Braving adventure caving

We met our two passionate instructors (Becca and Chris) and were suitably briefed and suited-up.

At the cave entrance, I was incredulous when seeing the tiny hole through which we’d be passing. I dropped onto my front and wriggled through the narrow opening into the first chamber.

Here, we congregated to listen to the story of the earliest cave visit (1470). We all switched off our lamps so we could experience the rare phenomenon of total and utter darkness.

Abseiling in the show cave

After wriggling, shuffling and crawling in near blackness, we made it to the first ‘show cave’.

I was clipped into the abseiling equipment. Becca was so confident and reassuring that my anxieties simply melted away.

The next hour was spent clinging to the walls of the Cathedral Chamber and crossing a wobbly bridge.

We continued with a physically demanding ascent, pulling our way up some 100ft. I caught the most amazing view of the River Axe as glorious mineral colours were illuminated.

Enthralling escapades

The amazing climax of the trip involved a short boat trip across the river followed by squeezing through the newly-discovered crystal corridor until we reached daylight.

It turned out we were a good 60ft above the ground and returning involved an exhilarating ride down a 50m-long zip wire.

Wild Wookey is, quite simply, a ‘must-do’ if you are the slightest bit adventurous. I can’t wait to go back and have another go.