01' 00"
Location:
Above 2.26.
Description:
Twin entrances. On the right a low and wet mine passage forks after
20m; one chokes after 10m, the second is blocked by a roof fall after
15m. Left narrow entrance leads into higher passage with shored roof,
which also chokes.
2.28
Lat 43 12' 25" Long 1 01' 10"
Location:
North west of 2.1.
Description:
Entrance filled with mining debris, but a small gap on the righthand
side could be cleared enogh to enter.
2.30
Lat 43 12' 10" Long 1 01' 05"
Location:
South of 2.27 in line with the ruined cabana by the track.
Description:
8m passage splits into several others, all of which choke quickly.
2.31
Lat 43 12' 20" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
South of upper cabana.
Description:
A mine named G-UVAS. 20m into the cave a 15m pitch lands on loose
rubble floor.
2.32
Lat 43 12' 15" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
South east of 2.31.
Description:
The entrance is beside an ice plug into -
2.32a
A mine passage, with some water, which continues for 250m before ending
abruptly after a climb up a boulder slope. Various side passages remain
unexplored.
2.33
Lat 43 12' 15" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
North of 2.32.
Description:
Stone wall on the North side marks the entrance. A 2m drop on to a small
ledge with a horizontal snow plug leads upward to unexplored passage.
2.34
Lat 43 12' 20" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
10m above 2.33.
Description:
8m of passage leads to the bottom of a 5m pitch emerging in daylight
again.
2.35
Lat 43 12' 10" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
South east of 2.33.
Description:
Low chamber leads to a passage with a 20m natural shaft in the floor.
The passage continues for another 30m before reaching a 10m pitch in a
rift. Some evidence of mining in the roof. Neither pitch was descended.
2.36
Lat 43 12' 10" Long 1 00' 55"
Location:
5m South west of 2.35, at the top of a scree slope.
Description:
10m passage is choked by mining spoil, and a mine level to the right
ends after 12m.
2.40
Lat 43 12' 25" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
East of upper cabana above Sara track.
Description:
6m shaft and 3m boulder slope leads to a small chamber, choked with
boulders and pitprops.
2.41
Lat 43 12' 15" Long 1 00' 45"
Location:
South east of 2.40, on the spur running parallel to the track.
Description:
Entrance to this mine level, is at the top of an obvious spoil heap. A
series of small trial levels all choke before 10m
2.42
Lat 43 12' 20" Long 1 00' 45"
Location:
East of lower cabana above the spur.
Description:
A small chamber is blocked by ice stals, but a small entrance, 5m lower
down, reaches a 15m undescended hading ladder climb.
2.43
Lat 43 11' 55" Long 1 00' 45"
Location:
Just below ridge on horizon, above the lower cabana.
Description:
Very large, obvious entrance, has been blasted to 7m diameter. The mine
level in the back leads, after 12m, to the top of a chamber 6m deep,
with a further 9m slope. the mine level continues beyond, but was not
explore due to collapsed wooden bridge.
2.5
Lat 43 12' 35" Long 1 01' 10"
Location:
Entering Sara depression, take old road leading off to the right for
about 100m.
Description:
Natural shaft 50m deep with 15m diameter entrance. At the pitch bootom
a rift continues. Not fully explored.
3.1
Lat 43 13' 15" Long 1 00' 50"
Location:
Just below the Beges track, at the base of a small east-facing cliff.
Description:
Small hole leads to 30m natural shaft. Several short passages end quickly.
3.2
Lat 43 13' 15" Long 1 00' 25"
Location:
At the bottom of a large inclined depression 275m below the Beges
track. A cairn by the road marks the depression.
Description:
Slightly inclined shaft, widening to 7m by 3m at a ledge after 35m.
This becomes narrow again and possibly descends another 45m. Needs
further investigation.
2.5.This is not placed as shown on the 1978 area map
and has not been found since 1977. It was probably confused with
one of the other entrances now labelled differently.
T163.
Lat: 43 12'57" Long: 1 1'40"
Location:
Follow the track towards Sotres for 300m down from the White House
to where the ground rises up on the right. The entrance is found lOm from
the track on the right.
Entrance and Description:
A 3m by 2m moss covered natural shaft 12m deep
to a small chamber. A low section leads to another larger chamber with the
continuation blocked by boulders.
T87. Mazarraza.
Lat and Long: as for T91.
Location:
5m from the White House.
Entrance:
A stooping timbered entrance and dam leads to wading passage.
Description: Pass two dams to Mazarraza cave system
(see LUSS 1977) - the large shaft on the right hand side. The
mine continues for some distance with a number a short natural
sections, but with nothing of great interest. However some of
the high level works have not been explored.
T88.
Lat: 43 12'43" Long: 1°01'30"
Location:
Climb up the spoil heap above T87 to the first level ground.
The entrance is on the left lOm from the spoil edge.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m square, muddy floored, mined entrance can be followed for
70m to a junction both ways on soon choke but one drauqhts strongly.
T.89.
Lat: 43 12'43" Long: 1 01'30"
Location:
Just above T88.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m square obvious walk in mine entrance with muddy floor.
The level splits after 25m but both ways soon end with roof collapses.
T91. RCA 6 - Lower White House Mine - Boulderosa - Italianos.
Lat 43 12' 43" Long: 1 01' 27"
Location:
30m from the mining (White House) house beside the track from
Sotres to Beges.
Entrance:
A large mined entrance in the cliff face just above and on the right of
the track.
Description:
This is the lower entrance to an extensive mine in which
we found much natural development. The mines RCA6, ltalianos and
Rosario (T144) link through to this level, coming down from the
Lake Depression. From the T91 level a number of
natural and mined workings continue down and these include the
spiral staircase and RCA6 lower level plus
Boulderosa and the area
beyond the aerial walkway. This final area was briefly
mentioned in LUSS 1977, but was more fully explored this year.
Beyond the Aerial Walkway
From T91 entrance by the White House continue straight
along the mine level, pass the dam and take rhe right
fork. Continue to the extensive wooden floored and
dangerous walkways. Traverse over the beams until
reaching the third collapse area
where it is safer to descend the lOm pitch to a lower,
large ledge and climb back up 1nto the passage at the
other side of the collapse. Soon afterwards on the left
is a large natural shaft best descended through an eyehole
round to the right. A 17m pitch leads to a traverse over a
wooden platform and 25m pitch in a mined rift. The rift
continues to a choke.
We think that T91 level and below have now been fairly fully explored.
Survey
Boulderosa Description
Italianos Description
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9.
T144. Rosario.
Lat: 43 12'39" Long: 1 01' 46"
Location:
On the south side of the Lake Depression and just above
the lake. It lies between Italianos and RCA 6 mines
Entrance:
A 2m by 2m walk in mine entrance.
Description:
After 20m the mine passage spllts and right
leads to an 8m pitch. The scree descent leads to a 28m
pitch and extensive unexplored series ending in the T91
(Lower White House) mine level. The original left fork
was not explored.
T101.
Lat: 43 12'38" Long: 1 01'30"
Location:
From the square pond above the White House following
the zig-zag path south up the scree and into the valley.
Follow the path up to the head of the valley past TllO
and climb up to the spoil floor beside the mined entrance.
Entrance:
A lOm long by up to 5m wide mined fault rift.
Description:
Descend the southern end down the scree to the head of a lOm pitch
wlth snow floor. From the bottom two routes lead off, one via a 7m
pitch to a flooded mine level, the other leadlng to a 25m pitch and
mflne continuation. An interesting position on the fault and well
worth further investigation.
T121.
Lat: 43 12'35" Long: 1 02'8"
Location:
Continue along the track past the lake, in the
Lake Depression and from the shale mound branch
right up the scree to thbase of the cliffs. Follow
the path along the base of the cllffs over the small
col between the cliffs and the large upstanding rock.
Carry straight on past the slanting
path up the cliffs whlch is the route to the 56
depression. Continue in thls direction until
reaching a large depression near the head of the
Lake Depression. The moss covered lake drains to
a small sink.
Entrance:
A small hole, 3m from the
sink, drops into the cave.
Description:
Follow the tight vadose trench down a 4m climb and
continue for a few metres until an impossibly tight
bedding plane is reached.
T143.
Lat: 43 12'32" Long: 1 01'46"
Location:
From the square pond take the left fork off the Lake
Depression track and continue past the fault valley
to the massive flat floored depression. Follow the SW
track from the entrance to the depression for approximately
500m past T145 (LUSS 1) to just before the point where it
starts to descend to mine RCA 22. The entrance is rlght,
beside and to the left of the track.
Entrance:
A lOm long by lm wide natural rift.
Descriptlon:
Two separate 50m shafts
connect at the bottom. The continuing
passage was propped and unstable. It was not explored.
T151.
Lat: 43 12'23" Long: 1 01'47"
Location:
From T143 continue along the track for 20m and
take the left fork up for about 200m. The
entrance is close to and on the north slde
of the track.
Entrance and Description:
A snow plugged N to S natural rift 30m deep
and inclined at 70 degrees. The rift becomes
too narrow.
T153.
Lat and Long: same as T151.
Location:
25m above and south of T151.
Entrance and Description: A large, natural, snow-plugged,
crescent-shaped shaft. At the eastern end a climb down
behind the snow plug to a large chamber. A lot of mine
debris was held up by rotting beams and the dangerous
descending passage, down the scree was not followed.
T154. CUESTA.
Lat and Long: same as T123.
Location:
Pass the square pond and continue a short way
into the Lake Depression. Take the track first
left up the side of the depression and follow
it over the fault rift into the massive, flat
floored depression riddled with unexplored
mines. Cuesta lies
in the back wall of the depression just above the
floor.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m by 2m walk in entrance. The lower entrance to T123 "ROSA".
T145. POZO DEL CASTILLO.
Description and Surveys.
T147.
Lat and Long: same as T145.
Location:
Pass the massive flat floored depression and continue
along the mining track to T145. The entrance is
20m below the track and opposite T145.
Entrance:
A natural cave entrance enlarged by mining and
entered through a natural arch.
Description:
20m of walking size natural passage leads via a
3m climb to mined passage. A hole in the floor
on the right is the only way on and leads down a
rubble slope to a wooden platform over a 20m shaft.
From the bottom a maze of mined passages lead
off with a 30m undescended pitch.
T150.
Lat and Long: same as T145.
Location:
Twenty metres south of T145 at the base of a smail cliff,
in a large rift.
Entrance and Description:
Walk in natural entrance with 10m continuation to choke.
T146.
43 12'26" 1 01'44"
Location:
From T145 follow the rift uphill and southwards for lOOm.
Entrance and Description:
A large mined rift plugged with snow at the north end,
but can be descended to the south. A lOm pitch
leads to a connection with the north end beneath a
boulder bridge.
T152.
Lat and Long: same as T146.
Location: 10m west of the rift containing T146
Entrance and Description: A 3m wide natural shaft 15m
deep to a rubble floor.
T148.
Lat and Long: same as T146.
Location: About 20m from and above T146. From
T146 follow the line of the large rift with T150 at its lowest point.
v
Entance: A 2m by 1m natural shaft.
Description: A 17m pitch to a descent over
boulders and 8m pitch. A short handline climb drops you
to the head of a fine 23m rift pitch and shortly following
21m pitch split by a bridge of rock, but with no way on.
A series of tight rift passages can be followed from the
bottom of the 23m pitch, but all either choke with snow or
become impassable.
T149.
Lat and Long: same as T146.
Location:
2m north of T148.
Entrance and Description:
Small natural shaft 5m deep with no continuation.
T126.
Lat 43 12'30" Long 1 01'41"
Location:
West of Pico E1 Graja and forming the outer edge of the
Lake Depression is a N-S cliff line. The entrance lies
40m below the rockface. Following the track up the
southern side of the Lake Depression the left fork
just after T143 is taken. This track is followed to
its end at an unmarked mine entrance. The entrance is
on the limestone pavement just above the mine entrance.
Entrance and Description:
One of a line of shallow depressions one of which
has a lm wide natural shaft at the bottom. An 8m
pitch or climb leads to a choked boulder floor.
T127.
Lat: 43 12'23" Long: 1 01'28"
Location:
A number of tracks lead up towards Pico E1 Graja,
from the Long Cabanas and Southern flank of the
Lake Depression. Several routes converge to the
break in the cliff line immediately west of the
rocky peak. A good path follows the N-S valley
corresponding to the break to the south of the peak.
Something like lOOm up this valley and close to the
track lies the entrance.
Entrance and Description:
A long rift largely full of snow, but which can be
descended for 18m with no way on.
T128.
Lat: 43 12'28" Long: 1 01'21"
Location:
500m, along the track from T127. The entrance is 5Om
below the ruined cabana on the ridge.
Entrance and Description:
A very large, N-S,
natural fault rift with a 25m pitch to a rift which
chokes in both directions. The mine levels 30m down
the hill also choke.
T122.
43 12'43" l 01'40"
Location:
From the long cabanas take the track towards the
White House and on the bend branch off left along a
walled track.
Entrance:
On the edge of the obvious
flat spoil mound is a large 8m by 4m shaft with rock
bridge across the centre. Snow partly fills the shaft
and a passage leads off from the bottom. A second
entrance is in a rift above the first.
Description:
Walk down the rubble and over the snow into the mined out
natural passage to where the upper shaft joins it. Shortly
a 20m pitch is reached with three blind mined galleries at the bottom.
T124.
Lat and Long: same as Tl22.
Location:
Follow the path from above Tl22 running up the side of
Pico El Graja. The path
runs Northwards and after lOOm
forks. The entrance is just by the fork on the left of the
track.
Entrance:
Two 2m by 2m entrances side by side, one
descending steeply.
Description:
One level is short with a pool, the other slopes down at
45 degrees to a mined rift. Mined passage continues with spoil
climbs to another entrance 20m above. This entrance is not
marked.
v
T123. "Minas Rosa".
Lat: 43 12' 26" Long: 1 01' 23"
Location:
From the long cabanas walk north along the track
towards the White House. Take the first obvious track on the
left past T122 and follow it up to the level ground and spoil
in front of the mine.
Entrance:
An obvious 2m by lm walk in
adit entrance in a snow filled rift.
Description:
Walk in to a junction 20m from the entrance. The right
hand passage leads to an undescended pitch whilst straight
ahead for 200m leads to a 40m pitch. From the bottom the
right hand route has not been investigated, but left past
an undescended shaft leads to a 20m pitch through platforms
and a further lOm pitch. From the bottom, to the left, over
two shafts (the second having been followed down to a flooded
level) the mined level continues to T154 (CUESTA). All the workinqs
taking off this level are blind including the lOm natural
shaft 30 metres from the exit.
T125.
Lat and Long: Same as T123.
Location:
Up the Scree 40m to the north of T123.
Entrance:
A 4m by 3m walled shaft in level ground, mined along a rift.
Description:
A 40m mined natural shaft leads left from the bottom,
to an undescended shaft in the rift. Right continues
over a rock bridge to a lOm shaft. From the bottom a
passage leads to a further pitch and continuation,
below it, steps to a wooden platform. The pitch
continuation was not descended due to the dangerous
condition of the platform. A windlass and buckets
were still in place.
T111.
Lat: 43 12'28" Long: 1 01'13"
Location:
From the long cabanas follow the track which leads down
into the Sara depression. 50m from the last cabana and to
the left of the track, is the obvious entrance.
Entrance:
An obvicus, impressive, high fault rift
which has been enlarged by mining. It is 5m wide
and 30m long.
Description:
There are three
approximately 8m pitches leading down to a
junction and snow choked passage. There are
numerous short blind workings taking off the
fault rift, but no promising continuation as
mentioned in the 1978 report. The location on
Map 5 in the 1978 was incorrect, but is correct
in this report.
2.29.
Lat: 43 12'30" Long: 1 01'5"
Location:
From the long cabanas follow the track eastwards
down into the Sara depression. The track crosses
over and then runs down the northern side of a
sizeable valley. Where the ground levels out in
the valley floor,and is grassy,a path runs back
across the valley. The entrance is in the valley
bottom beside the path.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m square shaft, 8m deep to a draughtinq snow choke.
T98. "Fugaz".
Lat: 43 12' 30" Long: 1 01' 10"
Location:
From the long cabanas follow the track
eastwards down into the Sara depression.
The track crosses over and then runs down
the northern side of a sizeable valley.
The entrance lies 20m below the walled
crossover point, in the floor of the valley.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m by 1m hading natural entrance marked "Fugaz". It is a blind tunnel 25m long.
T70.
Lat and Long: same as T98
Location:
Level with T98, 30m from it, up on the south side of the valley.
Entrance and Description:
A small obscure entrance beneath a small rock face.
A 13m natural shaft leads via a short passage to a
small chamber and choke.
T83. "Karen".
Full Description.
T79. (T81)
Location:
Just south of T82.
Entrance:
An obvious lm wide east-west rlft runnDng through the ridge.
Description:
Can be entered anywhere along he rift,
but the easiest route Ln is he lowest, passing over
the rocking boulder. A steep boulder descent and
short climb lead to a snow floored chamber with light
entering. Left over the snow and down the rubble floored
passage leads to a further slope and the last pitch or
rope climb in Karen (T82). This is the easiest entrance into the
Karen-Sara mine complex.
T92.
Lat and Long: same as T82
Location:
6m west of T79.
Entrance:
4m square unstable walled shaft.
Description:
Approx. 15m to snow with a further 15m between the snow and the walls, leading into the Karen-Sara mine complex.
T84.
Lat and Long: same as Karen
Location:
6m west of T79.
Entrance:
4m square unstable walled shaft.
Description:
Approximately l5m to snow with a furvher
l5m between the snow and the walls, leading into the Karen-Sara m1ne complex.
T80.
Lat and Long: same as Karen
Location:
In the same rift as T79, but on the other side of the
ridge.
Entrance and Description:
A 3m square entrance in front of a small rock face
leads via a steep climb down, to the Karen-Sara mine complex.
T78.
Lat and Long: same as Karen
Location:
Just over the ridge and a few metres north of Karen, in a 20m
long, shallow valley.
A 3m by lm mined out, descending, natural rift.
Description:
The upper passage is blind whllst the lower leads,
via a short climb, into the Karen-Sara complex.
T97.
Lat and Long: same as Karen
Location:
Above Sara Mine and on the slope below .78.
Entrance and Description:
A large 8m wide natural shaft which has been mined. A clL=b
down the rubble slope at one side leads to a level with two
ways on, both of which are choked. On the NE side snow bIocks
all ways on.
T115.
Lat and Long: same as Karen.
Location:
Just South of T97 in the same long depression.
Entrance:
A 1.5m wide shaft.
Description:
A lOm pitch to snow and a lOm climb down
with a rope to the west 1eads into T97. To the east a 45 degree
rope descent down loose rubble for 150 feet leads down
into the Sara mine level very close to the start off Sara II.
There were a number of mine levels taking off which
were not checked out.
T159.
Lat and Long: same as T115
Location:
lOm SE of T115.
Entrance and Description:
A 12m wide shaft is easily climbed to a short
section of mined passage and choke.
T160.
Location:
20m south and at the same level as T115.
Entrance and Description:
A sloping rift entrance at the base of a cliff, which quickly chokes.
T157.
Lat: 43 12'25" Long: 1 Ol'l5
Location:
From the long cabanas walk east to the track
winding up the small ridge with Karen (T82)
etc. in it. Over the top of the ridge follow
the track down for 5Om toward Sara mine
overlooking the depression. The entrance is
below 2.21 and beside 2.20 on the edge of the track.
Entrance:
A 4m by 3m shaft connected to a 2m wide walk in entrance 8m from
and below it.
Description:
Walk down the entrance slope
over the snow beneath the shaft and continue via a low crawl to
2.21, which can be climbed with difficulty.
T158.
Location:
5m below 157.
Entrance and Description:
A lm w1de high mined rift leads down a steep rubble slope
to a snow filled chamber with visual connection to 2.22
shaft over the snow. Down on the left hand side leads to
blind or snow filled mined passages.
T161.
Lat and Long: same as T157
Location:
Below T158 and the track with a smaller track
leading to it.
Entrance and Description:
A 2m wide shaft requires a handline for the initial
7m descent leading to a blind mined passage.
SARA III.
Another entrance to the Sara System, chiefly explored by the SEII.
Location:
This is the easiest entrance into the Sara (II) deep
cave system (see Tresviso 78). From the entrance of
Sara mine continue past the original Sara (II) first
pitch in the floor of the mine, over the collapse to
the poLnt where Karen joins on the right. The Karen
link is a large, ascending, mined, natural passage.
Follow this passage for lOm and climb up 3m on the right,
into a higher mined series. Continue past the flooded shaft
for lOm and climb up to the right at the end. Here the mine
reaches a natural rift passage which can be followed to the
head of the first pitch.
Description:
A 3m pitch from a block
leads to a tight take off for a free hanging 34m pitch. From
the ledge the next 70m pitch continues with two bolt breaks
to a small ledge. The next pitch has only one breaR lOm down
and is then free for 115m. This reaches the boulder floor in
the Heinous Shaft just by the 52m final section of this 281m
shaft. This higher entrance makas the Sara system 13m deeper
at 648m, and must be one of the worlds more impressive shafts.
T77.
Lat: 43 12'14" Long: 1 01'02"
Location:
In the centre of a flat pavement area on top of the
large N-S spur coming down the centre of the southern
end of the Sara depression. A shale floored stream
gully lies to the east of the spur.
Entrance:
An impresslve 6m by lOm natural shaft, part filled with snow but with a
possible continuation.
Description:
It is probable that this was
descended, but all records were lost. It is worth further investiqation.
T71.
Lat: 43 11'31" Long: 1 02'43"
Location:
A track runs between Pico el Graja (overlooklnq the
Sara Depression from the west) and the cliff line to
the west of the peak. Take thls clear track and follow
it to the col with a startling view down to Potes. The
track then descends before climbing onto the E-W ridge
overlooking the Lake Depression. It follows the ridge
before levelling and going southwards across a grassy
area. The track finally turns west and descends the
rubble through the narrow gap between the two cliffs
to the collapse area and roofed section blasted from
the cliff face. Cross the snow covered section of
track (with care!) and lOOm further on leave it and
walk for 50m down to the focus of the most easterly
snow slope in the depression. The depression is
approximately 5OOm long: lies between
Lechugales, Evangelista and Arce peaks; faces S.E.
and is at a height of 2,200m. There are three shafts
next to each other near the snow focus.
T71A.
Nearest to the track in a large depression is a
lm by lm shaft. Below there is a rift and a lOm
pitch to a ledge. Snow is reached soon afterwards,
but this can be passed to a choked bedding plane.
T71B.
l5m west of T71A in a large shakehole is a
low entrance. This leads to a 15m sllde down
a rubble slope, a squeeze and a chamber with choke.
T71C.
5m WNW of T71A is a rift in a rocky
depression. It is a tight awkward 26m pitch
which chokes at the bottom.
T72.
Lat: 43 11'37" Long: 1 02'38"
Location:
From T71 walk towards the steep descent at the
end of the hanging valley. A large fissure
crosses the valley floor 60m from T71.
Entrance:
The entrance fissure is 5m long and lm wide with
vertical walls.
Description:
A 20m pitch leads to
a snow floor and rift continuation. The rift can be followed
to a further 20m descent and choke.
T73.
Lat: 43 11'30" Long: 1 02'43"
Location:
20m from T71C at a bearing of 40 degrees.
Entrance and Description:
Large fissure containing snow whlch can be descended down a
gulley from the surface. From the snow level, to the right a
25m pitch leads to a choked rift. To the left a 9m pitch leads
to a choke with possible continuation through tight squeeze.
T76.
Lat: 43 11'37" Long: 1 02'38"
Location:
80m from T71, directly across the valley floor.
Entrance and Description:
A lOm by lm rift which can be climbed for lOm to the head of a
12m pitch and further Sm descent to a choke.
T85.
Lat: 43 11'31" Long: 1 02'43"
Location:
lOm from T71 at the focus of the
snow slooe. Beneath the overhung snow edge.
Entrance and Description:
Climb down beneath the snow for
eight metres followinq the draughting tunnel. A tight
take off leads to an 8m pitch. Further descent leads
to a snow floor and 16m pitch to a choke.
T86.
Lat: 43 11'30" Long: 1 02'37"
Location:
In the same hanging valley as T71 but in the back wall
below Lechugales. The entrance is in the centre of the
back wall lOOm above the valley floor.
Entrance and Description:
A lOm deep snow doked shaft with two small entrances
at the top, which become too tight.
T162.
Lat: 43 11'38 Long: 1 02'30"
Location:
Follow the track to T71 and climb up the
scree to the right of the path immediately after the
blasted section. The entrance is 30m above the path at
the base of the ciiffs.
Entrance:
An obvious 5m wide cave entrance.
Description:
The entrance leads, by a rubble slope, down into a 30m by
lOm wide ehamber. A elimb up at the back of the chamber
leads to a elimb and decorated rift passage whieh ean be
followed for some distance to a choke. This is an interesting
example of large, old high altitude vadose development.
Mazarrasa Mine Area - LUSS Journal 1987
Following the track at the top of the slope above the White House leads
to a fork. Right leads on into the Lake Depression, whilst left goes
up to a vast area of mine overlooking the Lake Depression. After
passing the large open hole of the Rosario Complex the track leads via
a zig zag path to a small knoll. After the forth bend there are three
large holes labelled F, G and H on the map. H is the entrance to
T304.
Map of Mazarrasa Mine Area
Mazarrasa Area showing French (LSD) discoveries
T302
Location:
Situated approx 70m across from T304 on the left of the track.
Entrance:
Enlarged grike in shattered limestone pavement.
Description:
Narrow 8m deep shaft in shattered rock. Very small hole leading off at
the bottom.
T303
Location:
Immediately right of track 15m opposite T304.
Entrance:
A small hole at other end of T304 depression.
Description:
A crawl for a few feet leads into a crouch size chamber. A hole
in the left hand wall leads to a large shaft, 'a 7 second drop'.
Extensive hammering needed to allow descent. Oral connection with T304.
Worth returning to.
T304 - Clockwork Pot
Location:
As above
Entrance:
A hole under a rock wall at the base of a rubble floored depression.
Description:
Crawl forward into small chamber. Exit straight across leads to the
bottom of the 5m shafts of F and G. On the right on entering the
chamber is a rift. Sliding down and traversing forward leads to a p5.
A further traverse leads to a p70, 'Storrytime'. A squeeze through
boulders gives a climb down in a rift to a short crawl to the head of a
p5. Immediately beyond is an undescended p25 with an old bolt in the
top! Due to its position relative to Pozo del Castillo, this must be
investigated further.
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 37,
No. 39.
Valdominguero Area - LUSS Journal 1987
From the campsite in the Lake Depression go up steep slope (as for 56)
to a col and along a high valley parallel with the Lake Depression.
After approx 1km a grassy pond is reached. Ascend a steep rock slope
on the right and follow this round to the left. Continue until an
obvious large depression is reached below Baldominguero peak.
Sketch Map of Valdominguero Area
Sketch Map of French discoveries
List of French (L.S.D.) discoveries
T306
Entrance:
A 2m by 8m shaft.
Description:
Descend slope at W end with a rock bridge. Boulder choked 10m down.
T307
Entrance:
A long rift entrance.
Description:
Rift 10m deep to snow plug. Descends a further 5m between snow and rock.
T308
Entrance:
A long rift entrance.
Description:
Rift 9m deep to snow plug.
T309
Entrance:
At W end of rift is 1.5m diameter shaft.
Description:
Shaft 10m deep to snow plug. Smaller adjacent shaft gives a better
entrance on the same rift, approx. 15m to snow with a possible route
on.
T310
Entrance:
Small shaft under block, 5m W of T309 in same rift.
Description:
Shaft 12m-15m deep to snow.
T311
Entrance:
Shaft parallel to T310.
Description:
Shaft 6m deep to snow plug with a further drop of 5m.
T312
Entrance:
Small sloping rift entrance.
Description:
A 4m climb leads to a 3m pitch, choked by rock.
T313
Entrance:
Small cave entrance at bottom of shakehole.
Description:
A tight sloping passage leads for 4m to where it appears to open out
into a chamber. NOT ENTERED.
T314
Entrance:
Small rift entrance.
Description:
Boulder choked 6m down.
T315
Entrance:
Under north wall of snow filled gulley.
Description:
A climb down leads to a small slopng cave entrance. NOT ENTERED
T316 - Crystal Pot
Entrance:
Under small overhanging cliff near centre of depression.
Description:
A 10m handline climb over snow leads into chamber with snow and boulder
choke at bottom. A 13m pitch in hole in right wall is very loose.
Rift leads to 6m climb. Choked hole in floor. Large hading rift, full
of loose clay descends for 10-15m. Looks too tight.
T317
Entrance:
Rift 6m by 3m.
Description:
Rift 10m to snow plug.
T318
Entrance:
Rift 5m by 3m, next to T317.
Description:
Rift 5m deep to snow plug.
Grajal Depression
The Sara depression at its head splits into three main cirques.
From E to W, these are closest to the Collado San Carlos, the Vega del
Hoyo Oscuki and that under the cliff wall between Castillo del Grajal,
and Pico del Grajal de Abajo, (nece called the Grajal Depression).
From the Whire House take the track to the long cabanas, past the hole
in the spoil, contouring on grass under Castillo del Grajal. The Grass
leads into the Grajal Depression.
Sketch Map of Grajal Depression
T330
Entrance:
Approx. 150m N of 'long gash', below perched block on ridge.
Description:
A 12m sloping descent to choked floor. Welly sized hole to one side
emits slight draught and stones fall some way. Would need a LOT of
hammering.
T331
Entrance:
Obvious long gash on E ridge above minor depression.
Description:
A NW end walk down to snow plug. Hole below subsidiary entrance drops
between snow and rock for 10m to choke. At opposite end a 12m open
shaft and duck under wall leads into main rift. A short traverse ends
in steeply sloping 15m pitch to snow and boulder choke.
T332
Entrance:
A 2m by 3m hole, 6m from the base of crags above perched block.
Description:
A 25m pitch, with last section past unstable snow, choked at foot.
T333 - Unpainted
Entrance:
Obscure hole in grassy area in centre of slabs above the minor
depression. Level with obvious 'caves' in gully.
Description:
A fine 35m pitch, in two stages, ends in a chamber with mini snow pile
and no way on.
T334 - Unpainted
Entrance:
Large block filled hole in gully area above and to right (SW) of minor
depression.
Description:
Two alternative pitches of approx 6m drop through holes between block
to chamber. A 10m handline descent in NW corner leads to a 20m pitch
inlarge shaft, choked at foot.
T335
Entrance:
A 50 foot long gash just below ridge at edge of minor depression.
Description:
A 15m shaft to a snow choke.
T336
Entrance:
Above and approx SW of T334 is an area of limestone pavement with a 5m
by 8m hole in it.
Description:
A 5m scramble down ends in a 8m pitch onto snow pile. Various holes
between rock and snow lead to a similar choke after a further 8m.
T337
Entrance:
Obvious large shaft below T336.
Description:
A 10m pitch lands on snow. To SW of snow pile it is possible to slide
down another 5m-7m between rock and snow. Continues downs but appears
to get tight and unpleasant.
T338
Location:
To SW of minor depression and approx 100m further above it, is a line
of cliffs which eventually meet those at the back of the Grajal
depression. Follow the scree slope below them up until just before
they finish.
Entrance:
At the base of cliffs is a shaft.
Description:
Shaft is 25m deep to snow and rock choke.
T339
Entrance:
A 3m by 2m hole 50m down from T337.
Description:
Floor is visible 7m down, apparently choked. UNDESCENDED.
Marniosa sink region.
Starting from the first grassy area below Marniosa, walk up the valley
bottom and branch left uphill, up a very green area. The region is
about 1km away and is where the ground levels out again. Approx.
around map ref: lat 43 12' 42" long 1 02' 02"
T166 Soddit Pot.
Active streamway disappears into the ground at base of a beach tree.
20m pitch in twisting shaft leads to a damp 3m climb into chamber with
stream sinking in floor and no way on.
T167. Strawberry Pot.
A 10m deep shakehole leads to an easy climb down into rift passage with
stream. A 17m climb down the rift into the stream passage leads to a
further 23m descent to the head of a 9m pitch. The pitch lands in a
large chamber. The rift passage (rich in fossil remains) continues to
a tight squeeze, Strawberry -Jam. Beyond the streamway finishes after
100m with two small avens and a rift too narrow to negotiate. From the
Jam two passages lead upstream. On the left mole hole leads to a
stagnant duck and aven with 7m waterfall entering and sinking in
floor. The right hand passage again splits into ricks crawl, which
chokes after more stagnant water and Dave's crawl which ends in a small
chamber.
T168. Vampire Cottage.
By rock outcrop near T166. 4m of passage closing after sharp bend.
Pico Del Moro Region.
Sketch map of the Pico del Moro area
52.
53.
54.
Sima 55
Full description and Surveys.
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 31,
Sima 56
Full description and Surveys.
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 9,
No. 19,
No. 28 and
No. 31.
57.
Lat: 43 12'57" Long: 1 02'18"
Location:
200m due north of 52
close to prominent gully.
Entrance:
A high snow filled rift in a lOm by 2Om
depression sloping down to the south.
Description:
A 45 degree descent down the snow cone for
35m leads to a sharp bend and further 30m steep
descent into a large chamber. The 15m by 25m
chamber contains many ice formations, but no
way on was found.
58.
59.
61.
62.
Lat: 43 12'52" Long: 1 02'18"
Location:
From 56 walk 200m on a bearing of 180 down the rocky hillside.
Entrance and Description:
A small jagged rock entrance in a small depression. A 3m
climb leads down to a small rocky chamber with impenetrable
slot continuation.
63.
T173. Dossers Delight
Full description and surveys
Also see Caves and Caving
No. 15,
No. 28,
No. 31 and
No. 37.
Sierra de la Corta
T232.
Location:
N.E. of the Canto Tras las Torres is a small peak. Approx 50 yds. down
on the east side is a large shakehole with a few trees and a large detached
flake against E wall.
Entrance:
Tight shaft in W wall of shakehole.
Description:
Belay from tree and dubious boss givers free hang for a while.
After approx. 25m beyond massive sharp rub points, shaft
chokes with major collapse evident in final chamber (5m in diameter).
T233.
Location:
In same shakehole as T232.
Entrance:
Slot at N end of shakehole.
Description:
Initial climb of 2m onto ledge of jammed boulders where dubious belays
can be arranged but don't give a free hang or boost confidence. Shaft
is tight at first, but after 10m rebelay possible on jammed boulder.
5m below this the shaft bells out and at the bottom is approx. 5m in
diameter. Floor reached after 30m - solidly choked. Parallel rift at
opposite end of tight rift also chokes.
T234.
Location:
30m NW of T233
Entrance:
Open shaft 4 m by 2m at one end of large boulder and nettle strewn shakehole.
Description:
Massive 'Y-hang' gives free-ish descent. Shaft is 35 deep and chokes,
but rift development in the walls at both sides, approx 5m from floor.
Needs climb/pendulum to enter - needs checking as we were unable to
enter the rifts.
T291
Location:
Northern end of the Sierra de la Corta are four depressions, all on a
fault. The most northerly has a rock bridge.
Entrance:
Entrance has a rock bridge with a pitch to an unstable slope.
Description:
Beyond entrance is a furhter 45m drop. UNDESCENDED. Its position is
about 500m from the top end of Agua.
T294. Oh What Pot
Location:
On the Sierra de la Corta, on the E slope of la Gobia, near summit.
From the White House, follow the Beges track until due N of Mancondiu,
descend and go along a ridge to two depressions which are close
together in a col.
Entrance:
Boulder filled entrance on same level as col.
Description:
A 2m drop between boulders leads onto a 20m pitch to the floor. Outlet
passage is a small rift, which after a climb up and down is followed by
a bend. CONTINUES.
References yet to be written
See Caves and Caving
LUSS@lancaster.ac.uk