Mountain Course & Activity Locations

Sunset Hole, Chapel Le Dale

Sunset Hole gives a good introduction to caving with some easy vertical sections of no more than a few metres (6 feet) in height.

Having walked through fields and across the limestone pavement for about 30 minutes past the gaping pit of Braithwaite Wife Hole. We cross through the intake wall, turn right and walk a further  400 metres south, over the moor, to a Limestone outcrop where a stream disappears underground.

We follow this stream underground and after several hundred metres of winding passageway with many formations, reach the first short vertical drop/cascade down which we put a handline.

Continuing on, we reach another cascade where another handline is also placed. More winding passageway follows to a final short cascade and the drop in to the shaft which marks the end of your level one caving trip.

Turning around and climbing back up the cascades descended en route should see us back at the surface in no more than 45 minutes.

By combining a visit to Sunset Hole with a through trip in Great Douk Cave, there is only a 750 metre walk to the entrance from Middle Washfold Cave.

Frequently asked questions.

• Where do we meet for a caving session in Sunset Hole? Answer - in the layby on the left of the B6255 just north of the Old Hill Inn (LA6 3AR for Satnav purposes) or in Ingleton outside of the Inglesport Climbing shop & cafe (LA6 3EB for Satnav purposes).

• What equipment is provided as part of a Caving session? Answer - as part of your fee per person, you get a Caving Oversuit, a pair of Wellington boots, a helmet with caving light & and a caving belt. Basically, so that you can get kitted up like the people in these photos!

• What do I need to bring? Answer - you each need to bring old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and a little wet. A long sleeved fleece type top is ideal and fleece pants as well - if you have them; or tracksuit bottoms or leggings are also good! You also need either two pairs of long shoe socks or a pair of thick walking socks to wear in the Wellington boots provided and a towel/change of dry clothing.

• How long does a half day session last? Answer - up to four hours underground.

• Are there any discounts on your price? Answer - yes. Our price per person for a minimum group size of two is £50.00 each, for three to six persons the price is £45 each. For seven persons or more, the price is £40 each, bring more than eleven persons and the price falls by a further £5 to our minimum price per person of £35.00. Children under 16 also receive a discount - Please contact us to enquire.

• We've booked & paid, but the weather's too cold or wet for our session to run. What happens to our payment? Answer - If we are unable to run your session due to the conditions, then you can either reschedule to another time; or, receive a full refund of your payment.

• I've never been Caving before. I'm excited but scared at the same time. Will I be able to do it? Answer - don't worry, you'll be well looked after in expert hands and you don't have to do anything you don't want to!

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