Top 5 Caves around Conistone With Kilnsey
Best caves around Conistone With Kilnsey are situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, a landscape rich in geological formations. The area features prominent limestone formations and gorges. This region offers a variety of underground experiences, from accessible natural beauty to challenging cave systems. The geological features provide diverse opportunities for exploration.
Best caves around Conistone With Kilnsey
- The most popular caves is Janet's Foss, a natural monument with a waterfall and cave. It is a waterfall nestled…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Janet's Foss
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Trollers Gill
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How Stean Gorge
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Mossdale Cavern Entrance and Memorial Plaque
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Mossdale Beck Disappearance at Mossdale Scar
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It's hard to imagine that this is the entrance to an underground cave system stretching over approximately 5 km. Tragically, six experienced speleologists were surprised and drowned at this spot due to heavy rainfall and the rapidly rising water level within the cave. A memorial plaque commemorates this accident on June 24, 1967.
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Trollers Gill is a narrow limestone gorge in the Yorkshire Dales, near the village of Appletreewick in North Yorkshire. It has a mysterious reputation tied to local folklore. 🥾A great adventure for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path routes and perfect introduction to Ghyll scrambling. 📜 The gorge is said to be haunted by trolls, hence its name. According to legend, it is home to a fearsome barghest—a supernatural black dog with glowing red eyes, often associated with death and misfortune. Some stories also link the ghyll to mythical goblins and other eerie creatures, adding to its reputation as a place of mystery. 🪨 The gorge is cut into limestone, featuring rocky outcrops, scree slopes, and a sometimes dry streambed. It was likely formed by glacial meltwater, carving out the dramatic landscape seen today. The ghyll can be dry for much of the year, but after heavy rain, water flows through the valley.
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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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Very slippery as you are walking on the dry (at the time of walking) stream bed - walking pole would be useful, otherwise take care of
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A great boulder scramble when there has been heavy rainfall. If you don't fancy it then a shirt detour can be made
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Specular limestone waterfall which is understandably popular and gets very busy. For the best experience, visit on a wet and blustery autumn or winter's day when not only will the waterfall be in full flow, but you might actually get to see it without all the 'wild swimming' instagrammers
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Really dramatic scenery and an exhilarating scramble when the gill is full of water! Don't forget to take a peek in the cave on the right-hand side as you reach the top of the gill!
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Arriving at a style gate, pass through and enter thick woodlands where you’ll be in earshot of Janet’s Foss — sounds guiding you to the final destination: a hidden waterfall and plunge pool hemmed in by trees that feels a million miles from the stress and strains of modern life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly caves to visit around Conistone With Kilnsey?
While some local caves require experience, the wider Yorkshire Dales area offers excellent family-friendly options. How Stean Gorge, though a ravine, features caves and narrow paths suitable for exploration, along with a café and outdoor activities. Further afield, Janet's Foss is a popular spot with a waterfall and a small cave to the right, perfect for splashing around.
Which caves are suitable for experienced cavers in the Conistone With Kilnsey area?
For highly experienced cavers, Langcliffe Pot offers an extensive system with deep shafts and varied passages. It requires appropriate caving expertise and equipment. Mossdale Caverns is another extensive system, but it is considered extremely dangerous due to flooding risks, and legal permission for entry is no longer granted. It is not recommended for casual visitors.
Are there any caves with historical or archaeological significance?
Yes, Conistone Dib features 'Bone Caves' within its undercuts. These have yielded significant vertebrate remains, including human, ox, and dog bones, with a notable Roman dog discovery. While not explorable caverns for the general public, the area offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history and archaeology.
What are some notable show caves in the wider Yorkshire Dales region?
Beyond Conistone With Kilnsey, the Yorkshire Dales National Park hosts well-known show caves. Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge offers well-lit walkways and stunning stalagmites and stalactites, ideal for families. White Scar Cave near Ingleton is Britain's longest show cave, featuring subterranean passages, caverns, and underground waterfalls with guided tours.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the caves?
The region is rich in geological formations. You can explore dramatic limestone gorges like Trollers Gill, which is a dry limestone riverbed with a cave. How Stean Gorge is another spectacular limestone ravine carved by waterflow, featuring caves and narrow paths. The landscape also includes waterfalls, such as the one at Janet's Foss.
Are there hiking routes near the caves in Conistone With Kilnsey?
Yes, the area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the Conistone Bridge and Mastiles Lane loop, or more moderate options such as the Conistone Dib Ravine loop. For more details on hiking trails, you can explore the Hiking around Conistone With Kilnsey guide or the Easy hikes around Conistone With Kilnsey guide.
What makes the Conistone With Kilnsey region unique for cave exploration?
Conistone With Kilnsey is situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, a landscape renowned for its diverse geological formations. This includes accessible natural caves, archaeologically significant 'bone caves,' and extensive, challenging systems for experienced cavers. The area provides a wide range of underground environments, from picturesque waterfalls with small caves to complex subterranean networks.
What should I know about safety when visiting caves in this area?
For general visitors, accessible sites like Janet's Foss or How Stean Gorge are generally safe for exploration on marked paths. However, for systems like Mossdale Caverns, extreme caution is advised. It is highly prone to complete flooding and is considered extremely dangerous; legal entry is no longer granted. Always assess conditions and your own experience level before attempting to explore any cave.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves and gorges in Conistone With Kilnsey?
Visitors frequently appreciate the dramatic scenery and the sense of adventure. Exploring the rocky terrain of Trollers Gill, with its hidden cave, is a popular activity. The natural beauty of Janet's Foss and its waterfall is also highly rated, especially for its picturesque setting. The unique geological formations and the opportunity for outdoor activities like gorge walking at How Stean Gorge are also highlights.
Are there opportunities for running trails near the caves?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate to difficult routes, such as the Kettlewell Youth Hostel loop or the Lea Green Cairn loop. For a comprehensive list of running options, refer to the Running Trails around Conistone With Kilnsey guide.
Can I explore a mine shaft in the area?
Yes, at Trollers Gill, as you reach the top of the dry limestone riverbed, there is a horizontal mine shaft on the left-hand side. It is considered safe and not very long, making it suitable for exploration with a torch.
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