Cavers prepare to descend a pothole in the Yorkshire DalesEver walked past those dark slits in the limestone and wondered just what it’s like underground?

Cavers prepare to descend a pothole in the Yorkshire Dales

Well, now you have the chance to find out. Two clubs are offering Try Caving weekends in the Yorkshire Dales, home to some of the most extensive systems in Britain. Bradford Pothole Club and the fabulously named Yorkshire Subterranean Society are both holding taster sessions for those interested in speliology.

Both events take place close to Horton in Ribblesdale. Bradford is holding the open day on Sunday, 18 November with another on Sunday, 2 December. The club promises trips to suit a range of abilities, with at least one trip suitable for absolute beginners each day.

Equipment will be provided: just come in either wellies or boots. Trainers are not suitable. The session starts at 10am at its headquarters in the hamlet of Brackenbottom, half a mile from Horton. The advice is to have a good breakfast before your trip underground, but there will be tea and cake afterwards.

If you’re interested, you should email spfroude@aol.com to book a place.

Just down the road, Helwith Bridge is the meeting point for the Yorkshire Subterranean Society’s (YSS)  trip below the Dales, which takes place on Saturday 24 November at 8am and continues until 7pm on the Sunday. Helwith Bridge is a mile south of Horton.

Contact for the YSS event is tate_chris48@hotmail.com.

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