5 Best Caving Adventure Destinations in the UK
Beneath the surface of the UKs picturesque landscape is a subterranean world of hidden caves and caverns. If you are an avid potholer or are looking to get involved with a new and exciting adventure that is free, this article should help you find the best caving destinations across the UK. There is a lost world of caves that few people get to see, here are some of our favourites:
1. Alum Pot, Yorkshire
First on our list of the best caving destinations in the UK is Alum Pot, located on the slopes of ingleborough above the hamlet of Selside in the Yorkshire Dales. The cave is actually on private property so a small payment is required at Selside farm before you make your way to the cave. The walk to the entrance of the cave is around 1km where you will be met by a dramatic open shaft surrounded by a wall which prevents sheep, or even people falling down it. If you are not suitably equipped for caving, it is not recommended that you go any closer to the cave.
The first successful descent of Alum Pot was said to be made by John Birkbeck in 1848 when a group of cavers were lowered into the shaft using a bucket winched down by a group of railway workers. Beneath the surface, Alum Pot connects with Diccan Pot and Long Churns cave- all of these caves are suitable amongst beginner level cavers.
2. Gaping Gill, Yorkshire
Next, another must visit caving destination in Yorkshire is Gaping Gill. It is actually one of the most famous in the dales due to it having one of the largest underground chambers in the whole of Britain. It is important to take care as the entrance to this cave is not fenced. Infact, Gaping Gill is said to be one of the longest and most complicated caving systems in the UK and it was not until 1983 when members of the Cave Diving Group made a connection between Gaping Gill cavern and Ingleborough Cave.
The first successful descent to the bottom of Gaping Gill was not made until 1895 by Frenchman Edouard Martel which he did using only a rope ladder and a candle. Prior to that, John Birbeck who made the first descent of Alum Pot attempted the descent of Gaping Gill in 1842, lowered into the hole on a rope by farm labourers, he only managed to reach a ledge of 58m. This is now known as ‘Birbeck's Ledge’. This cave is suitable for beginners but is only accessible to the public twice a year when the Bradford and Craven pothole clubs set up a winch over the main shaft.
Photo by © Wojciech Rozanski
3. The Easegill System, Yorkshire
A third and final cave in Yorkshire is the Easegill System- the UKs largest caving system that actually goes beneath three counties (North Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbira) with more than 40 miles of passageways. There are several entrances to the Easegill system, but the most popular is the 33m drop at Lancaster hole.
Over the years Easegill has built an unenviable record for the most recorded deaths for any British cave. This is due to the cave being prone to flooding meaning it should only really be explored by suitably experienced cavers. Alsom, you do need to plan ahead as access to most areas requires a permit. You can pay for a guided trip with Yorkshire Dales guides or also attend a caving introductory trip if you are new to caving.
Photo © Andy Waddington
4. Ogof Y Daren Cilau, Wales
Another one of the most extensive caving systems in the UK is Ogof Y Daren Cilau in South Wales. It consists of a maze of mysterious passages. The entrance to the caving system is long and tight and hard to find which means the passageways have remained pristine. The entrance actually has a rather fearsome reputation as it is particularly tight in places and takes around an hour to crawl through. After crawling through the entrance passage you can see an impressive chamber with a dried crystal pool. It is also said to contain one of the most claustrophobic cave squeezes in the world known as the ‘vice’.
This cave is not for the faint hearted and only recommended for experienced cavers who don’t have a fear of small spaces.
Photo by SMWCRT
5. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Now we have covered some rather dramatic caves, we wanted to include something more suitable for all levels, this one is even family friendly. Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is Britain's biggest gorge and world famous for a site of outstanding natural beauty. The cave is not only known for its stunning scenery but also for its fascinating history and geological significance. The cave was home to the ‘cheddar man’, Britain's oldest, complete skeleton found in 1903. It is also the site to the largest underground river system in Britain. Visitors can pay to enter two of the caves and the museum as well as accessing a 3 mile cliff top walk.
Insurance for caving
Whether you are new to caving or an experienced caver, it is important that you have the right financial protection to give you peace of mind. One company that can assist you with all of your sports insurance needs is Sports Financial Services. With over 20 years experience in finance for extreme sports and hazardous occupations, you can put your trust in them to get you the best possible cover to suit your needs. They specialise primarily in Life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover for extreme sports. Caving and potholing are classed as extreme sports due to the relatively high risk involved in the activity.
Wrapping Up
The UK has a vast cave system that is ready to be explored. Let us know where you are headed on your next caving adventure in the comments below!
