Gaping Gill's main chamber

If the thought of a summery bank-holiday weekend in the Yorkshire Dales seems too much to bear after a couple of weeks of rain and gloom, how about sheltering from the relentless sunshine more than 100m underground?

Would-be cavers have their bi-annual chance to see the subterranean world starting this weekend as the Bradford Pothole Club’s winch opens to allow non speleologists to descend into the massive cavern of Gaping Gill. The winch, which lowers visitors 105m (360ft) to the floor of the main chamber, will operate until next Friday.

Access to the site is a by a 4.5km (3-mile) walk from Clapham. The winch can get busy, particularly at the weekend, and there’s a possibility you might not get a trip down if you turn up after midday. Tokens are issued, so you can go for a wander up Ingleborough while you wait your turn.

The traditional Whit winch meet has been held by the Bradford club for more than 50 years. Club members and other potholers have use of the winch the previous weekend, to allow them easy access to the extensive Gaping Gill system. Dismantling of the tackle starts next Friday, when there is only a half-day session of descents.

Anyone considering a trip down the pothole should go equipped in normal fellwalking attire. Although Fell Beck is partly diverted from its usual route over the lip of the opening, be prepared to get a little wet as there will still be water entering the shaft as you descend.

Cost of the trip into the limestone chamber is £10 – the joke used to be that the descent cost nothing; it was the return journey back to the surface you paid for.

Details are on the Bradford Pothole Club website. Be aware that if there is heavy rain, Gaping Gill can flood and the winch operation will be suspended.

Craven Pothole Club operates a similar winch meet during the August bank holiday period.

See also

Going underground: Gaping Gill by winch