With its towering cliffs and rolling hills, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is well-known for dramatic scenery. But did you know that you can also find some majestic views below ground?
Near Ingleborough, one of the park’s three main peaks, you can find the entrance to one of the UK’s longest and most complex cave systems, Gaping Gill. The main shaft of the network is around 110 metres deep, which is equivalent to the height of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Most of the time, only experienced cavers are allowed to venture down into the shaft. However, members of the public are given the opportunity to descend into its depths twice a year when local pothole clubs install a winch to pull people up and down. A ‘winch meet’ already took place at the end of May and there will be another in August.
The first full descent to the bottom of Gaping Gill was made by Edouard Martel in 1895, according to the national park authority. The Frenchman used a rope ladder and a candle, keeping in touch with the world above via a telephone.
Rest assured, the equipment has been upgraded a little since then. If you’re keen to brave the drop, you’ll also have to be prepared for a solid hike, as the walk from the nearest car park can take up to 90 minutes. Once at the bottom, you’ll get to explore the large adjoining chamber, which is 129 metres long, 31 metres high and 25 metres wide (and will be floodlit).
Members of the public can descend into Gaping Gill with the Bradford and Craven pothole clubs from August 11 to 18 for £20 per person. Advanced bookings aren’t accepted but you can check out all the information you need on Craven Pothole Club’s website.
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