Cathole Cave
| Cathole Cave | |
| ( Cathole Rock ) | |
 | |
| Rock Type | Natural Carboniferous Limestone |
|---|---|
| Climbing Style | Trad |
| Approach Time | 10 minutes |
| Area | Gower |
| Sub Area | Three Cliffs and Pobbles |
| Geodata | |
| WGS-84 Location | 51.5898992, -4.1123902 |
| OS Grid Ref. | SS 537 900 |
| WGS-84 Parking Location | 51.586345, -4.1109890 |
| GR Parking Location | SS 538 896 |
| Parking Postcode | SA3 2EH |
| Base Elevation | 41 metres (SRTM Estimation) |
| General Info | |
| Faces Direction | West |
| Aspect | Partially Sunny |
| Wind Sheltered | Always |
| Climbing Type | Normal |
| Midge Problem | Never |
| Seepage | Quick drying |
| Crags Within a Half Mile. | |
BOLTING POLICY
PREAMBLE
Small isolated cave and buttress in Park Wood that has been climbed upon in the past. It is now a scheduled monument of national importance.[1]
Years back, this buttress and cave was used by local scouts for top-roping (probably the severe only), and abseiling. Infrequently, climbers would stumble across it. In recent years bat protection laws and the discovery of prehistoric art at the back of the cave means that further development of this buttress is probably unwise.
The prehistoric art is now fenced off, but the cave is shelter for bats and should be avoided during bat hibernation.
ACCESS
From Parkmill on Gower. Turn right and take the road to Parc-le-Breos. After about 600 yards, you'll come to a small car park and picnic site. Leave the car here and head up the gated track heading north through a wide and grassy dry valley. After 250 yards you will pass an ancient burial site on your left (see Parc Cwm Long Cairn). After another 250 yards look up high into the trees to your right and spot the buttress overlooking the valley. (10 mins from parking).
There are also some small old quarries only 100 (or so) metres up the track from the car park. One or two of which may be of interest.
The Routes
- Unnamed Severe
Start at the vague groove at the left side of the buttress and follow it until a step rightwards across the apex of the cave. Then follow easily to the top. - Unnamed - E3, 6a?
Start just inside the entrance on the right-hand side and jump for the large jug. Gain height and then bridge up the cave entrance. - Unnamed - E2,5c?
The wall on the right side of the buttress.Now overgrown. - Unnamed - VS, 4b
The arête on the right of the buttress now seems to be overgrown
There is also some bouldering inside the cave on the low roof. This part of the cave doesn't appear to be restricted, has frequent visitors throughout the year and is probably much less sensitive.
