Martel’s Candlelight Tour
Saturday 21st October – Family 12yrs+ – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Tuesday 31st October – Halloween (Adult Only)- 5:00pm – 7:00pm (Postponed due to the weather – New Date TBC)
Saturday 4th November – Family 12yrs+ – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Edouard-Alfred Martel played a significant role in shaping the science of speleology and pioneered many aspects of early modern cave exploration, including the first recorded scientific exploration of the Marble Arch Cave systems in 1895.
Discover first-hand what this exploration of the cave system would have felt like when you accompany Edouard Martel on his authentic re-enactment of the discovery of the show cave in its natural darkness (with the electric lights switched off) over 128 years ago! Your journey underground through the dark abbess of the show cave will be conducted by Martel using candlelight and lanterns to guide your way.
On this 2-hour guided tour, you will be assisting Edouard Martel with his exploration and hearing about his insightful and captivating experiences as he ventured through the show cave.
6 key topics covered
- How he measured cave passages using rope.
- How he was able to establish cave depths.
- Light techniques used to highlight/light up large chambers to see their vastness.
- Working out the direction of water flow in dry cave chambers.
- How he was able to unlock other areas of cave that he could not reach for future cave explorers and adventurers.
- The difficulties faced in 1895 with equipment to explore cave systems compared to present day.
Edouard Martel Guide: Chris Fawcett
Join Chris Fawcett as he re-enacts the great story of Edouard Martel’s exploration of the Marble Arch Caves. Chris has worked in the Marble Arch Caves for several years, he has a great interest in the show cave and is skilled at story telling and re-enactments. Chris will captivate your imagination, as he re-enacts the great story of Edouard Martel as you make your way through the darkness of the show cave guided by your lantern.
Booking Information
This event will be a unique guided tour through the show cave, in its natural darkness with the electric lights turned off. Participants each will be given a lantern to assist them. We suggest you wear sturdy flat shoes and warm layer as you will be spending 2 hours in the show cave. This tour will cover the entire 1.5miles of cave passages along footpaths with stepped sections. Your imagination can run wild in the darkness of the show cave as you journey through 1.1 miles of chambers and passages.
