Petzl Underground Session

Join us at the legendary Petzl Underground Session to explore the hidden worlds beneath our feet, hear about the latest local and global developments, and travel through a host of subterranean wonders.

Inverness-based Imogen Furlong is well known to the international caving community for exploratory trips to Thailand and Myanmar, and in particular for organising 'family trips' where the goals are to search for new caves, pooling resources allowing parents to get underground, plus introducing kids to the wonders of international caving. Imogen's inspiring talk follows the adventures of her son Rowan as he grows to love a life of adventure.

Photographer Tom McNally will join us to talk about his project to chart historic mining sites in Cumbria. After four years of mine exploration negotiating coffin levels, old pipework, dodgy pit props, hidden shafts and leaching mineral deposits, 'What Lies Beneath - Lost Mines of The Lake District' is a visual treat and a tribute to this hidden history.

We'll be hearing from local activists Frank Pearson and Matt Ewles about the latest developments including the Three Peaks/Three Counties area near Ingleton, plus recent discoveries in the Northern Dales (including a stream cave and maze caves) and the North York Moors, where dedicated effort has revealed plenty of new extensions.

Last but very much not least, Kasia Biernacka is a Polish expedition caver and photographer who, for over 20 years, has been part of the projects led by the US Deep Caving Team exploring Sistema Chevé (-1,520m) in Mexico, currently the second-deepest cave in the western hemisphere. Kasia will talk about pushing Sistema Chevé, accompanied by stunning images and film. When not caving, Kasia is also Film Programming Director for the Ladek Mountain Festival in Poland, so we're delighted to welcome her to Kendal.