Aven P5 des Mijanes

The first step at the entrance (R7) leads, after a squeeze, to the top of a succession of three small verticals, the first two being relatively narrow (R3, R6 and P10). At the foot of the P10, a small, fairly low sloping gallery leads to a first two-metre step passed free, then to a second of 3 metres (R3) which gives access to the start of the big shaft (P64). Two small drops of 3 and 5 metres lead to a lip overhanging the void. The P64 ends on a vast ledge, the start of a somewhat exposed handline that allows the P22 to be equipped; at the foot of that, the P12 begins with a handline on a spit and a drilled anchor. A short downclimb precedes a slippery 7-metre slide (TB7), extended by the P11 which gives access to the river.

When the level is low, a small two-metre waterfall is present and one can continue in the main gallery; this waterfall disappears entirely when the water level rises.

At the lip overhanging the void, there is a spit and a drilled anchor about one metre to the left of the spit, drilled vertically; from there one can choose to descend the 50 metres in one go or to fraction it on whichever ANs seem best. At the foot of the P22, equip the P12; stay on the left (void behind you) to find the pitch head. Finally, leave the rope for a short downclimb, then the slippery 7-metre slide (TB7) which will be equipped, extended by the P11. Indicative total time: 5h30.