Caving Club
Devon Spelæological Society
The South Dartmoor Bunkhouse is owned by Devon Spelæological Society, founded in 1947 and often referred to as DSS or DevonSS. We are one of the oldest established caving clubs in the country, with active members of all ages. New members are always welcome.
The club is open to anyone with an interest in caving — whether as a sport or for the more scientific side. In recent years DSS has seen healthy growth, welcoming cavers of all ages and abilities. Our members bring a wide range of skills and interests — from digging, diving and surveying to cave biology, geology, archaeology and electronics. Whatever your passion underground, you’ll find like-minded people here.
Further information about the Society can be found on the Devon Spelæological Society website.
Regular Meets
DSS regularly meet on a Wednesday evening, and there is nearly always something planned — whether a social evening, a caving trip, or a presentation night.
As a guide, the first Wednesday is usually a social evening at The Tally Ho! in Exeter, though a caving activity may be planned instead. The second Wednesday is generally based around Buckfastleigh — either a presentation evening at the hut, sometimes with a guest speaker, or caving locally. Beyond that, meets are fluid — usually an underground trip, always followed by a visit to the pub, where members who weren’t caving that evening will often join for the debrief and a social drink. When there’s a fifth Wednesday in the month, we usually do something a little different.
Members also meet informally on other days and evenings in smaller groups, though these tend to be less formally organised.
It’s always worth getting in touch before turning up, so you can be sure someone will be there to meet you. Contact us via secretary@devonss.org.uk
Weekend & Overseas Trips
One weekend a month, DSS usually runs a caving weekend in one of the main caving regions — Somerset, South Wales, Derbyshire or Yorkshire. Members share transport, travel on Friday evening, stay in a caving club hut, and cave through the weekend. These trips are great for building experience and are often where members develop the skills needed for more ambitious caving.
Most years the club organises an overseas trip, sometimes independently and sometimes in partnership with other clubs — we have particularly close historical links with the Wessex Caving Club. Overseas trips by their nature often involve more challenging goals and longer time underground — for many members it’s where hard-won skills are put to the test and personal limits are pushed. If that appeals but feels a step beyond where you are now, there are always experienced members happy to help you build the skills and confidence you need before you go.
Thinking of Joining?
If you’re interested in joining DevonSS, the best first step is to get in touch — either via our contact page or directly with the Secretary at secretary@devonss.org.uk. Someone will get back to you and usually invite you along to a pub night first.
It’s an informal get-together — as much about seeing whether we’re the right club for you as the other way round. Over a drink we’ll get a feel for your experience and what you’re looking for, so we can make sure your first trip is pitched at the right level. Whether you’re completely new to caving or already have experience underground, we’ll take it from there.
New members are always welcome.