Hidden Earth 2020

Urban Caving - an alternative?

45 minute Lecture|Scott Bradley

Abstract

10 years ago, we were aspirant cavers finding ourselves trapped within the urban environment. College, University and the toils of young adult life created commercial and logistical barriers for entry into the subterranean environment. As students, our desperation for a cost effective underground adventure in between our formal club trips took a dramatic turn and the cities of the UK became home to a genuine and now popular sport. Follow our journey up-to the present day, through the medium of bright and interesting photos and videos, of applying SRT and caving techniques to explore the storm drains, sewers and underground rivers of major cities around the UK. Learn about how we gave Megatron its name, the gargoyles and chandeliers of show-piece chambers, the mind boggling brickwork and pomp of Bazalgettes London sewers and the inevitable "International Drain Meet", a global celebration of subterranean excellence with everything from SRT adventures to 1:1 scale replicas of a pub temporarily assembled in an underground river!