Top 5 Caves around Hetton-Cum-Bordley

The region is rich in historical caves. Victoria Cave is particularly notable for its archaeological importance, with fossils dating back 130,000 years and evidence of human activity from the Neolithic and Romano-British periods. Attermire Cave also holds significant Romano-British finds, including remains of a chariot and jewelry. Jubilee Cave has revealed undated human remains and artifacts from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Romano-British eras.

For a family-friendly experience, Janet's Foss is a popular choice. It features a beautiful waterfall and a small cave to its right, where visitors can splash in the plunge pool. While not a deep caving experience, it offers an accessible and enjoyable natural setting. Many of the caves in Attermire Scar, like Jubilee Cave and Horseshoe Cave, can be explored from their entrances without specialized gear, offering a glimpse into the underground world for beginners.

The caves in this limestone-dominated region showcase impressive geological formations. You'll find features like the distinctive 'keyhole' shape of Attermire Cave, its challenging 'neck' crawl, and a beautiful stalagmite staircase. Horseshoe Cave offers a tapering entrance rift with a framed view. The entire Attermire Scar area itself is an impressive geological feature with jagged rocky high points and numerous cave systems.

Yes, the Attermire Scar area is excellent for walks that incorporate cave exploration. The skyline above Settle offers a tremendous day out for hikers, allowing you to discover several cave systems due to the limestone terrain. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including easy hikes, by checking the Easy hikes around Hetton-Cum-Bordley guide.

Accessibility varies greatly by cave. Janet's Foss is generally accessible via a well-trodden path, though it can get busy. Caves like Victoria Cave require a walk up to them, and the path can be slippery when wet. Lookout Cave is in a precarious position with a 100-foot drop nearby, requiring extreme caution. For deeper exploration of caves like Attermire Cave, some crawling and navigating challenging formations are necessary, making them less accessible for those with mobility issues or without caving experience.

Mossdale Cavern is known for its vastness, extending approximately 5km, but it is primarily recognized for a tragic incident in 1967 where six experienced cavers drowned due to rapidly rising water levels. The cave was subsequently sealed, and a memorial plaque and cairn commemorate the event. Due to its inaccessibility and tragic past, it is not a destination for general visitation or exploration.

While specific caves may have restrictions, many of the walking routes in the limestone-rich areas around Hetton-Cum-Bordley are dog-friendly. For example, the paths leading to and around Janet's Foss and the general Attermire Scar area are popular for dog walking. Always keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or cliff edges, and be mindful of any specific signage at cave entrances.

For amenities, you'll find options in nearby towns and villages. Settle is a good base with cafes, pubs, and accommodation, especially if you're visiting caves in the Attermire Scar system like Victoria Cave. Malham also offers cafes, pubs, and accommodation, particularly convenient for those exploring Janet's Foss and Malham Cove. Ingleton is another option for amenities if you venture further afield to other cave systems in the Yorkshire Dales.

The best time to explore the caves and surrounding areas is generally during the drier months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, paths are less likely to be muddy or slippery, and water levels inside caves are typically lower, making surface exploration safer and more pleasant. Always check local weather conditions, as heavy rainfall can quickly affect water levels in cave systems.

For many of the more extensive or challenging cave systems within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, permits are required, especially for organized caving or potholing. These permits are typically obtained from local caving organizations or landowners. For casual exploration of cave entrances or smaller, more accessible caves like those found in Attermire Scar, a permit may not be necessary, but it's always best to check with local authorities or caving groups if you plan on anything beyond a simple walk-in.

Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty, geological wonder, and rich history. Many enjoy the opportunity to explore ancient sites like Victoria Cave, which offers a glimpse into prehistoric life. The scenic walks around Attermire Scar, with its dramatic rock formations and cave entrances, are also highly rated. The natural beauty of spots like Janet's Foss, with its waterfall and plunge pool, is also a favorite.

Attermire Scar is an impressive geological feature and natural monument known for its jagged collection of rocky high points and numerous caves, located above Settle. It's a significant limestone area. Notable caves within or very close to Attermire Scar include Victoria Cave, Attermire Cave, Jubilee Cave, Lookout Cave, and Horseshoe Cave, each offering unique geological and historical insights.

Janet's Foss is primarily known for its beautiful waterfall nestled among trees. To the right of the waterfall, there is a small cave. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, splash in the waterfall's plunge pool, and explore the small cave entrance. It's a popular spot for its picturesque setting and is considered family-friendly.