We move down the passage towards a t-junction which seems to offer only a dead end. The way ahead is below – a gap in the rocks allows a down-climb to reach a more generous chamber beyond. This is the site of Alum Pot’s notorious Cheese Press. The Cheese Press is a feature which can easily be circumnavigated – an alternative route round the side is more suitable for people who don’t want to take it on, it’s 100% optional.

The feature is a narrow gap where the floor and the ceiling come together. It progressively narrows until it’s barely the width of an adult human, making it one of the most famous squeezes in British caving.

Lin goes first. She’s done this many times before and makes it look easy. From the other side, she coaches Oliver through. It’s my turn and I’m torn. The desire to bypass is huge, but I decide that I have to conquer my fear and go for it.

I feel safe and calm with Ian and Lin and their instruction helps me towards the end of the passage where the gap is the narrowest. To pass this, I need to get my body into just the right position, with my body to the left and my legs to the right. I have my helmet removed and I can feel the floor and the ceiling pressing on my chest from both directions. I’m not sure I’m going to fit through and for a moment my mind spirals and I can feel that I’m close to panic. Lin spots this before it surfaces and calms me down. Under her guidance, I relax and breathe out, inch forward with a wriggle and I’m out. It was a little harrowing but I’m proud to have got through.

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