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Hang Gliding & Paragliding  |  Gliding & Microlighting  |  Ballooning & Parascending

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ON FOOT:
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ON WHEELS:
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EASY ACCESS:
Routes & Experiences

Week 21 - Rock Sports

Level of Fitness
Going down Gaping Gill is an opportunity normally reserved for experienced cavers.  However twice a year there is a chance for anyone to have that chance by taking advantage of one of the winch meets organised by Craven and Bradford Pothole Clubs.

The Experience - Open Week 24th - 30th May
Gaping Gill is perhaps Britain's most famous cave. From the moor on the flanks of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, Fell Beck plunges 105 metres (360 feet) into the Main Chamber.

Every year, non-cavers have the chance to see a truly awe-inspiring underground scene; the Main Chamber of Gaping Gill. The water from Fell Beck landing on the chamber floor is Britain's highest unbroken waterfall. Descending the 105m Main Shaft (Britain's deepest surface shaft) is an experience never forgotten, and many visitors return year after year, becoming familiar faces to be welcomed back as old friends. The Chamber is floodlit, allowing the public and cavers alike a view not normally available outside winch meets.

The Gaping Gill system is one of the country's longest and most complex cave systems. As well as the Main Shaft, the system has six other principal entrances; Bar Pot, Flood Entrance Pot, Stream Passage Pot, Disappointment Pot, Henslers Pot and Corky's Pot. These entrances unite underground, and the water sinking in the system eventually emerges into daylight at Ingleborough Cave, a showcave passed on the walk up to GG.

Have a go
The Whitsun Gaping Gill Winch Meet has been held by the Bradford Pothole Club for over 50 years.  The winch is open to the public for the week leading up to the end of May bank holiday through to the Monday itself.
Craven Pothole Club held there first winch meet in 1932 and now give the chance to the public in the week leading up to August bank holiday through to the Monday itself.

You need to book on arrival at Gaping Gill, and the winch starts operating early - normally 8.00am.

Hopefully it will be a grand day for your visit to Gaping Gill.  However, the hole is located on the open moor and the weather on the surface can be very different to that in Clapham village.  We recommend you wear warm, waterproof clothing and boots/strong shoes - we do!

The ride on the winch takes about a minute each way and is often accompanied by a slight spray from the nearby waterfall. During busy periods you will queue to ascend in the chair, so you'll need that warm clothing.

Minimum age is 7 years and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Find out more here