Access
build Derbyshire Key required.
Due to incidences of vandalism to the Climbing Shaft lid and the coe structure surrounding it, access to the small wood from the public right of way on Blackwell Lane is blocked off with a large fence. To reach the shaft you should enter the fields as if visiting Knotlow Mine, and head uphill to the Whalf Engine Shaft lid. Once there you will see a section of the perimeter fence in the back corner of the woodland has been fitted with wooden slats to allow cavers to climb over the barbed wire fence. The Climbing Shaft entrance is in the middle of the wooded copse, a short way downhill from the access point. A large adjustable spanner is needed for access on all of the lids into Whalf and Knotlow mines. Do not leave the lids to any shafts open when not attended because livestock and the public will be at risk. Please contact DCA if there is any damage to the tall fence on the lane edge of the wood.
Warning
No access from the lane side of the wood. Vandalism of the coe surrounding the shaft was discovered on the 25th of August 2024. The shaft lid was forced open and lots of large rocks had been thrown down, blocking the shaft. Investigation revealed that several of the resin anchors had been damaged by the falling rocks. The shaft was subsequently cleared by local volunteers and the anchors made safe by the DCA. The shaft reopened with a new access route in November 2024 and the route in from the lane was blocked off with a large barbed wire fence to restrict public access onto the privately owned woodland.
A report of bad air was received by DCA 21/12/2023. Details below. "Just attempted a cross-over trip in Whalf Engine Shaft and had to bail after encountering bad air at the bottom of the first pitch. Difficulty breathing and light-headedness. The crawl through to the head of the next pitch had me nearly suffocating." All recent reports of bad air can be seen on the DCA website here: https://thedca.org.uk/safety/bad-air-reports/
References
Gallery
Entrance
Location
