Overview
Ogof Tarddiad Rhymney was discovered in a quarry, with a small climb down leading to an impressive sized passage. The cave is quite linear with one major series radiating from the main passage that ends as a too tight stream.Length 1500m
Altitude 561m
Grid SO 08511 14117
History
Ogof Tarddiad Rhymney was discovered in 1993 by Jeff Hill and John Parker of the GOCAF in the base of the rock face in a then working quarry. It was in 1995 that the quarry ceased working on this site and the location became more widely known. The cave is quite dry throughout but carries a small stream that has been shown to resurge at a spring above the Blaen Rhymney Reservoir.
Location
Ogof Tarddiad Rhymney (Rhymni) is located in the Cwar Yr Ystrad Quarries about two miles from the village of Trefil.Black Mountain Central map showing the location of Ogof Tarddiad Rhymney
Access
No known access restrictions.
Description
The cave is near the base of the quarry face near an unquarried mass of rock in the larger of the quarries and is generally left blocked up with a dry stone wall. A 2m drop from the entrance gives access to a large fossil passage that carries a small trickle of a stream, this passage varies between 4 and 8 metres wide. This passage continues for about 200m before a junction is met. To the right is a slope upwards to Nant Criban, while down to the left the main passage can be followed for about 300m to a boulder choke. Once through the 10m choke a large passage is regained that lasts for only about 50m before is rapidly reduces in size to a flat out crawl in a sediment filled stream. This can be followed for over 200m before becoming too tight. Nant Criban begins as a small crawl past some straw formations before entering a small chamber. A hole in the floor allows you to drop into the Nant Llwyd streamway, this can be followed for a short distance upstream, while downstream it makes only a visible connection with the main passage. This cave is notable for the fact that it consists of some very large fossil passages that suddenly reduce in size to small crawls at its end. The entrance should be walled up again following a trip.
Tackle
No tackle is required.
References
CavingUK description of Ogof Tarddiad RhymneyThe Caves of the Central Northern Outcrop - Tony Oldham
Warnings
The entrance is located in a disused quarry face. There is danger of falling rocks and care should be take on the approach. Recent rockfalls are evident near the entrance.The road beyond Trefil is a private quarry road and is gated and locked at weekends.
The area around the quarries is prone to car crime so it is better to park nearer the village and walk up to the cave.
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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