Stream Passage Pot

Stream Passage Pot is a vertical cave (pothole) on the slopes of Ingleborough, close to the village of Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales, northern England. It is one of the entrances to the Gaping Gill system, among the best-known cave networks in Britain. It suits experienced rope-skilled cavers, not casual visitors.

Where is it and what makes it special?

The entrance lies roughly 320 m east-south-east of the Gaping Gill main shaft, out on the moorland above Clapham. It is the highest opening of the whole system, which is why the system's full depth of about 198 m is measured from here. The area sits inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Ingleborough Site of Special Scientific Interest, so both wildlife and geology are protected.

What is the route like underground?

The way in starts with a short lined shaft of around 6 m, then a small drop into a chamber where a stream joins. A winding passage follows, leading to a deep rift of about 85 m that is descended in three stages. Cavers traverse and rig carefully to stay clear of the waterfalls. The last pitch lands in the Stream Passage of Gaping Gill. The trip reaches about 151 m down, to the Mud Pot sump. After rain the water in the shafts grows strong, which raises both difficulty and risk.

Can beginners go in?

No. The cave demands vertical rope equipment, technical skill and a permit. Trips are normally run by caving clubs for experienced members. Visitors without that training can still explore the surface, see the area around the entrances and walk the paths around Ingleborough.

When is the best time to visit?

For cavers, the key dates are the two annual winch meets over the main Gaping Gill shaft. Bradford Pothole Club hosts one in May and Craven Pothole Club one in August. During these events the host club manages access to several entrances in the system, Stream Passage Pot included, and decides which will be rigged. The winch is shut in rainy weather and the caves become more hazardous, so check the forecast and the current year's dates.

How do you get to Clapham?

Clapham is a village in North Yorkshire on the approach to Ingleborough. The entrances are reached on foot from the village along paths over open ground. Without a car, Clapham railway station is a practical starting point, with the rest of the way on foot.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Stream Passage Pot? The route down to the Mud Pot sump is about 151 m. The Gaping Gill system's overall depth of around 198 m is counted from this entrance.

Is it a cave for beginners? No. It is a sporting vertical cave with several shafts and running water, entered by permit and best done with an experienced club.

Who organises trips? During the May and August winch meets, access is run by Bradford Pothole Club and Craven Pothole Club respectively. Confirm details directly with the organiser.

Is the area protected? Yes. It lies within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Ingleborough SSSI, so conservation rules apply.