Cave grades by difficulty

Grade 1 (EC): Easy cave, no difficulties or pitches.

Grade 2 (MC): Moderate caves, small potholes, mild challenges, and minor hazards.

Grade 3 (DC): Difficult caves and potholes with hazards, and challenging or strenuous sections, requires technical SRT skills & Experience.

Grade 4 (VDC): Very strenuous caves and potholes which present hazards, difficult obstacles, dangerous pitches, the possibility of getting stuck, or possible rising water, also requires advanced SRT proficiency, it’s a must.

Grade 5 (SC/SSC): Very Severe, highly dangerous caves and potholes which can flood to the roof without warning very strenuous sections needing fitness and commitment, wet underground pitches. Hypothermia is a real risk, do not enter these caves without the highest level of experience,
For some “Grade 5, (SC/SSC)” caves, rescue beyond a certain point is going to be challenging and/or borderline impossible for rescue equipment without needing to damage the cave, great care must be taken at all times!

SSSI Meaning: SSSI is a cave or mine that is located within a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (SSSI), a protected area of land or water that is important for its scientific, geological, or biological features.

You should seek as much information as possible on a location and if you are unsure, ask on UK-Caving. UK-Caving has a great wealth of knowledgeable people, who are more than happy to help when asked.

The Minimal Impact Caving information:

Click Here - Download the Guidelines Document!