Vickey Blumel, Barry Burn, Huw Durban, Helen John, Tom Williams and Andrew Zerbino

Photos – Barry Burn and Huw Durban

On Sunday 17th January 2016, Ground covered in snow and the Thermometer reading 1 degree – We decided to take a little trip into Bridge Cave, Ystradfellte.

As expected it was cold… very cold and we were thoroughly looking forward to getting changed in temperature that would make penguins jealous.

Bridge Cave starts as a low but short crawl until you reach a small boulder choke which opens up into the impressive streamway beyond. With two relatively tight squeezes before and after the choke – It is ideal for first timers and children.

Barry’s photos:-

Drip

Pwll y Rhyd

Self portrait

Huw with his new camera

Huw ready for a dip

Hels near Pwll y Rhyd

Shoring in the choke

Although a small cave – it has impressive formations, a waterfall and some climbs that are easily accessible even for myself (I am short) We thoroughly enjoyed the belly crawl to the sump in possibly the coldest water I have experienced!

Helen led us up the rocky walls above the waterfall, across a shelf which overlooks the streamway and onto a pretty little grotto. The grotto entrance is just wide enough to fit your helmet through and snake your way in. Inside it is beautifully decorated from waterbed to roof – definitely a must see if you’re visiting.

Huw’s photos :-

Zen near entrance

Vicky & Hels

Tom

The Main Passage

Barry taking photos

Our exit from the cave wasn’t as simple as the entry – Tom was adamant that we had taken a wrong route up the choke and that we were going the wrong way. A woman is always right and once again my sense of direction kicked in to prove we were actually right on track.

Huw and Barry captured some amazing photographs of our little trip – Zeb was happy to pose for them.

The day was rounded off with a small snowball fight, a brush with death thanks to black ice and a Pint (Hot coffee for us drivers).
Note to self for next visit – Invest in some wetsocks!