Rock Climbing & Caving

The Yorkshire Dales is a popular destination for rock climbing and caving enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of limestone cliffs, crags, and cave systems. The rugged landscape provides a variety of climbing challenges for both beginners and experienced climbers, while the extensive cave networks offer exciting opportunities for cavers to explore the underground wonders of the region.

Rock Climbing:

1. Malham Cove: Malham Cove is one of the most famous limestone formations in the Yorkshire Dales and a mecca for rock climbers. The steep, overhanging cliffs offer challenging routes for experienced climbers, while there are also easier climbs suitable for beginners. The limestone pavements at the top of the cove provide great bouldering opportunities.
   
   
2. Gordale Scar: This dramatic limestone gorge features impressive waterfalls and towering cliffs, making it a popular spot for both climbers and walkers. There are several challenging climbing routes on the cliffs surrounding Gordale Scar, with options for all skill levels.
   
   
3. Kilnsey Crag: Kilnsey Crag is a striking limestone crag that offers a variety of sport climbing routes. The routes vary in difficulty and length, and the crag’s location makes it a great place to enjoy climbing while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
   
   
4. Twistleton Scars: This limestone crag is situated near Ingleton and offers a range of routes suitable for all abilities. It’s a great spot for traditional climbing, with routes that cater to both novices and experienced climbers.

Caving:

1. White Scar Cave: Located near Ingleton, White Scar Cave is one of the most accessible show caves in the Yorkshire Dales. Visitors can explore its fascinating underground passages, including the large cavern known as the Battlefield Cavern.
   
   
2. Ingleborough Cave: This cave system is found beneath Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales. Guided tours take visitors through impressive stalactites and stalagmites, making it a popular choice for families and beginner cavers.
   
   
3. Gaping Gill: Gaping Gill is one of the largest and most well-known cave chambers in Britain. It is reached through a large pothole, and during certain times of the year, cavers can experience the awe-inspiring descent of Fell Beck into the main chamber.
   
   
4. Alum Pot: Alum Pot is another impressive pothole that offers a challenging and rewarding caving experience. The descent into the pot requires technical skills, but the underground views are well worth the effort for experienced cavers.