Book NowLogin

BCA Cave and Mine Leader Assessments

How Stean Gorge offers BCA Cave Leader Assessments and training courses from the British Caving Association. The Local Cave and Mine Leader Assessment (LCMLA) Scheme provides an award recognising the competence of those wishing to take responsibility for others underground, for the benefit of employers or others in authority. The main considerations are equally the safety of the group and the conservation of a fragile environment.

Our cave training courses are based from our Outdoor Activity Centre right here at How Stean Gorge, Yorkshire. We are extremely fortunate to have such fantastic facilities in such a perfect location, which can not be replicated anywhere in the UK.

Our well-resourced base includes – (Onsite)

  • 5 Caves onsite all with up to date surveys (Tom Taylors Cave, How Stean Tunnel (inc Vertical Training Area), Hazel Close Cave, Upper Eglins Hole & Cat Crawl)
  • Licensed Cafe serving meals daily 9am – 5pm
  • Campsite, Bunkhouse & Lodges with wood burning hot tubs
  • Glass Floored events & training room
  • Quality changing & shower facilities with under floor heating
  • Comprehensive Stores, with access to latest equipment for the duration of your course
  • How Stean Gorge itself, one of Yorkshire’s most popular visitor attractions complete with SSSI status for its geology
  • Indoor SRT Training, Abseil Bridge & Via Ferrata
  • Refreshments, for the duration of your course

All these onsite facilities means there’s very little traveling required on any of our cave training courses. You will receive more time with your trainers during this important period, to hone the all important skills required which lead to successful BCA Cave Leader assessments.

Our offsite cave training courses – facilities & venues

  • Scar House Bunk Barn
  • The Upper Nidderdale Cave System, which has endless training possibilities in caves such as Goyden Pot, Manchester Hole, New Goyden, Limley & Church Pot, the list can go on. With many ongoing discoveries being made by the Black Sheep Diggers. All within 2 miles, of our site.

Undertaking the Award

The two process diagrams below illustrate how the Local Cave Leader Award can be undertaken, the British Caving Association Local Mine Leader Award can be transferred to a Cave award (and vice-versa), and how the Vertical component can be added

Booking Your Assessment

Assessment are arranged on a mutual date to when your and your assessor is available. We are lucky enough to have 2 trainer / assessor from the British Caving Association LCMLA Northern Panel that work full time with us.

Tony Liddy – tony@howstean.co.uk

Dan Liddy – dan@howstean.co.uk

Award Winning Activities

Module 1 Assessment – Core Skills CAVE and/or Core Skills MINE (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

    • At least 30 trips in at least 10 different systems
    • Experience in at least 2 regions / types of mine
    • At least 5 “Quality Days” underground
    • Experience of leading under supervision
  • Please note: the Trainer / Assessor who trained the candidate for Level 1 may not assess the candidate for Module 1.

Module 2 – Group Skills and Local Knowledge (1:1 ratio)

    • At least 30 trips in at least 10 different systems
    • Experience in at least 2 regions / types of mine
    • At least 5 “Quality Days” underground
    • Experience of leading under supervision
  • Please Note: this Assessment may be combined with Assessment of Module 4

Module 3 – Vertical Skills (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

    • LCMLA Level 1
    • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
    • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground
  • Please note: the Trainer / Assessor who trained the candidate for Level 2 may not assess the candidate for Module 3.

Module 4 – Group Vertical Skills and Local Knowledge (1:1 ratio)

    • Module 3 within the previous 12 months
    • LCMLA Level 1
    • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
    • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground

Module 5 – SRT for Leader Progression (1:1 or 2:1 ratio)

    • LCMLA Level 1
    • An additional 30 underground trips in vertical cave systems
    • At least 5 additional “Quality Days” underground
Also Available on Site
Accommodation
Parking
Food & Drink
Gift Shop