...Go caving

Tried caving and fancy taking it further?

Days out

Show Caves
Show caves are suitable for taking your friends and family to see underground passages in a safe environment.

White Scar Caves is approximately 2 kilometres north of Ingleton on the road towards Hawes. It is possible to park right next to the entrance, if you are going with others who are not keen on walking.  They also have a cafe and toilet facilities. Public transport: there is an irregular bus service to Ingleton from Skipton

Stump Cross Caverns is between Grassington and Pateley Bridge and has a car park and café as well as the caves.

Ingleborough Cave is great if you fancy combining a walk with another, smaller show cave where they are very good at telling a tale into the bargain. Park at the National Park car park in Clapham and follow the nature trail by the river - beyond the lake the track continues to the cave. Easy terrain underfoot as it follows a private access road. Distance: approx 4 kilometres in total (there and back). There is a fairly regular train service from both Lancaster and the Aire Valley to Clapham station - the walk from here to the village adds another 2 kilometres each way.

Gaping Gill winch meets
If you are up for something more adventurous try going down Gaping Gill, the second largest pothole in the United Kingdom. This involves a walk from Clapham (7 kilometres return), mainly easy walking but getting a little harder underfoot towards the top with a short steep ascent. Twice a year Craven and Bradford Pothole clubs organise a winch for any paying member of the public to go down - a once in a lifetime experience! Get winched down Gaping Gill - no skills needed, just the ability to follow instructions and not be bothered by the dark. For more details see information from Bradford Pothole Club and Craven Pothole Club. Read a review of this greatest non specialist caving experience in the UK on the Grough website.

Members of the club camp out there over the weekend, so it may be a good chance to go up and meet some of them if you are thinking of joining!

Facilities

When you feel confident enough to explore further you can hire equipment at the places listed below. It is recommended that you join on club trips first until you reach a competent standard, as caves can be dangerous environments without the correct knowledge and equipment.

Inglesports is on the main street in Ingleton.  It offers hire of lights and helmets, as well as being a shop and a cafe. Phone 015242 41146.

Bernies Cafe is also on the main street in Ingleton. It offers hire of lights, helmets and oversuits. Phone 015242 41802 to reserve in advance.

Clubs

The Try Caving website is the British Caving Association’s website to entice people into the sport. Keep a watch out for “Try Caving” weekends where different clubs put on a trip for people and provide all the equipment. They also have a Facebook page, where you can register your wish to go caving if there’s nothing posted on the site.

If you feel like you want to take up caving, try one of many caving clubs in the Yorkshire Dales area. Clubs allow you to share transport and equipment, which can make it cheaper to take part. Have a look at their website and get in touch with the club secretary to introduce yourself if you want to attend a session.

Bradford Pothole Club,have a number of meets where they put on a bus from the centre of Bradford, and pick up at a selection of places.

Yorkshire Subterranean Society (YSS) - YSS are another of the clubs that puts on try caving sessions.

Swaledale Outdoor Club is the largest club in the northern area of the National Park. It has various sections for different activities. Look at their website for more information.