Pierre Sainte Martin - France

By Steve Whitlock

June 2002

Charlie Milton and Steve Whitlock led a group of very inexperienced cavers to the Pierre Sainte Martin in France. After several preparatory rigging, training and exploration trips a traverse from SC3 - EDF Tunnel was completed. This is possibly the longest traverse in the world at 11.5 km + horizontal distance and over 1000m+ of decent. This compares favourably with Cueto Coventosa at 6.5 Km and 625 m respectively.

The PSM lived up to all expectations with large passages up to 150m across and long arduous trips. In June, this trip was perhaps the earliest that anyone had ever completed the trip in the season. Snowmelt water in the system was a balmy 1-2 degrees C making the use of wetsuits and boats for various sections very necessary.

During the logistic / set up phase it was noted that the entrance to the system via Tete Sauvage was perhaps less attractive than other entrances, being constricted and no better than a Yorkshire Pot. By way of contrast SC3 was an exciting and impressive alpine pot and well worth a visit.

In addition to caving in the PSM, canyonning and other systems were visited: The area was considered well worth a return visit in the future. Logistics in this part of the Pyrenees were found to be difficult with fuel and food remote from all suitable campsites.

JSMTW would find this an ideal location for a future TITAN HALL. Having all gained Cave and SRT proficiency many of the young cavers involved in the expedition have expressed a continuing interest in caving.