Goatchurch Cavern & the Drainpipe... (not for the claustrophobic)

[@spmmc5472]

Wow this brings back memories, i believe the tombstone may have been called bloody tight unless i'm thinking of a different section. I did the drainpipe which was fine, The worst bit about it was having someone saying there stuck in front of you and someone behind you luckily they were not stuck they were panicking. Great fun but not for the claustrophobic. Thanks for the video.

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@spmmc5472 glad you enjoyed the video! Sounds like you also have fond memories of Goatchurch cavern. It’s one of the first caves I went to. Great fun! Appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍🏻

[@VisorView]

I shouldn't say it, but back in the early 70's when I was in my mid teens, three of us did that entire same trip wearing t-shirts, jeans and trainers, with two torches between the three of us. Watching the video brought back memories, it's very difficult to describe the drainpipe to anyone who has never been there.

[@moggyjacatore94]

I did it butt naked!

[@richardpoole9493]

Thanks for this! I did the Drainpipe, probably in 1962, I wish someone had warned me beforehand - being claustrophobic!

[@YourAnime1011]

is that a joke or what

[@Pillowpetlover]

@@YourAnime1011 does it sound like one

[@bobellison4868]

I went on a trip last week down here with my 9 year old, thought the drainpipe would have been a step too far for her, right choice in the end methinks ha!

[@richardmullins1883]

I remember going through the drainpipe around 1983 with Mr Lock from Brislington School. I had to save up my lunch money because my parents didn't want to pay for it. I was already skinny but a few days without lunch probably aided a little more with getting through it. I'm sure they called it the devil's drainpipe. Maybe they were making it seem a little more ominous for us kids. Great memories.

[@scottmacleay7018]

No way, cool story. Can you imagine a school trying to organise this as a school trip nowadays lol

[@michaellk2254]

I wish I had that kind of field trip back when I was a younger lad too :(

[@CHURCHBOYCHARLIE]

Just for all you claustrophobic guys. I'm super claustrophobic and i completed the drainpipe as a teen back in school. Believe it or not, once you get inside it's not that bad. You just have to keep moving and remember that before long you'll be out. I didn't freak out at all, although there was one point where the guy in front of me stopped and i said "hurry up!" As i was about to get scared but luckily he started moving again. Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to push themselves. Plus u feel amazing once u complete it, i couldn't stop telling everyone about it for years, even up til now

[@backpacker2773]

Haha you're telling us about it right now 😅👊🏾💙

[@CHURCHBOYCHARLIE]

@@backpacker2773 yeah haha, it's pretty amazing to look back on it and randomly see another person do it on KZbin too. Thankfully i lived to tell the tale, ey?

[@thereasonwhy5188]

Recommend to myself never ever do it and tell everyone I can

[@garlandremingtoniii1338]

“Believe it or not, once you get inside it’s not that bad.” 100% PURE-BULLSHIT!! I tried that / the same place. And I got the hell out of there in no time flat.!! And I’ve tried 4-other-snug-tit-fitting caves, And I got the hell out of each one!!!!! and there’s absolutely no way I’m ever going to try another one!!!!!!

[@garlandremingtoniii1338]

I tried this cave. And I got the hell out of it in no-time flat-flat!!!!!!!!!

[@TheCavecrawler]

Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 thanks for taking the time to comment 😊

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

its quite a squeeze!, I remember going down the coffin lid and my feet dangling off the end thinking it was a sheer drop! hahah there was a ledge just by my feet, thanks for sharing!

[@richardmullins1883]

You just reminded me of that part.

[@SpeakerG3]

I did it when I was young wasn't really scared knowing that if the bigger people infront of me could do it I could do it 😅😂

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@SpeakerG3 thanks for taking the time to comment and hope the video brought back memories! As long as you’re one of the smaller people in the team you know you’re going to be fine! 😂

[@edmunddantes4757]

We did it on a school trip when we were all about 12. That drainpipe is daunting.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Edmund, thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you enjoyed the clip. Hopefully it brought back great memories. Many cavers start their caving journey in Burrington Combe in Goatchurch, Sidcot Swallet, Rods pot or Reads Cavern. Lots of other caves to explore there too 👍

[@m.y.o.b6319]

I really like the part (2:50) onwards where caver vid himself heading into the squeezy hole 🕳, it’s very realistic feel as if we are also there climbing/crawling in too👍🏼 can really have a taste to feel how it was like if we are in there, and when vid came to (3:55) that part, I was like …. OMG😱😓 super tight/squeezy hole🕳 where I don’t think I’m able to squeeze through even though I’m just only 49kg😅😂 or I might just died/stuck at that part😅 but I really admire those cavers, they are born to be brave & daring, the best explorers of such cave😀

[@IamWAHID]

🕳

[@davidreville6192]

Did this in the early 1970 s from Newland Park College Bucks. Not a hard cave but good fun. A good introduction before the harder stuff

[@78Biggmike]

New years resolution for 2022, eat enough that I will NOT fit in the drain pipe! 😱

[@TheCavecrawler]

👍Thanks for taking the time to comment. Hope you enjoyed the video 😊

[@jonasdewald4954]

You can see right after the smooth rock the coffin lid

[@Possiblycrazy90]

That beat was sick...

[@jaydeeeze]

All I can say about anybody who does this shit is you have balls of steel. This is the most messed up shit I have ever seen watching videos and don’t know why I do it to myself. I watched a bunch of vids and read all the stories on the Nutty Putty caves and John Edward Jones and it really messed me up. I have never been afraid of anything especially from seeing it on tv or watching a video and now every time I see something like this my heart starts pounding n I get these really bad feelings of doom that cut through my body so bad that I can feel physical pain for some reason. I don’t know why this happens to me now but even the other day watching the walking dead I was watching the episode in season 10 where they were trapped in the underground caves trying to get away from the whisperers and the big dude Jerry was behind everybody and eventually he started to get stuck. I had to stop watching it had my heart pounding so hard. I put on a finger monitor I have n my heart beat was 145 bpm. I was freaking out and basically having a panic attack and all I could think of was John Jones stuck upside down in that cave begging them to get him out. I messed myself up bad by reading n watching that story.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍 sounds like the nutty putty story really freaked you out! The tight squeezes or water I really don’t mind. It’s the big unprotected climbs that get me going. “Disco knee” my buddies call it. However put me in a harness with a rope and I’m fine. We all have our phobia’s!

[@sasha7614]

I had the same problem it's totally normal but you adjust mentally eventually out of necessity! my friend sent me that story to suffer through because she was scared of it 🤦🏻‍♀️ then I was, ultimately remind yourself you have power over your own choices and limits in these scenarios and that's what matters! We visited this cave today and didn't go that far in but it was fun exploring it a little ! Tons of teenagers in groups were fearlessly popping up from the exit unharmed making jokes about the comparatively "tropical" air of the heatwave compared to the cave 😂

[@proudchristian77]

It's easy to go down, but you have to come back up & if you r tired , you could have a serious problem getting back up from where you crawled down to , breaks my heart when you can't exape, be careful ok , 💝

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Karen, always great to get some feedback. This trip is actually a fairly easy trip but with the drainpipe thrown in for good measure to test you! There are many caves in the area offering much more challenging trips. As you say the trick is to remember that you also need to get back out! Often all uphill, against gravity and sometimes with streams and waterfalls to climb along the way! Safety is always at the forefront of our minds….well, just after ensuring that we get out in time for a pint 🍺!!

[@jmjksfilter]

i did this trip with my school in 2012! only 6 of us went i believe but i loved it. cant remember if i did the drain pipe🤣😅

[@TheCavecrawler]

Glad it brought back good memories! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 👍

[@Twizzforsberg]

Awesome place claustrophobic but live these videos.

[@Josetxo1980]

Joder que estrecheces!

[@vindialan]

Did it a few times in the 60s carbide lamps in those happy days.

[@aaron5961]

These caves did not exist back then, so you wouldn’t have been able to do it a few times sir. Please delete your comment as it is inaccurate.

[@KarstRats]

You think these caves ar younger than 1960’s? Wut

[@usermanual02]

@@KarstRats Maybe he means that the caves were not discovered until after the 1960s. I personally don't know anything about when the cave was discovered but I can assure you the cave took thousands if not millions of years to form.

[@vindialan]

Aaron rubbish

[@davedave827]

I had to pause and take slow deep breaths when you guys were going through the "drainpipe"

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@godwynwalker5079]

very very tight spots :O! i dont think i could hack it hahaha ! nice video XD !

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks! :-)

[@chrisexplode]

I went here years ago, probably around 1999/2000 with Gav Kitchen and his buddy Tim(?) from our school. I did almost all of it, but the drainpipe (I think we were told it was called "The Smartie tube") was just too much for me, despite trying to do it about 4/5 times, it's the sticking out bit of rock with the tight right angle that did it for me, I just felt like I was getting trapped, and it looked so small in there my head just told me no. Tried it again in about 2014 and yep still not for me. Gives me palpitations just thinking about it now

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Chris, thanks so much for your comment. It’s a great little cave isn’t it? Hoping to get into Sidcot Swallet to get some footage soon. Particularly the lobster pot!

[@paulwinstanleyoutdoors9413]

i should stop watching mad video's like this. it just makes me end up crawling down madder caves than i want to!!!

[@TheCavecrawler]

Go for it Paul! Totally rewarding. More mad trips being planned so some new caving content coming up!

[@TheCavecrawler]

Out filming underground on Fri night…watch this space!

[@AchimMorinaKunst-design]

😫Crazy: but My Respect

[@jonasdewald4954]

I gotta ask does anybody know what the shit is on the walls that looks like it was put there for extra grip

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Jonas, thanks for taking the time to comment 👍 It’s mainly dirt and dust, the walls get wet in wet weather and passing cavers grind in the dirt.

[@barrythebumblebee6507]

Has anyone saw rods pot lately it's all opened and smashed up! The sign is gone and the cave looks extremely different I've just saw it today

[@Brachwah]

I have two fears left, heights and claustrophobia. I'm going base jumping in a few months. I might try cave diving next.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Go for it Evan! Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍😁

[@vegan_kai_21_uk50]

I am a novice in caving and have been in the drainpipe in goats church (it's the first cave I have had been in) Cavern and its not that hard for me but I'm skinny and very young the difficulty varies depending on lots of stuff but it was a great video and real good quality! Have you been in all of the drain pipes in goats church I think there's 2. I've also been in reads Cavern rods pot avilienes hole swildons hole and been to Manor farm pierre's pot bath swallet and drunkyards hole but I do quite a lot of reading on caves

[@TheCavecrawler]

Sounds like you are pretty active! Try the Bath Pot to Rods through trip. That’s a good trip. Lionels hole is also a good trip. A tougher challenge is Eastwater cavern , tight, steep and knarley! Some good round trips in there. My favourite is Longwood/August. If you haven’t already I suggest joining a club, I can definitely recommend the Wessex Cave Club. That way you get use of their facilities, are close to Swildons and Eastwater and get access to the gated caves as well as benefiting from their members experience. Loads to explore on Mendip that can keep you going for years.

[@vegan_kai_21_uk50]

@@TheCavecrawler thanks! I used to go caving with my dad (he's a leader for many caves) he would never take me in long wood swallet as he got stuck somewhere around the entrance with water flowing on him. I always aks him to take me in lots of caves like the time I asked him to do rods to Bath like you said he told me there's bits which are hard like the shower pot but also he's been caving for years so he struggles in things such as purple pot/passage now plus he needs his caving mates to do it but I always go on to take me in caves one day he might do it but he doesn't mind taking me in rods pot. He wouldn't mind taking me in eastwater he just needs his mates he also wouldn't mind taking me in G. B as it's one of his favourite caves and it's mine as well as I've done a lot of reading on it. I don't know about Lionels hole I've never really payed attention to it it's next to fox hole isn't it? (we haven't got any batteries at the moment) it's mostly because he's getting old and he can't make sure I'm doing alright along with himself which I get. Thanks for all the advice!

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@vegan_kai_21_uk50 yes, I’ve been caving on Mendip for around 30 years or so. Thrupe Lane is a great trip best done with SRT. Perseverance pot is quite narrow. Same for Rhino Rift. Singing river is a great trip and you can abseil in quite nicely, check access though as it’s a bit shaken at the mo. Take a look at my channel, there are more caving clips on there (some not so good quality but planning more filming trips this autumn!)

[@vegan_kai_21_uk50]

@@TheCavecrawler thanks I haven't been in many caves but do lots of reading on the 2013 Mendip underground a cavers guide

[@chrisreddy8958]

Rather watch these videos than do it myself, nope watched videos from the Nutty Putty Cave aswell (before it was closed down in 2009, there are videos of inside the cave)

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Chris, glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking the time to comment. More caving videos on my channel and we are off to Sludge Pit Hole on Friday night so some new content coming real soon!

[@cozyslor]

Digging the soundtrack

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it!

[@lloydlascano4907]

Bro I get The EBG bees just watching this.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Ha ha! 😂 glad you enjoyed the video Lloyd! Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@lloydlascano4907]

@@TheCavecrawler definitely man you guys are pretty awesome for doing that I promise I wouldn’t do that for a million bucks

[@morrisschwarts4826]

Watch this full screen with a blanket over the computer and your head. OOOOOF

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Morris, thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you enjoyed the video! I have to say I haven’t tried that approach to watch it but must give it a go! More caving planned in the next few weeks so look out for new content 👍

[@WillPrimo]

At 2:20 is he just walking on formations?

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi, yes correct. Not ideal I know but in this short section there is little option and it’s a well worn route. There are few formations left in the cave unfortunately. Back in the early 1900’s the cave was opened as a “show cave” and many formations were removed as momentos at a time when people didn’t know better.

[@silverlady6126]

No no no not for a £1,000,000 would you get me to do this..... Arghhhh my worse nightmare 😱😨😰

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Karen. Hope we didn’t freak you out too much 😂

[@silverlady6126]

@@TheCavecrawler Man you had me holding my breath nearly all the way through, LOL😳😆

[@anonymousprepper1463]

Where is this... I would love this cave!

[@TheCavecrawler]

This is Goatchurch cavern, Burrington Combe, Mendip, UK

[@garlandremingtoniii1338]

Friends of mine did it 5 times. And each time, They couldn’t wait!! To do it again!!!!! Not my-ass.

[@TheCavecrawler]

It’s a great cave, if they haven’t already done it then I can also recommend Sidcot Swallet on the opposite side of the valley or Lionel’s hole further up the Combe. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@vancemorton1081]

I can’t watch anymore!!!! I’m freaking out just watching,,,,,,,think about being in there down in there 1 and 1/2 hours deep and you START FREAKING OUT WANTING IT TO STOP CAUSE YOU NEED SOME FRESH AIR

[@piyushsteveg]

You can pay me all the money in the world and still won’t be able to convince me for this!

[@TheCavecrawler]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting 👍

[@funny_cupcakes8]

why does the music remind me of subnautica? lol

[@michaellk2254]

Looks pretty spacious

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for your comment 👍 In many places of the cave it is pretty spacious with some nice big chambers. It’s the drainpipe that freaks most people out!

[@thickflips9913]

I've been through this cave, it's not bad at all. Watch some stuff from cave man hikes😳

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Hope you enjoyed Goatchurch when you went in. It is considered a good Mendip cave to start caving at. Lots more to do in the area. Check out some of my other content for Swildons Hole, Eastwater cavern and others…more trips and content coming soon!

[@martinjeffery3590]

Is the drain pipe a 2 km crawl ??

[@TheCavecrawler]

No, it's about 40 ft.😊

[@bagelbomb666]

I imagine at times 40 ft of crawling can feel like 2km 😂 Great footage, thanks for posting

[@WeMuslim360]

I quit in very happy ..but never go to cave 😥😥

[@markcooke2014]

I'm interested in the music. Title and artist please?

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Mark, unfortunately I didn’t post the details at the time. What I can tell you is that it’s a track from the KZbin creator studio. I had a look today to see if I could find it for you and credit the composer in the details but haven’t been able to find it as yet. I’ll keep looking and see if I can find it for you. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@markcooke2014]

​@@TheCavecrawler Thank you Dave. Don't go to any trouble I was just interested in the name of the artist. The music is a unique blend of Dark Ambient and Rap rhythms.

[@CharlesLoukas]

I wish you play videos like this backwards?

[@nicolabuchanan2852]

Love this vid

[@TheCavecrawler]

Nicola Buchanan Thanks for the feedback 😊

[@brittanychanel4068]

How is this even a thing who decided one day hey let's crawl into tiny spaces in caves

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Brittany. It’s all about exploration, what lies beyond the tiny space in the cave and where will it lead? An underground adventure! 😊👍

[@abundantharmony]

Who did the beat? Need that.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi, Thanks so much for your comment,this was a track from KZbin studio. Unsure of the details I’m afraid…

[@abundantharmony]

@@TheCavecrawler bummer. Thanks anyway!

[@Jsmooth44-c1i]

Could i fit in the drainpipe i weigh 230 lol

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Joshua, wishing you a very merry Christmas 🎄

[@Skippee44]

This video would be better if the music wasn't playing.........

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Todd, Thanks for your feedback. Hopefully you’ll find some of my more recent content better produced. All part of the learning curve !

[@tabithahill1974]

Why the music

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Tabitha, thanks for taking the time to comment. All feedback welcome!The music is certainly a discussion point! Some like it, some not! Hopefully you’ll find some of my more recent videos better produced!

[@tabithahill1974]

Didn't mean it in a negative way sorry but I would have liked to hear you all talking. Great video tho.

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@tabithahill1974 Thanks Tabitha, appreciate your feedback as it helps me for my future videos, we are planning a trip underground in a week or so into Sludge Pit Hole so more caving content coming real soon!

[@keithgibson568]

Why the crazy loud music/ racket, got a minute in and have up on the video. Tone it down !

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi Keith, thanks for the feedback. It’s one of my early videos and I’d agree that the soundtrack isn’t right! All part of the learning curve!👍🏻

[@tommyc9659]

John Jones nutty putty wow

[@Gubalicious]

I don't think the music at the beginning was creepy or scary enough

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for your feedback Gub!

[@Gubalicious]

@@TheCavecrawler I was actually being sarcastic, the music was terrifying and perfect 😂👍

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@Gubalicious I wasn’t sure tbh! So many comments about the sound track! 😂 Thanks for taking the time to comment though. It’s appreciated!👍

[@BryBry2ply]

No no no no no no no no!

[@canklemedkits3772]

Oh, helllllllllll NO!

[@stevelacey3587]

Just a simple beginners cave. I used to take total novices there as an introduction to caving.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Absolutely true Steve, I first learned to cave here many moons ago. The drainpipe seems to get harder the older I get! Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@JohnSmith-mv6bw]

Music ruined it.

[@windowcreek1798]

The background music is just ridiculous.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. All feedback is appreciated. This was one of my early videos, hopefully you’ll find the newer stuff a bit better produced 👍

[@kaneo6162]

Yeah, NAH.

[@gossard56]

How is this fun?

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi, hope you liked the video. For me it’s a great form of escapism, keeping fit and challenging myself. I don’t think about anything else when caving other than the next obstacle. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@alanboody7004]

Nope

[@harrycarry516]

Couldn't watch it terrible music.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Appreciate the feedback Harry, good or bad. Helps me to improve next time around 👍🏻

[@untouchable7308]

The music ruined this video

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to feedback. All feedback good and bad is appreciated. The music is definitely a topic of conversation on this video. Some like it, some hate it! Hopefully you’ll find my more recent videos better produced 👍

[@untouchable7308]

@@TheCavecrawler I enjoyed the video don't get me wrong it's just the music...didn't work for me. Stay safe and blessed

[@martinliljegren7778]

?

[@enterprisecreations1492]

No respect for life, or their loved ones, or the rescuers who will inevitable attempt a rescue.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Hi and thank you for taking the time to comment. You’ll be pleased to hear that this cave is actually an “easy” cave and is often used to teach new cavers. At no point are we ever more than about 10 minutes from the entrance. I am an experienced caver with around 30 years caving experience including rescue practice in Goatchurch Cavern so know very well what risks are involved and how difficult a rescue would be even from this cave (it takes around 2-3hrs to haul a stretcher from the entrance to the drainpipe to the surface). Our kit is all built for caving and is extremely reliable, all the best practice is followed when doing a trip underground including ensuring our families know where we are going, the route we are taking, what time we are due out and who to call if we are overdue. Caving is in fact a pretty safe and exciting hobby if you follow some simple rules and provides an opportunity to visit unique underground environments that most people will never see. You should give it a go sometime with an experienced cave leader, you may find you enjoy it!

[@trith72]

No..just..no.

[@TheCavecrawler]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Hope you enjoyed the vid 😊👍

[@trith72]

@@TheCavecrawler love the vid, this is as close to this hobby as I will ever get so thanks for bringing it to those of us who are claustrophobic, or just big ole guys. Also, props to you gents, you have balls of steel for doing this!

[@TheCavecrawler]

@@trith72 Thanks for your kind comments. If you haven’t already, check out some of my other videos particularly the Swildons hole clips. You might enjoy those too! More caving content on its way! 👍

[@enzoleproni3462]

Extreme? Places where you are walking like in a commercial centre? This video is a joke

[@lullguy6055]

Go to caveman KZbin channel that's extreme caving this would be a walk in the park for that man and his twelve-year-old nephew thumbs down 👎👎👎

[@crotaluschucky7447]

Maybe for them but how about for you? Would this be a walk in the park?

[@KarstRats]

Their lava tubes are 400 feet long at most with many many exits. This is 2km check yourself. I cave in a cave hats four and a half miles of total passage. Called Worley’s cave. No one even has videos of the back because it’s impossible to film and wriggle through at the same time. And helmet cam would just be cramping against the walls and ceilings. 2 miles of Worley’s is walkable passage and 2.5 is all belly crawling back touching the ceiling.

[@KarstRats]

And on top of that the only two entrance/ exits are right next to each other. So you have to come back through what you went through to get back into it.

[@usermanual02]

@@KarstRats Wow! Can I have your autograph?

[@CHURCHBOYCHARLIE]

I went through the drainpipe back when i was in year 11 in school. Being a 96kg bodybuilder now, I'm not sure if I'd fit through it again, only one way to find out though...😉😅🥾⛰

[@patricktate4782]

Wouldn’t call yourself a body builder at 96kg mate if anything you are in shape 🤡

[@CHURCHBOYCHARLIE]

@@patricktate4782 🤡🤡🤡