Peak District Caving

Access

build Derbyshire Key required.

The Incline, Aqueduct and Upper entrances to the mine are fitted with locking gates. The Mandale Sough level is open, but blocked by a collapse a short way inside. The terms of the access agreement with Natural England apply to the whole mine. All the gates require a Derbyshire Key to open, with the largest bolt being 24mm. Please close and secure the gates behind you. In the past, failure to secure the gates has led the landowner to warn cavers that they may have to permanently seal the mine if it is not kept secure. All 4 entrances are directly next to public footpaths and are very likely to be visited by non-cavers while you are underground. Beware fluctuating water levels, unstable boulder areas & the badly collapsed state of parts of the sough lining beyond the foot of the Forefield Shaft. The mine is a Scheduled Monument (SM). Forefield Shaft: shaft top sealed and access refused by owner, Mr D. Mycock, of Lathkill Farm, Over Haddon.

If you are walking in the area, DCA would appreciate if you checked that any gates that you pass are secure, or even better, carry an adjustable spanner to nip them up.

Summer 2025 - The locking mechanisms on the gates are being upgraded/repaired. A Derbyshire Key will still be required (up to 24mm).