Martyn Farr is one of the world’s best-known cave divers — a pioneering explorer, author, photographer, and retired instructor whose life’s work has helped shape modern cave diving. Based in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Martyn’s story is deeply rooted in the Cwmdu valley, where his family legacy continues through Cwmdu Campsite and Cwmdu Cottages.
Cwmdu Campsite was founded in 1964 by Martyn’s parents, making it one of the oldest family-run campsites in the Brecon Beacons. The site began as a small, simple field welcoming walkers and outdoor enthusiasts — long before camping became the mainstream adventure it is today.
Martyn grew up just beside the campsite at Efail Isaf, once an old blacksmith’s workshop that has been lovingly restored and now operates as one of the Cwmdu Cottages holiday lets. The cottage remains rich with family history, with original stone walls and countryside charm, welcoming guests from all over the world to experience the same wild beauty that inspired Martyn’s lifelong passion for exploration.
Today, Martyn remains a part-owner of Cwmdu Campsite, supporting the continued preservation of this beautiful valley and its sustainable tourism ethos — a living link between Wales’ underground and overground landscapes.
Martyn began caving in 1961 and cave diving in 1971, quickly becoming one of the sport’s leading figures. In 1981 Martyn established a world record for cave penetration in the Bahamas and completed other record breaking dives in systems such as Wookey Hole and beneath Llangattock Mountain, near his family home.
His work at sites across the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe pushed technical boundaries and deepened the understanding of cave systems. He played a key role in the expoloration of many Irish caves including the Pollatoomary Cave exploration — now recognised as the deepest cave dive in the British Isles — and was involved in the world-record Pozo Azul expedition in Spain.
Through these daring yet meticulous expeditions, Martyn combined exploration with education, documenting his findings through photography and books that continue to inspire both divers and adventurers worldwide.
Often described as the definitive history of cave diving, this book chronicles the evolution of the sport from early pioneers to modern exploration. The 2017 edition features outstanding new imagery and global updates and was shortlisted for the annual Cout’s Sports Book Awards (Illustrated Book of the Year).
A practical and beautifully illustrated guide for advanced divers exploring caves, wreck and beneath ice — focusing on safety, planning, and real-world experience.
A beautifully illustrated companion to British and Irish inland dive locations, from flooded quarries to historic mines. The book profiles over 70 sites renowned for their clear water, geological interest and technical challenges, with detailed access notes, history, and stunning photography. It’s a favourite among divers seeking new destinations within the UK.
An inside look at the famous Wookey Hole cave system, blending first-hand accounts with striking photographs and historical insight.
A must-read for anyone fascinated by Welsh cave systems, geology, and exploration — written with affection for the landscapes Martyn grew up exploring.
A visual celebration of the underground world of Wales, highlighting access, conservation, and the hidden beauty beneath the Brecon Beacons.
A fascinating record of one of the UK’s most extensive cave systems, located just a couple of miles from Cwmdu Campsite.
Martyn’s most recent work — a stunning photographic journey through some of the (100) greatest caves and mines across Britain and Ireland.
Martyn remains an active voice for safe, sustainable adventure tourism in Wales. His work — both as an explorer and as part of the Cwmdu family — reflects a lifelong respect for nature and a belief in sharing wild spaces responsibly.
Visitors to Cwmdu Campsite can still walk the same hills and valleys that shaped his early life, while guests staying at Efail Isaf Cottage can relax in the heart of his childhood home — surrounded by the Black Mountains that inspired a global legacy of exploration.
Discover Martyn’s books at Vertebrate Publishing, & Amazon
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