Here are the rules and answers to some frequently asked questions. This list is non exhaustive but should answer questions raised and clarify terminology. Neither the Peak District Caving web site or Hitch n Hike can be held liable for any misinterpretation. In the event that any clarification is required our/their interpretation/decision is final. What does "cave" mean? Natural passage, not a mine or mined passage. What does "new" mean? Cave or passage that prior to its recent discovery was unknown. The discovery of natural passage or cave with evidence of t' o'd man (Derbyshire's old lead miners) can still be classed as "new" so long as its recent discovery wasn't based upon existing documentary evidence. What about the length of the dig? The length of dug out passage would be included within the final length of the new cave that is found. If the dig was started before 2008 the measured length would be from where the face was on January 1st. What if I climb a previously unclimbed aven? The climbing of a known but unclimbed aven would not be classified as new cave, even if the route taken accesses parts of the aven that can't be seen from the start point or previously accessible positions. However, previously unknown passages intersecting the aven and any new cave beyond accessed via such a climb would be classified as "new cave". The length of the climb or height of the aven would not be included within the surveyed length of the new cave. What about mines or mine passage? Mines and mine passages are not classified as being "cave", but any previously unknown natural cave passage discovered or dug into within a mine or beyond a mined passage would be. What if two teams claim to have found the most new cave? The claims would be investigated and reviewed and a decision made. In the event that it is impossible to differentiate between two or more claims the rope may be split equally. What does "most" mean? The straight line surveyed length, including side passages, oxbows and pitches. Not volume and not including every hole and cavity in a boulder choke. When it comes to boulder chokes it's only the main line or lines through it that count. What if a "dry" extension leads to a sump and cave is found under water or beyond it? Would this be counted as a separate "diving" site? No. If a sump is found in a new dry extension anything discovered in or beyond it would be added to and included within the length of the initial dry section. In the same way that dry passage discovered beyond a dive site would be added to the length of submerged passage explored. Would the height of an aven in a chamber be included in the surveyed length? If it's a small blind aven and all of it can be seen from floor level then no, but if the aven goes up out of sight and has to be climbed to see what's there, or if there's a genuine passage going off it, then yes. What about caves just outside the Peak District like Waterways Swallet? For Peak District read Peak District Caving Area. It would be wrong to exclude such a site as it's in the same lump of limestone. It resurges at Hinkley Wood Risings which are within the Peak District National can't Park boundry any way. What if the divers of diggers only push a few meters into something and no significant length of passage is found? If a sump or crawl is pushed only a few meters along passage the could already be seen that wouldn't really count. Discoveries have to at least be significant, into a bit of new and unknown territory. What if someone finds some new cave but doesn't want to publicise where it is for some reason? If the location and details of a new cave are kept secret can't be included. All the details and survey information have to be publicised. Are Hitch n Hike staff allowed to win the rope even though it's them that's giving it away? Yep. When to finds have to be submitted? Ideally, as they're found. Actual locations don't have to be published until the end of the year if the area is "sensitive". All submissions have to be in before the Hitch n Hike office reopens after new year (10:30am January 2nd). Email: caving@hitchnhike.co.uk T: 01433 651013 When can the winning teams collect their rope? Later in January after a date to be announced. What does 2009 mean? I'm not going to waste my time answering that.....