Death's Head Hole

Death's Head Hole is a vertical cave on Leck Fell in Lancashire, north-west England, not far from Lancaster. It is a site for experienced cavers rather than casual visitors: the entrance is a deep shaft that needs rope gear and the skills to use it.

What is Death's Head Hole?

The cave opens on the limestone upland of Leck Fell, near the point where Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire meet. Its entrance is a shaft roughly 64 m (210 ft) deep. Below ground it links to Lost Johns' Cave and forms part of the Three Counties System, a network of about 87 km of passages and one of the longest cave systems in Britain. The county borders run straight through it underground.

What will you find underground?

After the main shaft you descend a slope of loose boulders and drop a second pitch into a large chamber. A scaffolded shaft in the corner of that chamber leads to a stream passage, which joins the main Lost Johns' streamway. Cavers also describe a decorated side passage carrying a small stream. Further on, the whole system connects to the Leck Fell Master Cave and the large Lyle Cavern, so through trips between entrances are possible, though they call for careful route planning.

How do you get there?

The entrance lies on open moorland on Leck Fell, a few kilometres from the village of Leck and the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, within the Yorkshire Dales. Narrow lanes take you to the edge of the fell, and the last stretch is a walk across pathless ground. Carry a map and GPS in poor visibility; the entrance sits at about 54.207 N, 2.511 W.

Can anyone go down?

No. The cave is meant for cavers trained in single rope technique. For neighbouring Lost Johns' Cave, the Cave Net Caving Club states that access is open to all year-round but must be booked in advance to meet the landowner's conditions for managed access. Check current arrangements with local clubs and the British Caving Association before any trip. Water levels in the system rise quickly after rain, so check the forecast before descending.

What if you don't cave?

Visitors without equipment can still enjoy Leck Fell itself: open karst country with shake holes and sinkholes, and the wider scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. For an underground trip, go with a local club or a qualified guide.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is the entrance shaft? About 64 metres.

Does Death's Head Hole connect to other caves? Yes, to Lost Johns' Cave and onward to the Three Counties System, which has about 87 km of passages.

Do I need to book? For neighbouring Lost Johns' Cave, yes, under the landowner's rules. Check the arrangements for this entrance with local clubs before you travel.

Is it suitable for beginners? No. It demands rope skills, experience and a competent team, and it becomes dangerous in wet weather.