Oxford University Cave Club

Report on a cave entered during the journey from Valporquero to Cangas de Onis

R.J. Cooper and T.R. Cecil

A cave entrance of about 5' in diameter was observed by R.J. Cooper at ground level in a rock face on the eastern side of the N. Riano - Cistierna road about 100 yards south of kilometre post No. 64.

After about 100' of passage between 4 and 10' high, there is a chamber approximately 20' high and 15' across, with two passages, leading from the bottom. One is a very muddy crawl which appears to lead down to a sump. The other leads upstream for about 40' and ends in a small chamber with a stream entering through a duck. It was much obstructed by silt and bits of false floor.

The duck had at the time of exploration about 2" of air space through which issues a very strong draught capable of extinguishing a carbide lamp held near the surface of the water about 18" from the opening. Unfortunately, owing to lack of time, we were unable to go further but the duck looked extremely promising and might be of interest to anyone exploring the area in future.

There are several high level passages with extremely attractive formations.

This is a resurgence cave about ½ mile from the Rio Esla and probably only about 20' above river level.

The total length explored was about 300'.