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BCA Cave Leader Training

Become a British Caving Association BCA Cave and Mine Leader Training Courses

How Stean Gorge offers the both cave training courses & assessments from the British Caving Association’s. 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 well-resourced base includes – (Onsite)

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.

  • 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 a successful assessment.

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.
  • Access to Stump Cross Caverns Cave System, including the vast well decorated passageways which branch off the main show cave

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

Prerequisites for your chosen training and/or assessment

Horizontal Training (max ratio: 1 to 6, minimum duration: 2 days)

    • Aged 18+ with LCMLA Registration
    • Personal competence in cave and mine exploration
    • Typically: at least 12 cave or mine trips (see BCA website for exceptions)

Vertical Training Training (max ratio: 1 to 4, minimum duration: 2 days)

    • Aged 18+ with LCMLA Registration
    • Considerable Vertical Caving Experience
    • Competence at Basic SRT Progression
    • Successful completion of LCMLA Horizontal 1 Training
Award Winning Activities