Yorkshire Dales Caving Potholes

Caves have been explored out of necessity for thousands of years, but only in the last century or two has the activity become a sport. In recent decades caving has changed considerably due to the availability of modern protective wear and equipment. It has recently come to be known as an "extreme sport" by some (though not commonly by its practitioners).

The challenges of the sport depend on the cave being visited, but often include the negotiation of pitches, squeezes, and water. Climbing or crawling is often necessary, and ropes are used extensively.

Show Caves & Caving Information

• Selected Caving Routes in the Yorkshire Dales
  This series of articles is intended for the guidance of experienced cavers who may not be familiar with the better routes through the more complex systems in the Yorkshire Dales.
• The Craven Pothole Club
  You’ve seen the pictures, read about the world underground and possibly wondered why cavers are so enthusiastic about their sport.
• INGLEBOROUGH CAVE Clapham
  The Cave has attracted many thousands of visitors ever since its discovery in 1837 and regular tours are conducted 0.5Km. along large and beautifully decorated passages, all spectacularly floodlit.
• Stump Cross Caverns
  Stump Cross Caverns is one of Britain's premier show caves, located in Nidderdale on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We offer a range of facilities for a great family day out, including a gift shop and tea room as well as the caves themselves.
• Yorkshire Cave Areas
  The Yorkshire Dales are the home of Britain's largest collection of caves, in terms of both number and size. It's not just the size, it's what you do with them that counts, and quantity aside, the Yorkshire caves rival those in South Wales for quality too.