Changeover
New Descent editor, Chris Scaife, tells the story of how this all came about. He then interviews Chris Howes and Judith Calford about their 34 years at the helm.

Lechuguilla Cave
The new book by Max Wisshak and Hazel Barton contains some stunning photographs. Here, we reproduce some of the best.

Dramatic Sea Cave Rescue in Mayo
A caver was swept into a sea cave on Ireland’s west coast and, as John Kelly reports, this led to a major rescue in a dramatic situation.

Cuba’s Giant Stalagmite
Rainer Straub and Herbert Jantschke describe their expedition to survey and photograph an enormous formation in Cuba.

Club Huts of the Dales
Phil Murphy gives an informative account of caving club accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales down the years.

Drones Underground
Martyn Farr considers the use of drones in caving and photography.

Ask the Fishmonger
It’s been 25 years since the breakthrough into a Gloucestershire cave where numerous archaeological specimens were found. Chris Howes reminisces.

The Underground Crossword 2022
Bigger and better than last year’s, this puzzle by Martin Wright will test your wits.

My Friend
A caving poem, by Brian Tilbury.

Write it Down!
Finding Your Way in the Dark
Philip Judson reminds us that it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

Cover: Xe Bang Fai River Cave, Laos. Photo: Chris Howes
Back cover: Herbert Jantschke in Cueva Martin Infierno. Photo: Lasalle 3D International Team/Rainer Straub

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Getting from There to Here

It’s been quite a journey, with changes for Descent along the way. And more are coming …

The Best of Books

Which books made the Tratman Award 2020 shortlist and, more importantly – which one won?

The Cave and Karst Conservation Dilemma

How do we cope with the perennial problem of caring for our caves and karst, and find ways to reduce human threats?

Sweltering in Savoie

In a heatwave, cavers enjoyed the cool of the caves and the relief of night air at the 18th International Congress of Speleology.

The Shape of Emptiness (Part 2)

Frank Pearson concludes his coverage of how Fing Hopeless Pot was discovered and explored. It seems that things are never really hopeless!

The Caves of the Ardèche

For an international group of cave photographers, the pre-Congress camp offered so many opportunities.

Cave Science
Castleton’s Pulse

Science has found an explanation for the unusual flood pulses recorded in some Peak District caves.

Labyrinthine Labours

The north of England sees yet another new cave discovery. Join us for a trip down Draughting Hole.

The Descent Caption Competition
Secret of the Sea Cave

Our caption competition comes to a close and we have a winner who takes home a high-quality Petzl caving light. For the rest of us, it’s time for a wry smile or a groan or two.

Cover: Judith Calford in Grotte de la Toussaint, Ardèche, France. Photo: Chris Howes
Back cover: Sayo Shiota and Yukiko Nakagomi in Grotte de Trabuc, Ardèche, France. Photo: Satoshi Gotos

Price shown includes postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK, postage will be added on at checkout.

VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Of Mines, Fossils and the Seaside

Another successful NAMHO conference has concluded with stimulating talks and evocative memories of childhood days.

Giants of Northern Spain

Josu Granja returns to Descent with his superb photography and some massive caves in Spain that you are welcome to visit.

CRoW’s Outcome

Caving under CRoW as a right has been the thrust of a BCA campaign which, with a judge’s decision, reaches the end of the road.

The Shape of Emptines

Yet another dig has given up its secrets, revealing a major, decorated cave in the depths of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Horner Collection

A collection of glass plate negatives, including images of northern caves, has been crowdfunded and purchased by the museum in Settle.

Gaining the Underworld

Five new, high-quality films made by cavers tthat will appeal to the public and cavers alike are coming to your television screen (soon).

The Descent Caption Competition
Secret of the Sea Cave

It’s time to send in your entries before our caption competition closes, for the chance to win a superb Petzl headlight.

Rigours and Pleasures  in Nenthead

The facilities at Nenthead are again open for visitors, so if you fancy a sporting trip to one of the region’s mines …

Write it Down!
Sunset Exploration

Join Roy Holmes for his memories of exploration in Sunset Hole – and how those early wetsuits did snag!

Cover: Diane Arthurs in Fing Hopeless Pot. Photo: Mark Burkey
Back cover: Roo Walters in Rampgill Deep Level, Nenthead. Photo: Chris Howes

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

The Momentum of CRoW

British cavers have long discussed, argued and campaigned about caving as a right under CRoW. Now, the saga pauses …

Into Dante’s Inferno

Sistem Migovec in Slovenia continues to fascinate Imperial College cavers, now heading to the depths of Dante’s Inferno.

Write it Down!
Of Peter, Joyce and the Cafe

Deej Lowe remembers the Pen-y-ghent Stores and Cafe in a different era of community caving.

When is a Cave Not a Cave?

The Peak District has more than limestone caves, it contains Ess-houses, once hovels for the poor and tourist attractions alike.

It’s All Good in Mistletoe

Big was recently discovered in Matienzo, as you learned in the previous issue … Now we have Bigger!

Dem Bones – Dem Dry Bones

Devon is an area rich in archaeological finds, where the search for bones has a long, long history.

Rescues and Ancient Caves

Call-out, a series of four new films by Sid Perou and an IMAX film, Ancient Caves, have been released.

The Descent Caption Competition
Secret of the Sea Cave

Your chance to win a flagship DUO RL headlight from Petzl.

Cover: Emma Key in Death’s Head Inlet, Lost Johns’ Cave. Photo: Bill Nix
Back cover: Rob Eavis in A Race Against Time, Stoney Middleton Master Cave. Photo: Jon Pemberton

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Finding Big …

Even during the pandemic, big things have been found in Matienzo’s underworld.

A Race Against Time

Cavers have at long last entered the Stoney Middleton Master Cave. We have an account of the find and, to place it in context, a catchment area survey of all the region’s caverns.

Lightening the Load

Placing hangers sometimes requires holding a heavy drill in an extremely awkward position, so how about removing the battery to a separate harness?

Cave Rescue 2021

Learn from the year’s rescues: what to avoid, what went right and what went wrong?

At the Boutique Inn

Shepton Mallet CC’s two expeditions to Myanmar have exposed its members to a new culture and caving experience.

The Sherford Discovery

The most significant archaeological find for decades has been made at Sherford Cave Devon.

Write it Down!
Fifty Shapes of Grey

Pete Towndrow is heading underground in the 1960s on a trip that left him hooked on caving.

Cover: Alistair ‘Tack’ Smith in Clearwater Cave, Mulu. Photo: Chris Howes
Back cover: The Stuffed Monk in Cueva-Cubío de la Reñada, Matienzo. Photo: Juan Corrin

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

With eight extra pages

Marginal Gains

Sometimes, even major planning for exploration yields little results, except for a  personal sense of achievement.

Competition Time

If you were puzzled by our puzzle or in a quandry over our questions in Descent (283), here are the answers and the winners.

The Smithy Rescue

A serious accident in Ogof Ffynnon Ddu led to a massive rescue that involved hundreds of cavers and created a media storm. Our major coverage is written by cavers, for cavers.

The Right to Cave

BCA’s campaign to gain the right to go caving on open access land has achieved a significant advance.

The Stinky Era

It’s 75 years since Lancaster Hole was first entered, so it seemed time to undertake a commemorative through-trip.

The Caves, the Karst and a Conflict

Cave conservation versus quarrying … we know which usually wins. Ray Deasy documents a historically important conflict.

Tragedy in Panama

Three people have died during a guided adventure tour into a Panamanian cave, but what caused this tragedy?

The Antipodean Caver

It’s time for something lighthearted, with a new take on how caves might be explored by those from down under.

More Memories

‘Caving changed my life’ – a sentimental statement, but nevertheless a true one for Buckett.

Cover: George Linnane in the stretcher during the Ogof Ffynnon Ddu rescue. Photo courtesy SMWCRT
Back cover: Annie Guiraud in the Grotte d’Orquelle. Photo: Philippe Crochet

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Editorial: A Perfect Storm

Descent editorials are uncommon, but now and then one is called for. External factors are affecting the magazine’s production and distribution.

Rebolting Rhino

Someone on Mendip rebolted Rhino Rift and left it in an unsafe condition – it was time for some remedial action and conservation considerations.

Reaching 250

Some cavers might consider undertaking 250 trips into the same cave could become monotonous and tedious, but not so Paul Taylor.

Pushing Boybuloq

Pushing the world’s deepest systems requires determination and planning, bu the challenge was on to link two major caves in a remote part of Uzbekistan.

The Descent Competition

The answers to three questions were required to win a Petzl Boreo Caving helmet – what were they and who collected the prize?

Is it my Imagination?

Martin Mills thought that the number of high-quality caving books being published was on the increase, so he checked up on the facts.

Caves by Bike

The pandemic didn’t mean that caving had to cease entirely, but it did suggest other challenges. How about only using a bicycle for transport?

The Barnes’ Discovery

Swildon’s Hole is an incredibly popular cave for novices and experienced cavers alike. It’s 100 years since Barnes’ Loop and Sump 1 were discovered.

Cover: Kevin Speight in Rhino Rift with Paulina Biela below. Photo: Bartek Biela
Back cover: Time Tunnel: part of a disused railway tunnel near Merthyr Tydfil. Photo: Martyn Farr

Price shown includes postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK, postage will be added on at checkout.

VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Seeing Things

Join Frank Pearson as he delves into the depths of Mayday Hole and reports on how the dig broke through to reveal more pitches.

The Binns Collection

A collection of historic photographs by the talented photographer Peter Binns has been added to BCRA’s Online Archive.

It Was Only a Look …

It was only for a quick look, a chance taken during a brief visit, that led to a dig. But just look at what they found!

A Caver’s Worst Nightmare

A thing to dread is an unexpected flood that rages while you are underground. Dave Baines covers the warning signs that all cavers should respect.

The Day of the Goon Suit

Memories of times long gone, of the equipment and techniques once commonplace as used by friends, feature large in Ken Dawe’s mind.

Another Pointless Connection

Projects that create through-trips or round-trips seem to always attract attention. Dave Ramsay wonders if there was a point to the dig in Pippikin Pot.

Stactijack Repairs

It happens – stal, by carelessness or vandalism, is broken and ought to be repaired. Mike Mansur has the measure of things …

Write it Down! Lifelining Can Be Groovy

Before SRT, all pitches were climbed using … ladders. Perhaps novice cavers are all unknowing, but take a look at the evidence that the lifelines left behind.

Three Questions: Competition Time

You only have to find three answers tucked away in this issue, and you could be the new and proud owner of a Petzl Boreo Caving helmet.

Cover: Tim Allen on Baby pitch in Mayday Hole. Photo: Mark Burkey
Back cover: Emma Key in Wilf Taylor’s Passage, Lancaster Hole. Photo: Bill Nix

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VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

Finding cavers supporting cavers within the community is not unusual – and now we have a call for help.

Through the Nipper

Mayday Hole is not an easy cave, at least judging by how few cavers had been through its major constriction. Then a team thought about digging beyond it …

The Bagpit Depression

In a major article blending exploration with hard science, Descent takes readers on a voyage of discovery into the depths of Bagpit on Mendip.

The Dig in not-Meridian

You know how it is … find a surface collapse, think a bit, decide that thinking is a waste of time and you have to start a dig!

Twitterers and Influencers

Memorials and memories are important, especially when events trigger cavers to write down their anecdotes of times now gone.

The Darkness

Prompted by reports on an experiment in time and isolation, Chris Kell’s imagination has produced this work of fiction.

The Catacombs of Lake Crowley

The ‘catacombs’ – in reality, caves – on the shore of Lake Crowley in California are truly unusual, with their twisted, divergent columns.

Stoned-age Art

A recent paper on what might have influenced prehistoric artists in the course of their creations has thoroughly got under Joe Duxbury’s skin.

Cover: The Cave of the Hundred Columns, California. Photo: Dave Bunnell
Back cover: Judith Calford in Kagekiyo-ana, Japan. Photo: Chris Howes

Price shown includes postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK, postage will be added on at checkout.

VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.

With eight extra pages

Blacknor’s Back Door

Two more caves have been connected on the Isle of Portland in a significant discovery for the area.

The Rescue

A feature-length film about the lauded cave rescue in Thailand premiered in October – but how did it stand up to scrutiny?

The Grand Traverse

Decades after it was first proposed, and years after the caves were connected, for the first time the Three Counties System has been physically traversed in a through-trip.

Discoveries in Crag

No matter how well worn the passage, more can always be found – in this case not one, but three extensions to Crag Cave.

The Underground Crossword

Nothing serious, a bit of fun, a means of whiling away some time over the festive season with a caving crossword puzzle.

The Llethrid Saga

Access to Llethrid Swallet on Gower has been regained, revealing not only much mud, but beauty too.

Viewpoint: Our Access to Caves

Caving on open access land should be our right, cavers say. But Pete Glanvill wonders what the cost is and will be.

In the Founders’ Footsteps

The Cave Diving Group is 75 years old, so its members celebrated in style.

The Descent of Alum

With a fine old photograph of Alum Pot in hand, its owner would like to know more of its history: who took it, when and why?

Five Lives of a Caver

Cavers change; they experience different lives. Five of them, it seems. The question is: which have you evolved into?

Win a Petzl …

If you can answer three questions correctly, you could become the new owner of some fine Petzl kit.

Cover: Chris Jewell emerging from the Notts II sump during the Three Counties Traverse. Photo: Bartek Biela
Back cover: Jason Mallinson in Notts Pot during the Three Counties Traverse. Photo: Mark Burkey

Price shown includes postage within the UK. For customers outside the UK, postage will be added on at checkout.

VAT is not charged on UK publications. Orders to the EU are posted without tax paid and you are responsible for VAT and any other charges on delivery.

Descent is printed to the highest quality in the UK, as it has been since its inception in 1969.