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The Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the best caving systems in the UK! From the well known Gaping Gill into which drops possibly the UK’s longest unbroken waterfall to the maze of tunnels known as the Kingsdale Master System near Ingleton.
Apart from the serious stuff, of which there is plenty, there are also a number of excellent show caves in the area, all with good access and parking.
White Scar Caves: Discovered in 1923 by Christopher Long, was first opened to the public in 1925. Since then it has developed into one of the regions largest tourist attractions From those early days the system has since been extended and now boasts a visitor centre, cafe, picnic area and a large car park. The guided visit takes about 80 minutes into what is the UK’s longest show cave! It opens throughout the year although winter visiting times are restricted - for opening times and prices see -http://www.whitescarcave.co.uk
Ingleborough Show Cave: The oldest show cave in the Yorkshire Dales was first opened to visitors in 1837. Once the outflow for the streams of the Gaping Gill System, these caves are initially reached by a pleasant ‘trail’ walk from Clapham Village. For three weekends before Christmas a special Santa’s Grotto is created for visitors! Again open throughout the Summer with restricted Winter openings, further details can be seen here -http://www.ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Stump Cross Caverns: Not far from Pateley Bridge, these Caves were originally discovered in 1860 by lead miners and was soon opened to the public. From those early days, the system has been extended to over 4 miles in length. Animal Bones dating back some 90,000 years have been found which include Wolves and Bison are now on display at their visitor centre and Cafe. Opening times can be found here -http://stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/
Howstean Gorge: Whilst perhaps not boasting a major show cave, this attraction offers a unique mix of activities for all of the family including Gorge Walking, Potholing, Rock Climbing and a Via Ferrata! A hoard of silver and bronze Roman coins were also found in the area in 1868. A short drive from Pateley Bridge, further information about opening times and the mix of activities here can be found at -http://www.howstean.co.uk/
The ducks to the Hallucination Aven in the gaping gill system, Yorkshire dales.
This footage was taken on the way out because we were concerned we might be going into a sump on the way in.
Please Note: As with most outdoor activities, fell running can be a potentially hazardous activity. Go prepared and well equipped and always take note of what the race organisers have to say!
Being lowered over 300ft by a winch into the Gaping Gill Cave system,Ingleborough - by Stone-Age Productions. Oct 2022
stone-age@reborn.com
Craven Pothole Club -Skipton based Craven Pothole Club was founded in 1929 and currently have about 240 members. They promote a wide range of outdoor activities including caving, mountaineering, fell walking, rock climbing and other similar activities. New members are encouraged and would have use of all of their facilities including access to their filed headquarters in Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Bradford Pothole Club - Based in the Yorkshire Dales with its headquarters at Brackenbottom near Horton-in-Ribblesdale. They run the famous,’Gaping Gill ‘winch’ at the end of May bank holiday -
