Gaping Gill Caving Experience

Exploring Gaping Gill: One of Britain’s Most Spectacular Natural Wonders

Nestled on the southern slopes of Ingleborough in North Yorkshire, Gaping Gill is one of the most awe-inspiring cave systems in the UK. With a vertical shaft plunging 98 metres (322 feet) from the surface, it’s the largest known underground chamber in Britain that’s open to the sky. For outdoor adventurers, caving enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, Gaping Gill offers a unique and thrilling experience.

What Is Gaping Gill?

Gaping Gill is a natural cave and one of the longest and deepest in the UK. At its heart is the Main Shaft, where Fell Beck, a surface stream, dramatically disappears into the earth. The drop is almost twice the height of Niagara Falls, and when viewed from the bottom looking up, the shaft offers a breathtaking sight of cascading water and shimmering light piercing the darkness.

Discovered in 1842 by John Birkbeck, the cave has since become a major attraction for geology and adventure tourism in the Yorkshire Dales.

How to Visit

Experienced cavers can arrange trips into Gaping Gill cave. Most visitors get a rare chance to descend via a winch. Special events happen twice a year for public access. The Bradford Pothole Club runs it in May each year. The Craven Pothole Club hosts the event in August.
A winch system lowers visitors safely into the cavern. These events turn the cave into an underground gallery. No caving experience is needed for this adventure. Just bring a sense of adventure and courage!

What to Expect Inside

Inside Gaping Gill, visitors are treated to the immense scale of the chamber. The cavern is over 129 metres long and 31 metres high, big enough to fit a cathedral. You’ll hear the thunder of the waterfall, see fascinating rock formations, and feel the raw power of nature all around you. With torchlight illuminating ancient stones and dripping walls, the experience is both humbling and exhilarating.

Tips for Your Visit

• Dress appropriately: Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

• Plan: Check event dates and weather conditions before making the trek.

• Bring a camera, but make sure it’s safe from moisture!

• Enjoy the walk: The hike from Clapham village to Gaping Gill is part of the adventure, with beautiful moorland scenery along the way.

Whether you’re a curious traveller or a thrill-seeker, Gaping Gill is a hidden gem of natural beauty that promises an unforgettable underground adventure.

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