Gaping Gill: Exploring the Natural Caverns of the Yorkshire Dales
Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales of Northern England lies Gaping Gill, one of the largest and most impressive natural caverns on the country’s landscape. This breathtaking attraction has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century, and it’s easy to see why. From its impressive depths to its stunning views, Gaping Gill is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the unique natural wonders of the Yorkshire Dales.
What is Gaping Gill?
Gaping Gill is a natural cave system located in the limestone hills of North Yorkshire. It is one of the largest underground chambers in the British Isles and is around 70m deep. It is also home to the highest unbroken waterfall in England, with a main drop of around 105m.
History of Gaping Gill
The first recorded mention of Gaping Gill was in 1790, when a group of lead miners stumbled upon the cavern. The miners were so impressed by the sight of the natural wonder that they named it ‘Gaping Ghyll’ – ‘ghyll’ being an Old Norse word for a deep ravine.
Exploring Gaping Gill
Exploring Gaping Gill is a must-do for any visitor to the Yorkshire Dales. There are two ways to visit the cavern – the easy way or the hard way.
The Easy Way
The easy way to explore Gaping Gill is to take the Gaping Gill winch meet. This is a free event that takes place each May and August bank holiday, where visitors are winched down the 105m drop into the depths of the cavern. The winch meet also includes guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the underground chambers and take in the impressive views.
The Hard Way
The hard way to explore Gaping Gill is to use the traditional route, which involves abseiling down the 105m drop. This is not for the faint-hearted and requires prior experience of abseiling in a cave environment. It is also recommended that only experienced cavers undertake this route, as the conditions can be difficult and the descent can be dangerous.
Things to Do at Gaping Gill
There is plenty to do at Gaping Gill for visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Hiking: There are plenty of hiking trails around Gaping Gill, providing stunning views of the limestone hills and the surrounding area.
- Caving: Gaping Gill is a popular spot for experienced cavers, with its impressive depths and challenging conditions.
- Fishing: Fishing is allowed on the nearby Fell Beck stream, with a variety of species to be found in the waters.
- Wildlife Watching: Gaping Gill is home to a variety of wildlife, from bats to birds of prey, making it a great spot for wildlife watching.
Conclusion
Gaping Gill is an incredible natural wonder located in the Yorkshire Dales of Northern England. From its impressive depths to its stunning views, this is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the unique natural attractions of the area. Whether you choose to explore the easy or hard way, Gaping Gill is an unforgettable experience and one that should not be missed.