Paul whetted the appetites of 25 members and guests of the Group with this preamble:

“Otter Hole Cave sits on the West Bank of the River Wye below Chepstow Racecourse under which it runs and extends for a length of 4Km or approximately 2.5 miles. It was first visited by cavers in 1970. Major digging started in 1974 and the big breakthrough came in 1976 when the Upper Series, with all its fantastic formations, was discovered.

It’s unique, probably in the world, as being the only cave with a fully Tide Controlled Access, other than Sea Caves. It has over the years attracted many thousands of cavers from all over the world who come and marvel at the formations. Films have also been made about it. Including two completed by Paul Taylor; local caver and film producer.”

Many in the audience had heard of the cave system but very few had visited it. In contrast Paul has been involved with its exploration and development since 1974/5 with a total of more than 250 visits. He has an unique knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm for the cave. The entrance passageway is only passable at low tide which means that access is limited although the upper passages are above the water so that it is possible to stay in the cave for longer periods.

The cave was discovered by David Parker in 1970 and by 1975 330 metres of cave had been explored. About then cavers broke through into upper levels and now over 4000 metres have been found.

Paul showed time lapse photography film of the tidal River Wye and the tidal sump which is close to the entrance. As the cavers have broken through into different levels beautiful caverns with spectacular collections of stalactites and stalagmites have appeared. They have names such as Crystal Ball Passage which lies under the road past Chepstow Racecourse, The Hall of Thirty which is 30 metres in height and lies under the Piercefield PH at St Arvans, Long Straw Chamber which boasts long delicate stalactites 6 metres long.

Filming of the caves has continued at intervals from 2013 to 2022 and Paul has been intimately involved with the making of several different films. He showed amazing pictures of the wonders of the caves and also conveyed the excitement of discovery which overcomes the feeling of wet mud which was seen clinging to all the participants at all times as they crawled and squeezed themselves through the caverns.

It was a pleasure to hear Paul talk about his lifetime of living with Otter Hole Cave.

Martin.

Please note that the full article, including pictures are in the October 2023 Newsletter (page 2).