Dare to delve underground at Wild Wookey?

Nestled in the countryside, just a short drive from Bristol, lies a labyrinth of uncharted underground territory, a dark, ominous world of wonders just waiting to be explored.

The resounding memory of the Wookey Hole Caves is one of absolute darkness, an alien pitch black abyss that hides secrets of the deep in an environment as hostile to humans as it is full of historic, wild and geological marvels.

“Caving is about not knowing,” said Chris Brinding, the man responsible for opening up the previously unexplored ancient underground network in Somerset to the public for the very first time.

“It’s about, discovering what’s inside. People have to use their own ingenuity and abilities to navigate one of the most hostile environments around.”

With talk of witches, skeletons and horror films such as The Descent, Chris sets the scene for an activity that is definitely not for the fainthearted.

His vision – the new Wild Wookey caving course – opened this spring to coincide with the tourist attraction’s 90th anniversary and offers people an entirely unique journey into the unknown and a chance to delve into depths that were previously off-limits.

Following a short safety briefing in a room affectionately known as the Bat Cave, it’s time to get kitted out in fetching red boiler suits, harnesses, safety connectors and helmets.

And, with nothing left to put off the inevitable, it’s a short walk up to the cave entrance to let the adventure begin.

Becca Burne and Ellie Pipe. Photo by Chris Brinding

Becca Burne was employed as a tour guide at Wookey Hole, but caught the caving bug after her very first underground expedition and now works full time guiding intrepid explorers through the treacherous three-hour course.

It’s an uncomfortable start for anyone with claustrophobic tendencies, as the entry through a cliff face hole quickly narrows down into a small, passage that can only be navigated at a crawl.

A pause in a marginally wider alcove is where we are plunged into absolute darkness.

Becca calmly explains that most people never really experience such a total blackout as she switches headlights out. The experience is both surreal and intensely vulnerable as, with sight gone, all other senses prick into hyper sensitive mode.

There was more than a small sigh of relief when the bright, life-saving beam was switched back on and the caves were once again revealed as a narrow but navigable network.

The first cliff-edge abseil was soon on the cards and – perhaps it was the far greater fear of absolute darkness, or the reassuring presence of Chris and Becca – but as adrenaline took hold and dread disappeared, anything seemed possible.

Becca Burne abseiling

The sheer beauty of the natural caves is undeniable and possesses a magic, mythical quality as the little light dances from water to rock edge, casting shadows and revealing hidden markings of old and mystical hideaways.

Wookey Caves

The adventure is punctuated with tales of history, folklore, conservation and protection of Wookey’s protected bat population.

Truly, it felt a privilege to explore this fascinating natural labyrinth that also plays home to some of Cheddar’s finest cheeses, left underground to mature.

It was an all-consuming activity to follow the carefully laid trail through the curves of the caves, traversing rocky walkways, bold rock faces, narrow passages, a perilous rope bridge over deep waters and a free abseil down a sheer cliff edge.

It is certainly an expedition only for the fairly fit, adventurous and over-14s, but the wonders of Wookey are territories certainly worth exploring.

Becca said: “So many people surprise themselves and feel really proud of themselves. It is never boring at all – every caving expedition is different.”

Boring it certainly wasn’t and while a breath of fresh, open air may have been welcome, the delve into the unknown underground was a surprising, exhilarating and unforgettable treat.

Wookey Hole Caves, Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1BB

01749 672243. 

For more information, visit: www.wookey.co.uk/wildwookey

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