1 : Is it dark ?

Yes, of course it is - blacker than a starless night.  If you are on your own and your light fails, the universe instantly shrinks to within an inch of your face. However with modern electric lights,  a constant pool of illumination in projected front of you - you don't see the darkness behind ......

2 : Is it dangerous ?

Only if you allow it to be so. Like most activities, stupidity or thoughtlessness can hurt. The UK has the widest range of caves to match all standards from novice to professionals who make a living out of it. Training is informal and  progressive, within small groups of friends usually on a 1 (novice) : 3 (experienced) basis. Unlike rock climbing, the idea is to minimize all risks. 'Ego-Trippers' rapidly get told to bugger off.  Insurance premiums are not loaded.

3 : Why do you do it ?

Where else on the planet do mere mortals have the chance to boldly tread where no man has ever tread before ? There are caverns of awesome gob-smacking beauty within but a two hour drive of Birmingham, the like of which you will never see in any showcave anywhere in the world. There is opportunity for serious scientific study, the more difficult caving systems offer serious sport that leave hardened rugby players quivering wrecks, or you can do what I do : enjoy the company, take lots of pickies and look forward to the pub afterwards. All you need is to not be afraid of a bit of physical effort.

4 : Do you meet people ?

Because it is unwise to cave in groups of less than three or four, preparation for caving mainly involves  getting friends together and setting a date for a trip. So, more than for any other activity, cavers are organised into regeonal clubs who provide hostel accommodation, equipment and a calendar of trips and social events. The social mix varies between clubs so you may need to shop around until you find one that suits. All that is needed is the initiative to ask 'How can I get a trip ?',  and you will be munching Mars bars 100 feet  underground before you have time to blink. And there is no friend like the one who has just saved your life ( er...  see faq 2 above).

5 : How do I start ?

Join a  club  (most of us started with a hand torch, plimsoles and a very bad headache,  but its not  recommended)
 


Abseiler lifted from Race Against Time by Jim Eyre and John Frankland, Lyon Books 1987
A most excellent book about the Yorkshire Cave Rescue Organisation -you should get a copy
if you haven't already.