Rowten Pot

Rowten Pot is a deep shaft cave in Kingsdale, North Yorkshire, on the slopes of Whernside inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Its opening is one of several entrances to a cave system roughly 27 km long that drains the whole valley. It is mainly a destination for experienced cavers, but it is also an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys limestone country.

What is Rowten Pot?

The entrance is an elongated shaft about 27 m long and 10 m wide. At its deeper southern end the drop is around 72 m, and the cave as a whole is recorded at about 105 m deep and 259 m long. Water carved it out of Carboniferous limestone.

The first descent took place in July 1897, by a party from the Yorkshire Ramblers' Club. At the time it was regarded as the deepest known natural hole in England.

What lies underground?

The cave is mostly vertical. At the bottom a stream runs along a short passage into the West Kingsdale river underground. About 150 m west of the shaft, surface water sinks into Rowten Caves, a shallow horizontal system that rejoins the pot just below the moorland surface. Further on, the river reaches the Kingsdale Master Cave through three short sumps. In 1974 cave divers also used a sump route from Rowten Pot to reach neighbouring Aquamole Pot.

Can you go down?

The shaft is normally descended on a single rope (SRT). Cavers value it for its spaciousness and the variety of routes down. It remains a technical trip that needs equipment, experience and a good read on conditions. The main hazards are the vertical drop and water, and levels rise fast after rain. The sumps leading to Kingsdale Master Cave are for highly experienced divers only, in low water. Visitors without caving skills can look at the shaft from a safe distance back from the edge.

How do you get there and when should you go?

Rowten Pot lies on open moor above Kingsdale, close to the old Turbary Road. Approach the valley from Ingleton or Kirkby Lonsdale, then continue on foot across pasture and moorland. Dry weather from late spring to early autumn is best, with firmer ground and less risk of underground flooding. Bring a map, waterproofs and walking boots, as conditions on Whernside can change quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Rowten Pot?

The entrance shaft is about 72 m deep at its deepest point, and the full cave is around 105 m deep.

Who first descended Rowten Pot?

Members of the Yorkshire Ramblers' Club, in July 1897.

Does Rowten Pot connect to other caves?

Yes. Through short sumps the water flows on to Kingsdale Master Cave, and the horizontal Rowten Caves feed back into the shaft. Divers also reached Aquamole Pot from here.

Is the descent suitable for beginners?

No. It needs rope skills, equipment and experience. Beginners should explore Yorkshire Dales caves with a local club or a qualified guide.