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Little Hole In The Woods

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Poulbeagnacoillte

Knockaunsmountain

Blakes Bridge

Clare

M 1330 0265

513084 x 702670

210 Metres

20 Metres

3 Metres

Historical

Located, and dug into, by Pat Cronin and Cheg Chester, as the middle of three minor collapses in the west side of the small shallow tributary valley that joins the  Glenaruin River that enters from the north. Nearby is the intermittent resurgence B4; the theorized, rising for Polldubh.

A connection with Poulbeagnacoillte is thought possible above the area of “Gerry's Junction” in the furthest  extremities of the Figg-Brigg series in the lower part of Polldubh: a five hundred metre extension also discovered by members of the Pegasus. A tight crawl, with many fresh fallen pine needles present, situated above the terminal rift, was pushed but due to high water levels, (heavy rain on the day), the push was postponed.

The middle collapse was finally chosen as the best option, though obstructed with a large vertical flagstone  surrounded with debris cemented together with a thick clay.  This was removed to a depth of two metres where it entered the roof of the very low bedding. The floor of the bedding was covered with some three inches of stiff clay silt.  Four metres of progress, through the tight bedding to where the passage size increases, was forged by Cheg using a plasterers gauging trowel; and loud encouragement from Pat at the larger area above the entrance.

NB

Originally located deep within the dense coniferous afforestation, planted circa 1975; the site is presently, (2015), devoid of all large trees. However following the felling recent replanting of the area will soon obscure the entrance once again.

Parking

ITM 513164 x 702678
The parking is in the broad entrance to the forestry track some fifty (50m) metres north of Blake's Bridge.

Description

The entrance is in the bottom of a small trench in the west side of the valley near where it joins the Glenaruin River, (stream). A narrow vertical rift drops into the low bedding. By folding ones legs beneath a corkscrew manoeuvre gains entry to the low section. Those with thicker chest  dimensions may have to move slightly to the right. After four metres the roof height increases. Evidence of spoil is encountered from the two promising dig sites.


Ahead the bedding can be seen to continue beyond over the mammoth fallen block, to the right an awkward squeeze that drops into a very small “chamber”, or rather pocket, is considered a lost cause. Sporadic attempts continue weather permitting; heavy rain presenting issues in the entrance crawl.

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