Great Douk Cave

Great Douk Cave is a shallow stream cave on the flank of Ingleborough in Chapel-le-Dale, a few kilometres from Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales (North Yorkshire, England). It ranks among the most popular spots in northern England for a first underground trip.

What is Great Douk Cave?

The system runs beneath the limestone bench of Ingleborough. A stream comes out of an underground passage beside a small waterfall at the bottom of a large collapsed depression, and this is the main entrance. Further up the hill the water sinks again, and a second entrance lies roughly 600 yards (about 550 m) from the waterfall. That means you can follow the streamway from one opening to the other. The area lies within the Ingleborough Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Who is it for?

Caving guides single it out for beginners and escorted groups. There are no pitches that need a rope, and the walk along the stream is straightforward. Visitors comfortable with crawling can try a through trip to neighbouring Middle Washfold Cave. One guide puts the out-and-back trip at about an hour.

How do you get there?

From Ingleton, take the B6255 towards Chapel-le-Dale. Park in one of the laybys a few hundred metres beyond the Old Hill Inn. The marked footpath up Ingleborough begins across the road, and a short walk over the fell leads to the depression holding the entrance. The cave mouth sits at about 54.188 N, 2.389 W.

What should you bring, and when should you go?

• A helmet and head torch, ideally with spare batteries.
• Clothes and footwear that can get wet, plus a warm layer for the surface.
• A weather check. Flooding is the main hazard, and after heavy rain a great deal of water pours out of the cave. Pick a day after a dry spell.

One more thing to know: in April 2021 a new shakehole broke into the main stream passage. The Cave and Northern Caving Council (CNCC) reported that the streamway remained passable, but the area under the collapse is no place to linger. Check for current notices before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is Great Douk Cave suitable for beginners? Yes. It is a shallow system with no vertical sections, often visited by escorted groups.

How long does a visit take? The round trip underground takes around an hour, plus the walk from the B6255 layby.

Do you need permission? Sources differ. Some mention landowner consent, while the CNCC says there are no access restrictions at nearby Southerscales Pot on the Ingleborough reserve. Check the rules with the Yorkshire Dales National Park or your tour operator before travelling.

When should you stay out? After heavy rainfall or when rain is forecast, because the stream rises quickly.