Top 6 Caves around Arncliffe
Best caves around Arncliffe are found within a landscape rich in geological wonders, characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales. This picturesque village is surrounded by notable cave systems and natural formations. The area's terrain, dominated by limestone, contributes to a variety of underground features. Visitors can explore sites of archaeological significance and impressive collapsed caverns.
Best caves around Arncliffe
- The most popular caves is Janet's Foss, a natural monument and waterfall that features a cave to its right. It is…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Janet's Foss
Highlight • Forest
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Hull Pot
Highlight • Canyon
In the late 18th century, in …
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Attermire Scar
Highlight • Trail
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Victoria Cave
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Mossdale Cavern Entrance and Memorial Plaque
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
Access: 🚗 c. 2miles from the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale 🥾 Alternatively, enjoy a 9 miles hike with just 2,000ft of total elevation from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, via Pen-y-Ghent
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This is the cave entrance and memorial plaque to six men who drowned potholing in Mossdale Cavern in June 1967. The cave system is vast and extends some 5km, its takes 10-15 hours to reach the end and back and remains not fully explored. On that day 10 experienced cavers entered the caverns with 4 returning after the first sump. 6 continued to try to remove rock at the extent of the known system. Upon returning to the entrance to the cave one of the original four was horrified to discover the waters had risen to cover the whole entrance of the cave. She ran 2 miles to the nearest farm to raise the alarm. A large team dug trenches and built a dam to hold back and redirect the water, the next day a team were finally able to enter the cave and make the grim discovery that 5 of the men had died. The body of John Ogden was not found until a further exploration some days later. The cave was sealed and the remains of the men lie within the cave to this day. It would be impossible to bring them to the surface. There is a memorial cairn above the position where the bodies lie on the moor. It is also worth looking at the Church and Churchyard in Coniston where further memorials are on display.
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The skyline above Settle makes for a tremendous day out for hikers. There is no central peak to go for, just a jagged collection of rocky high points that make for a really good walk, but you will find a trig point on Warrendale Knotts. You will find a lot of caves in the area too due to the terrain being dominated by limestone, and nearby Victoria Cave is the largest of these caves. All in all, Attermire Scar is an impressive geological feature.
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Be prepared to get muddy, protect your head and take a torch.
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Hull Pot is an amazing collapsed cavern that is now just an open limestone scar measuring 91 metres (300 feet) long by 18 metres (60 feet) deep. In dry weather, like today unfortunately, Hull Pot Beck goes underground before it gets to the rim, but in wet weather, it gives way overground to form a stunning waterfall. A stunning place to spend some time!
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Add to your route if there has been heavy rainfall so you can admire this natural beauty
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Hull Pot, on the western side of Pen-y-Ghent, is a collapsed cavern, and an impressive hole measuring 91m (300ft) long by 18m (60ft) deep. In the late 18th century, in a guidebook published, it was called 'a Hulpit', and the author stated that it "would have appeared like the inside of an enormous old Gothic castle, the high ruinous walls of which were left standing after the roof was fallen in".
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological features can I explore in the caves around Arncliffe?
The Arncliffe area is rich in geological wonders. You can visit Hull Pot, England's largest natural collapsed cavern, known for its dramatic waterfall after rainfall. Attermire Scar offers impressive rocky high points and numerous caves, providing extensive views. Additionally, Janet's Foss is a beautiful waterfall with a small cave and a popular plunge pool.
Are there any caves around Arncliffe with significant historical or archaeological importance?
Yes, Victoria Cave near Settle is a site of immense archaeological significance. Discovered in 1837, it has yielded fossilized bones of Ice Age animals like hippos and mammoths, dating back 130,000 years, as well as Roman artifacts and Late Upper Palaeolithic tools, indicating its use by prehistoric hunters and as a Roman shrine.
Which caves near Arncliffe are suitable for families?
Janet's Foss is a popular and family-friendly spot. It features a beautiful waterfall, a small cave to its right, and a plunge pool that's great for splashing around, especially in warm weather. The walk to Janet's Foss from Malham village is also very scenic.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Arncliffe?
Beyond exploring the caves, the Arncliffe area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with trails leading to sites like Victoria Cave and Attermire Scar, which offer stunning views. For cyclists, there are numerous routes for touring, road cycling, and gravel biking. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Arncliffe, Road Cycling Routes around Arncliffe, and Gravel biking around Arncliffe guides.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the caves and natural sites in the Arncliffe area?
Visitors frequently praise the dramatic natural beauty and historical significance of the area. Highlights like Hull Pot are appreciated for their impressive scale, especially after heavy rain. The scenic walks to places like Victoria Cave offer extensive views, while Janet's Foss is loved for its refreshing plunge pool and picturesque setting.
Is there a cave system near Arncliffe that is known for its challenging nature?
Yes, Mossdale Caverns is a vast and challenging cave system. It is known for its extensive underground tunnels and passages, and its susceptibility to rapid and complete flooding makes it extremely dangerous. It holds a significant, albeit tragic, place in British caving history and is generally not recommended for casual exploration.
Are there any circular walks that incorporate the caves around Arncliffe?
While specific circular routes are not detailed for every cave, the area around Attermire Scar and Victoria Cave is popular for hikers seeking a full day out. The 'jagged collection of rocky high points' around Attermire Scar makes for a rewarding walk, often incorporating the nearby caves and offering tremendous views.
What should I be aware of when visiting caves like Victoria Cave?
When visiting Victoria Cave, be aware that the path leading up to it can be slippery when wet. While the entrance is accessible, further entry into the cave is often restricted for safety due to the risk of falling rocks. It's always advisable to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution.
Can I visit Hull Pot to see the waterfall year-round?
Hull Pot is particularly impressive after heavy rain when its waterfall cascades dramatically into the chasm. In drier conditions, the Hull Pot Beck flows underground before re-emerging within the pot. While you can visit year-round, the most spectacular views of the waterfall are typically experienced during or after significant rainfall.
Are there any natural plunge pools or wild swimming spots near the caves?
Yes, Janet's Foss is well-known for its beautiful waterfall and plunge pool. It's a popular spot for visitors to cool off and enjoy a refreshing dip, especially during warmer weather. Be aware that it can get busy during peak times.
What kind of terrain can I expect when exploring the cave areas around Arncliffe?
The terrain around Arncliffe is dominated by limestone, characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales. This results in a landscape featuring rocky high points, scars, and numerous underground formations. Expect varied paths, some of which can be steep or uneven, especially when accessing sites like Victoria Cave or exploring the area around Attermire Scar.
Most popular attractions around Arncliffe
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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Arncliffe:
