013 Cueva de Cuatribu
Ozana VN55209505 Alt. 420m Length 255m

Updated 19th February 1999; 3rd February 2001

The large entrance, which acts as a goat shelter, is well hidden in trees. The route starts as a jog in passage 9m high and 4m wide with stalagmite columns and gours slowing progress. The passage develops into a high rift and ends at a blind 6m pot after passing some fine helictites.

The cave is an archaeological site with paintings and artifacts. The S.E.S.S. found a medieval pitcher, 17cm high, with a single handle, half-way through the cave. The passage also contains some 50 schematic-abstract paintings, including complex and representative figures, sometimes painted on stalactite. (The black markings in the cave are described and discussed in Smith Peter, 1998b (survey) and Muñoz Emilio et al, 1995.). An iron axe head and small fragments of prehistoric pottery have been found at the entrance and several bear skeletons, Ursus speleus, are located at different points along the passage.

The cave was resurveyed in 1996 for a computer line. Has anyone bolted the rift at the end of the cave? There is also a muddy climb up at a corner which needs checking out. The cave was relocated in 1997.

References: Fernández Gutiérrez et al, 1966 (survey and photo); Kendal Caving Club and Manchester University Speleological Society, 1975 (survey and photo); Manchester University Speleological Society, 1982; Smith P and Munoz E, 1985 ; Cox G, 1973; Mills L D J and Waltham A C, 1981 (survey); Corrin J S and Smith P, 1981; Corrin J, 1983c; Smith P, 1985 (survey); Smith P, 1983; anon., 1994b (logbook); Muñoz Emilio et al, 1995; anon., 1996b (logbook); anon., 1997a (Easter logbook); Smith Peter, 1998b (survey); Smith Peter, 1998a (photo)
Entrance picture :
Underground picture(s): Looking out to the goat pens  Formations about half way in
Detailed Survey :
Line Survey :
On area survey :
Survex file :