 The Entrance to Ogof Ap Robert |
 Scaffolded Climb in Ogof Ap Robert |
 Toad Hall in Ogof Ap Robert |
 Toad Hall in Ogof Ap Robert |
 Toad Hall in Ogof Ap Robert |
 Toad Hall in Ogof Ap Robert |
Overview
Ogof Ap Robert is an interesting and sporty cave formed in a shakehole where a small stream meets a 10m high rock cliff. The water from the cave resurges at Ffynnon Shon Sheffrey some 2 miles away in under 48 hours.Length 1015m
Altitude 517m
Grid SO 09959 13479
History
Ogof Ap Robert was originally discovered around 1948 by Cecil Cullingford. The cave was named after the son of the local farmer Robert. With the help of the SVCC a passage at the back of the entrance chamber was entered, but it was only in 1968 that a rock blocking the passage was removed to reveal a 7m climb down to reach a boulder choke. In 1987 GOCAF and GSS passed the boulder choke to reveal a quite extensive system.
Location
The cave is located on the moors above Trefil about 2km from the road in a large shakehole with a 10m cliff at its lower end.Central Northern Outcrop map showing the location of Ogof Ap Robert
Access
No known access restrictions.
Description
Ogof Ap Robert is a small swallet cave, where the stream disappears into the base of a 10m high cliff face in a shakehole. From the base of the Cliff face two entrance passages converge in Cullingford's Chamber. From here a rift passage is followed with several short climbs to reach the top of the scaffolded first boulder choke. The passage beyond descends steeply with several short climbs and one awkward maneuver through a small window into a rift passage beyond. A final section of scaffolded choke is reached which brings you out into the impressive Toad Hall. A good quantity of water enters here through the roof and also from an inlet on the right - Twyn Ceiliog which can be climbed and followed for about 30m. The route on is through the boulders in the floor of the chamber where a crawl below the boulders leads dry phreatic passage leading off below the chamber. A junction is reached with South Passage on the right that ends after 150 metres. To the left the passage splits two ways, the leftmost route leads to North Passage that runs alongside and below Toad Hall and ends after 150m. Taking the right hand branch leads to an 8m ladder pitch through boulders that takes you back to the stream that enters an unpenetrated boulder choke.
Tackle
Boulder Pitch 8m ladder plus belay.
References
Cambrian Cave Registry for Ogof Ap Robert Caves of South Wales - Tim Stratford
The Caves of the Central Northern Outcrop - Tony Oldham
Warnings
The route beyond Toad Hall takes you under the boulder floor of the chamber which should be treated with care.
Disclaimer
The photographs and information of this page has been provided to help cavers planning trips. Caving can be a dangerous activity, if you are interested in exploring caves please join a caving club so you can enjoy a safe introduction to this sport. Local caving clubs are listed on the links page or you can visit try caving for more options.If you feel that any of the information is incorrect or should be updated please contact us.
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