Hmmm. The cows like to stand on and nearby the new capping so the grass isn't quite as green as I thought!

That said, good work was done today by CSCC bolting officer plus his assistant (yours truly); bolts were placed at the head of the second pitch on the right hand side; compromised somewhat by the dolomitic conglomerate as to where anchors could be sited, three bolts were placed on the right hand wall approaching the pitch allowing a (slightly low) ladder/line/SRT rig to be put in.

On returning up the main pitch a single anchor rebelay adjacent to a useful ledge at a horizon of about +50ft (17m'ish) was placed; again this was compromised by the suitability of the rock and so a deviation was placed (look out for the cord in situ) solving a bit of a potential rub point below.

So, to summarise:

Star Shaft is now bolted for SRT.

The main pitch can be done either as a single free hang of around 25m or: A double pitch of about 8m to rebelay then 17m with deviation to bottom

Followed by second pitch which can be rigged as you choose from the bolts on the right hand wall. Using a short sling or double krab will avoid another minor rub just below the furthest anchor.

Chris placing the anchors. Pic: Andrew Atkinson

Rigging Topos

This project was funded by the BCA (£1595) and the Mendip AONB (£470).