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......(Click cover for full view).Cover: Ben Lovett in Ogof Fynnon Ddu.
Photograph by Chris Howes.
In Hensler’s Footsteps
Four years of relentless digging have produced the first new entrance to the Gaping Gill system in almost fifty years. Dave Haigh tells the tale, with his fellow diggers’ contributions, of the trials and tribulations that opened the route through Hensler’s High Aven.
Our Biggest Liability
On 8 November British cavers awoke to find that BCRA’s caving insurance policy had expired, leaving access agreements in limbo and liabilities unprotected. We report how the caving world reached this sorry state, and its immediate aftermath.
Gear Review: Speleo Technics Nova
Two cavers, with different viewpoints, offer their thoughts on the new light that everyone wants to learn more about: Speleo Technics’ Nova.
Britain’s Earliest Cemetery
Remains collected from Aveline’s Hole on Mendip were largely destroyed during the Second World War, but a re-examination of surviving fragments has revealed the importance of this site.
Nobody Said it Would Get Harder
The first part of Dave Nixon’s article on the discovery of Titan shaft produced a lot of feedback from cavers eager to learn more of this massive project. Without further ado, therefore, here is the next instalment of the Titan dig.
When to Retire Your Rope
How long a rope should remain in active use is an oft-asked question: three years, five years, only if it survives a drop test? Bob Mehew presents an interim report on the findings to date from a long-term testing project – with surprising results.
The Descent Caption Competition
Cavers produced a mammoth set of entries in their hope of winning a tackle sack stuffed with 50m of rope, donated by Caving Supplies. You’ll find the winner and near misses here; read and enjoy!
Come Cavers to Upton
The recent Hidden Earth conference was both well organised and a pleasure to attend. This is the first part of an extended report, with details of talks and events throughout the packed weekend.
Mind Over Matter
In a special Christmas competition, Descent joins forces with Oregon Scientific to bring readers the chance to win an outstanding Outbreaker Mountain watch.
