Nature in the United Kingdom

King's Cave

King's Cave is the largest of several sea caves on the west coast of the Isle of Arran in Scotland, a few kilometres north of the village of Blackwaterfoot in North Ayrshire. Walkers come for the Robert the Bruce legend, the old carvings on its walls and a forest-and-shore trail to reach it. How did the cave form? The caves sit at the foot of former sea cliffs. After the last ice age the weight of the glacier pressed the land down, so the sea cut into the rock at a higher level. When the ice melted the land rebounded and left a raised beach and relict cliffs, which is why the caves now stand above today's high tide. What is the Robert the Bruce story? Tradition says the Scottish king sheltered here in 1307 and watched a spider try again and again to spin a web before it finally managed, which encouraged him to keep fighting. Sir Walter Scott helped make the tale famous. The Canmore record points out that the association is fairly recent: in 1772 the traveller Thomas Pennant still called the place "Fingal's Cave". The land managers, Forestry and Land Scotland, consider it unlikely that Bruce hid here before Bannockburn. Enjoy it as folklore rather than documented history. What will you see inside? The walls carry carvings from many periods, from early Christian and medieval work to modern additions. Descriptions mention crosses, symbols and inscriptions, and the cave may once have been a hermit's cell. Modern graffiti and some vandalism have also been reported, so look but do not touch or add marks. How do you get there? The usual route is a circular walk from the free forest car park on the A841, just under 3 miles (about 4.5 km) north of Blackwaterfoot, postcode KA27 8DX. The marked trail is roughly 4.7 km, takes about two hours and is graded strenuous. The surface is uneven gravel and earth, with a rough rocky stretch along the shore. Expect several long, steep slopes and two gates. The final approach is a steep descent to the beach. Views take in Machrie moor, the Drumadoon cliffs and the sea towards Ireland. You can also walk from Blackwaterfoot along the Arran Coastal Way, which makes for a longer outing. Toilets and food are only available in the village. When should you go? Choose a dry day, since the path and the beach descent can be slippery, and wear proper walking boots. Check the tide before going down to the shore because the caves lie right at the water's edge. Summer gives you the longest daylight but also the most visitors. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee for King's Cave? No. Parking and access to the cave are free. How long does the walk take? Around two hours at an easy pace for the circuit, including the descent to the cave. Did Robert the Bruce really stay here? There is no solid historical proof. It is a popular legend, and the site's managers think it unlikely. Where can I eat nearby? In Blackwaterfoot, a few kilometres from the car park. There are no shops or toilets on the trail itself.

Charterhouse Cave

Cheddar

Charterhouse Cave, near Cheddar in Somerset, is the deepest cave in southern England. It lies beneath the Mendip Hills plateau and is a serious caving system rather than a show cave: the entrance is locked and visits are by permit only. What is Charterhouse Cave? The cave sits on the Mendip plateau at roughly 51.30°N, 2.75°W, in the old lead-mining landscape around Charterhouse. Published figures put its depth at about 228 m and its surveyed length at about 4.9 km. Much of that total comes from exploration in 2010 and 2011. Its depth comes from a chain of vertical shafts and tight passages that carry surface water down through the limestone. Can you go inside? Not as an ordinary visitor. The gate is locked, and entry is limited to people holding a permit issued through the clubs that look after the site. Trips go with an approved leader, and novices are not accepted. Bristol Exploration Club members receive a yearly permit that must be renewed each year. If you are an experienced caver, start by contacting a club, not by driving to the plateau. What can you see nearby instead? The surroundings reward a visit. The Mendip Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the region holds many more caves, including the show caves at Cheddar. GB Cave lies close to Charterhouse Cave, though the two systems are not connected. Walking the plateau shows classic karst scenery: depressions, grazing land and the traces of old lead workings. When should you visit? Underground temperature stays steady all year, but heavy rain can raise water levels quickly in the system, so caving trips depend on the weather. For walking on the surface, spring to early autumn is the most pleasant season on Mendip. Frequently asked questions Is Charterhouse Cave open to tourists? No. It is locked, and only permit holders may enter. How deep is Charterhouse Cave? Sources give about 228 m, making it the deepest cave in southern England. Its length is around 4.9 km. Can beginners go down? No, the access rules exclude novices. For a first cave trip, choose one of the commercial caves around Cheddar. Who controls access? Permits come through the caving clubs active at Charterhouse, including Bristol Exploration Club and Wessex Cave Club. Check current rules with them before planning a trip.

Yordas Cave

Yordas Cave sits near the head of Kingsdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire, a short drive from Ingleton. Visitors have come to see it since the 1700s, and in the 1800s it operated as a show cave. Today it draws cavers, walkers and outdoor-activity groups. What will you see inside Yordas Cave? A few steps lead down through an archway into the main chamber, where a stream runs across the floor. At the far end a waterfall of roughly 9 metres drops into a lower chamber called the Chapter House, the cave's signature feature. Without caving skills you can only explore the main chamber and the waterfall; anything beyond calls for proper equipment and experience. According to surveys, the stream sinks underground and feeds the Kingsdale Master Cave system, reappearing at Keld Head about 2.7 km down the valley. Where does the name come from, and what is its history? One explanation ties the name to a Norse giant called Yordas; another traces it to an Old Norse phrase meaning "earth stream". Richard Pococke wrote about the cave in 1751, and carved inscriptions are dated as far back as 1653. Its Victorian show-cave days began around the 1840s. Local lore also says Charlotte Brontë visited and that the cave inspired a scene in Jane Eyre, though no documentation supports this. How do you get to Yordas Cave? There is a roadside layby in Kingsdale, and the cave lies a short uphill walk away. The route is not signposted. From the layby, go through a gate into a field, bear right up the grassy slope and reach a second gate after about 150 m; the entrance is a few metres beyond. The cave is on private farmland, but no permit is required. Visitors are expected to behave responsibly, close gates and take litter home. When should you go and what should you bring? It is dark and wet inside, so bring a good torch and waterproof boots. Flooding is the main hazard: after heavy rain the water can rise by around 2 metres. Skip the visit if heavy rain is forecast or has just fallen. Frequently asked questions Do you need a ticket or permission to visit Yordas Cave? No. The cave is on private land, but visitors may go in without asking, provided they act responsibly. Is the cave difficult? The approach is short and easy, and the main chamber with the waterfall needs no caving skills. Deeper sections are for experienced cavers only. Where can you park? In the roadside layby in Kingsdale, a short walk from the entrance. Do not block farm entrances. Can the cave flood? Yes. After heavy rainfall the water level rises quickly, so check the forecast before you set out.

Eden Sike Cave

Eden Sike Cave is a small, wet cave in Mallerstang, at the head of the Eden valley in Cumbria, northern England. Since 2016 the area has belonged to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is a site for experienced cavers, not a show cave for casual visitors. Where is Eden Sike Cave? The cave sits in Mallerstang, a glacial dale at the top of the Eden valley, close to the North Yorkshire border. Its entrance is roughly 400 metres north of Hell Gill, the limestone ravine where the Eden drops towards Aisgill. The opening hides in a shakehole, where the Eden Sike stream sinks underground. The grid position is about 54.368 N, 2.337 W. What is inside? From the shakehole you drop into a stream passage. Downstream, a low wet crawl heads for the resurgence, which lies a little under 400 metres from the entrance. Upstream the passage starts out roomier but soon turns awkward, with a short, tricky climb into an inlet on the right. The main route ends at a sump about 9 metres long, which divers have passed for a further 15 metres before it became too tight. The right-hand branch crosses sharp, steeply tilted rock into a chamber, beyond which a narrow, wet squeeze leaves almost no air space. Surveyed passage totals roughly 772 metres. The cave formed where underground drainage captured streams flowing over the limestone. Several small caves lie nearby, and a 1967 caving club account also mentions neighbouring Jingling Sike Cave. Can visitors go in? No lighting, paths or guides exist here. The cave is cold, wet and cramped, needs competent crawling and climbing, and its far ends are flooded or very narrow. Going in without experience, proper kit and someone who knows the system is risky. Stream levels can rise quickly after rain, so check the weather. For current access, contact local caving clubs or the British Caving Association. Part of the published material on the cave is archival, so some details could be out of date. What can you see nearby instead? Hell Gill is the better choice for non-specialists. This narrow, steep-sided gorge cut through the Main Limestone was formed by surface river erosion, not by a collapsed cave. A 1967 club write-up called it a pleasant "pseudo caving" outing that needs no lamps. Mallerstang also offers fell walks and open views over rural Cumbria. When to go? The area is most pleasant from late spring to early autumn, when paths are drier and days are long. Because the stream depends on rainfall, underground exploration is especially dangerous after wet weather. Frequently asked questions Is Eden Sike Cave open to tourists? No. It is a small cave for experienced cavers, with no visitor facilities. Where exactly is it? In Mallerstang, Cumbria, about 400 metres north of Hell Gill, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. How long is the cave? Known passages total about 772 metres, with a sump at the end of the main route. What is a good alternative for walkers? The Hell Gill ravine and walks around Mallerstang, none of which need caving equipment.

King Arthur's Cave

King Arthur's Cave is a limestone cave on Great Doward hill in Herefordshire, close to Symonds Yat and roughly four miles north-east of Monmouth. It sits in the Wye Valley, and it is both a small nature reserve and one of the most significant Ice Age sites in England. What is King Arthur's Cave? The cave opens at the foot of a low cliff at the north-western end of Lord's Wood. It has a double, interlinked entrance and two main chambers, about 285 feet above the River Wye. In front of it lies a platform of undisturbed deposits that archaeologists have dug for generations. Where does the name come from? Nobody knows for certain. The link with the legendary king is folklore rather than history. What was found here? People used the cave in the Upper Palaeolithic. Historic England's list entry notes it as one of only five English caves with evidence of both Early and Late Upper Palaeolithic activity. Finds include flint tools and bones of Ice Age animals: woolly mammoth, reindeer, horse and red deer, along with hyena, brown bear, lion and rhinoceros. The Rev. William Symonds led the first major dig in 1871, using dynamite to break up stalagmite floors, a method no one would accept today. In 1925-1927 the University of Bristol Spelaeological Society worked the entrance platform and recovered Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic material. What can you see today? Herefordshire Wildlife Trust manages the site, which covers about two hectares. Woodland has regrown over old quarry workings and supports a rich flora, including yellow bird's-nest and several orchids. The small caves shelter horseshoe bats, cave spiders and hibernating herald moths. The Trust's White Rocks reserve lies only a few hundred feet from the cave mouth. How do you get there? The reserve is on Great Doward, postcode HR9 6DU. A small pull-in at the top has room for three or four cars. Entry is free. The walk from the car is short, but the woodland paths can be slippery, so wear sturdy footwear. The cave works well as a brief stop on a day in the Wye Valley, for example alongside a walk at Symonds Yat. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No. The reserve is free, and children and dogs are welcome. Did King Arthur really live here? There is no evidence of it. The cave matters for its Palaeolithic finds, not the legend. Can you go inside? You can reach the chambers, but it is a natural cave with no lighting or facilities. Bring a torch and take care around the bats that overwinter in nearby caves. Where do you park? At the small pull-in at the top of the reserve. Space is limited, so arrive early in busy periods.

Miss Grace's Lane

Forest of Dean

Miss Grace's Lane is a cave system near the village of Tidenham in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. It ranks among the longest caves in the region and is a destination for experienced cavers rather than casual visitors. What is Miss Grace's Lane? The system holds roughly 4 km of natural passage, making it the second-longest cave in the Forest of Dean. Only Slaughter Stream Cave, at about 13 km, is bigger. The way in did not exist for most of history: members of the Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club (RFDCC) dug the entrance open between 1994 and 1997. What is it like underground? Cavers descend a shaft of around 30 m fitted with permanent ladders and lined with concrete pipe. Below, heavily fractured passages form a maze where losing your bearings is easy, mostly on one level. Bands of iron-rich rock give the walls a reddish tint. Dog Tooth Chamber, noted for its crystals, features on many trips. Visitors report a dry, fairly warm interior, and the cave blends mine-like workings with natural forms. Can you visit? Only with permission. A locked manhole cover seals the entrance. The RFDCC keeps the keys under an arrangement with the Forestry Commission, which owns the land. Permits go to members of the British Caving Association and are issued through the club on behalf of the FoDCCAG access group. Expect to need proper caving kit, ladder experience and navigation skills. Rules can change after new finds, so check fodccag.org.uk before planning a trip. What can non-cavers do nearby? The cave itself is for those who go underground, but the surrounding woods reward a walk. A route runs to the Devil's Pulpit, a rock perch above the Wye valley with a view toward Tintern Abbey, and the return follows the track called Miss Grace's Lane. The Forest of Dean also offers waymarked walking and cycling trails and traces of centuries of iron mining. How do you get there? Tidenham sits on the southern edge of the Forest of Dean, close to Chepstow and the Welsh border. Driving is the simplest option. The cave's precise entrance location is kept low-profile by the clubs, so do not try to find it independently. Frequently asked questions Is Miss Grace's Lane open to the public? No. Access is controlled and entry requires a permit, available to British Caving Association members. How long is the cave? About 4 km of passage, second in the Forest of Dean after Slaughter Stream Cave. How deep is the entrance shaft? Around 30 m, descended on fixed ladders to the first chamber. Who manages access? The Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club holds the keys; the land belongs to the Forestry Commission.

Porth yr Ogof

Ystradfellte

Porth yr Ogof is a river cave beside the village of Ystradfellte in Wales, close to the southern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The Afon Mellte flows through it, and the cave sits in the heart of Waterfall Country. What is Porth yr Ogof? The cave formed as water dissolved the surrounding rock. Here the Mellte slips underground and re-emerges further down the valley. The river's Welsh name means "lightning", a nod to how fast it swells and drops after rain. A 1998 survey measured more than 2.25 km of passages. The cave has fifteen entrances, and the biggest, roughly 20 m wide and 8 m high, is the largest cave mouth in Wales and among the biggest in the UK. It was once opened to paying visitors, but its interior is plainer than that of showpiece caves such as Dan yr Ogof. Today it mostly serves as a first taste of caving for beginners with guides. What will you see? The entrance arch is the highlight: a vast opening in the rock with the river running through it. Most visitors stay at the entrance and on the footpaths. The interior is for experienced cavers, because water levels can climb fast after rainfall. How do you get there? The nearest parking is the national park car park at Cwm Porth, where a signed path leads down to the cave. The descent is steep and the rocks can be slippery, so wear sturdy boots. Entry to the cave is free, but parking is charged. Check the current rate on site or with the park authority. A car is the easiest way to reach this remote corner of the park. How long do you need, and what can you combine it with? Seeing the cave takes under an hour. The path continues south and joins the Four Waterfalls Loop, a popular route past falls on the Mellte, Hepste and Pyrddin. The full circuit is about 10 km and takes around four hours. When should you visit? Weekends and bank holidays in fine weather get crowded, so a weekday is calmer. Avoid the cave after heavy rain, when the river rises quickly. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The cave is free to see; you pay only for parking at Cwm Porth. Can I go inside the cave? Visitors mainly view the entrance and nearby paths. Going deeper takes experience and equipment, and the river current can be dangerous. How long does a visit take? Under an hour for the cave itself, or about four hours combined with the Four Waterfalls Loop. Is it wheelchair accessible? No. The path is steep and uneven, and the setting is rural.

Great Douk Cave

Ingleton

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.

Bar Pot

Clapham

Bar Pot is a pothole on the slopes of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, close to the village of Clapham in England. It is one of the entrances to the huge Gaping Gill cave system, and among the more approachable ways into the mountain. This is a destination for cavers rather than casual walkers. What is Bar Pot? The shaft sits roughly 340 metres south of the Gaping Gill Main Shaft, inside the Ingleborough Site of Special Scientific Interest, a protected area designated for its natural and geological value. Of the system's entrances it ranks as one of the easiest and driest, with only two vertical pitches to tackle. Its lower reaches were first explored in 1949. What will you find underground? A descending passage starts at the bottom of a large rocky shakehole. The first drop is a 13-metre pitch, tight at the top. Below it comes the Greasy Slab, a 4-metre slope normally climbed down with a handline. The route continues to Bridge Hall, then through further chambers to two pitches that drop into South-East Passage in Gaping Gill, the longer being 30 metres. Smaller systems such as Small Mammal Pot and Stile Pot also join Bar Pot via one of its chambers. How do you get there, and is a permit needed? Clapham is the usual starting point, with footpaths climbing onto Ingleborough. Entering Bar Pot requires a permit, and the area carries SSSI protection. Check the access arrangements with the landowner and caving clubs before planning a trip, for example Craven Pothole Club, which is active in the area. Going down without experience and rope gear is not an option. Who is it for? Cavers with rope skills, a helmet with lighting, and companions. Because it is relatively straightforward, Bar Pot is often chosen for early trips into Gaping Gill, yet accidents still happen. In August 2020 a young caver fell around 2.5 metres while abseiling the first pitch. Craven Pothole Club members hauled her out, and Cave Rescue Organisation volunteers took over at the entrance. Good preparation matters even here. In 1987 a proposal to fit out Bar Pot for commercial adventure caving trips was lodged, but it was withdrawn after objections from several bodies, among them the British Caving Association. Frequently asked questions Is Bar Pot linked to Gaping Gill? Yes. It is one of the system's entrances and leads to South-East Passage. How many pitches does it have? Two vertical sections near the top: a 13-metre pitch and the 4-metre Greasy Slab. Further in there are two more pitches, the main one being 30 metres. Can I go down without experience? No. You need a permit, rope skills and suitable equipment. Beginners should join a club or go with experienced guides. Where should I begin planning? In Clapham, where the paths onto Ingleborough start. Agree access in advance with the landowner or a local caving club.

Cox's Cave

Cheddar

Cox's Cave in Cheddar is one of the two show caves set into Cheddar Gorge, on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. It sits at the foot of the limestone cliffs, a short walk from its better-known neighbour Gough's Cave, and both are visited as part of the Cheddar Gorge & Caves attraction. How was Cox's Cave found? A workman employed by mill owner George Cox broke through the rock in 1837 and found a hidden chamber. Cox widened the opening himself and went in to look. The cave welcomed paying visitors in 1838, which made it the first cave at Rock End in Cheddar to be opened to the public. Gas lighting arrived around 1870. Electric lights were partly installed in 1913 and replaced gas completely in 1929. In 1884 the Cox family tried to sell the cave, but the High Court ruled it was not theirs to sell. They kept a lease, and the Longleat Estate took back control in 1939. What will you see inside? The cave is known for its dense clusters of stalactites and stalagmites, which are unusually well preserved. In the section called the Home of the Rainbow you can see a multicoloured stalagmite. Its shades come from minerals that seeped down from the surface into the hill. Since 2016 the route has paired the natural formations with theatrical lighting and video projection, so the cave tells its story as a short walk-through show that suits families as well. Official material uses the name Dreamhunters, while some listings add the subtitle Yeo's Journey, so the show title appears in different forms. How do you visit Cheddar Gorge & Caves? The day ticket covers six attractions: Gough's Cave, Cox's Cave, the Museum of Pre-History, the Beyond the View cinema experience, Jacob's Ladder with the Lookout Tower, and the three-mile (about 5 km) Cliff-Top Walk. A cheaper outdoor-only ticket skips the caves. You can buy tickets online or on arrival, and the site runs all year, usually from 10am to 5pm. Check cheddargorge.co.uk for current prices and hours, as they change with the season. When should you go? The temperature underground stays cool and fairly constant all year, so bring a light jumper even in summer. The cave itself takes little time, so most visitors pair it with Gough's Cave and the cliff walk. On weekends and school holidays, arrive in the morning to beat the traffic and the tour groups in the gorge. Frequently asked questions Are Cox's Cave and Gough's Cave the same cave? No. They are two separate caves in the same gorge, and the day ticket lets you see both. Who discovered Cox's Cave, and when? A workman employed by George Cox found it in 1837, and it opened to visitors in 1838. Can I bring a dog? Dogs are welcome at Cheddar Gorge & Caves throughout the year. Check the venue's website for the rules that apply inside the caves themselves. How long does a visit take? The cave alone takes anywhere from a quarter of an hour to under an hour. A full day ticket with the gorge, museum and cliff walk fills a few hours.

Treak Cliff Cavern

Hope Valley

Treak Cliff Cavern is a show cave beside the village of Castleton in Derbyshire, in the Peak District. Inside the hillside you will find bands of Blue John, a rare ornamental mineral, together with stalactites that rank among the finest in the area. What makes this cave special? The cavern sits within the Castleton Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of only two places where Blue John, a banded purple and yellow fluorite, is still dug. The veins that visitors see are left untouched. Small amounts of stone are taken from other parts of the cave and turned into jewellery, bowls and small ornaments. The story starts with miners chasing that very mineral, and digging peaked during the First World War. A new series of chambers was found in 1926, and the cave welcomed its first paying visitors in 1935. Two further Blue John veins turned up in 2013 and 2015. What will you see underground? The route passes through several named chambers. In Aladdin's Cave, multicoloured flowstone covers the walls. Fairyland and the Dream Cave are hung with stalactites that official material describes as some of the best in the Peak District. A formation called The Stork is among the best known, and the Witch's Cave is also part of the visit. Throughout, bands of Blue John run through the rock. How does the visit work? The tour is self-guided through a smartphone app and takes about 45 minutes. The cave has 196 steps, with no more than 30 in any one flight. The lowest point is in the entrance tunnel, at roughly 137 cm (4 ft 6 in), so taller visitors will need to stoop. Bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip, as the cave is cool and damp. How should you plan your trip? Buy tickets ahead on the cave's website, which assigns an entry slot. A shop on site sells items made from Blue John, so you can take home a piece of the local stone. Castleton lies in the Hope Valley, easy to reach by car or bus from Sheffield and Manchester, with walking routes and other caves close by. Frequently asked questions How long does a visit to Treak Cliff Cavern take? About 45 minutes. The tour is self-guided and uses a phone app. Is it suitable for children and older visitors? The route has 196 steps, never more than 30 together, so the climbing is spread out. The entrance tunnel is low, at 137 cm. What is Blue John? A rare fluorite with purple and yellow bands, used for jewellery and ornaments. Treak Cliff is one of two sites where it is still extracted. Do I need to book? Booking online is recommended, and your ticket gives you a timed entry slot.

Peak Cavern

High Peak

Peak Cavern is a show cave in Castleton, in the Peak District of Derbyshire, England. Its mouth is the biggest natural cave entrance in Britain, and the cave was long known locally as the Devil's Arse, a name guides still enjoy explaining. What makes Peak Cavern special? The entrance chamber is so vast that an entire hamlet once stood inside it. The stream Peakshole Water runs through the cave and leaves by the same opening. Peak Cavern is one of four show caves around Castleton, alongside Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern, so a day of underground sightseeing is easy to plan. Why did rope makers work underground? For generations the cave mouth housed a ropewalk. Workers twisted cord for the lead mines of the surrounding hills, and about thirty craftspeople lived and worked beneath the rock roof with their families. Production ended around 1915 and most of the cottages were cleared. On your tour you can watch a rope-making demonstration using traditional methods. Where does the name come from? Before Queen Victoria visited in 1880, the cave carried a far ruder name. It was softened to Peak Cavern for the royal occasion. Guides pass on the old legends and explain how the earlier name came about. What is the tour like? Entry is by guided tour only. A visit lasts about an hour, mixing the rope-making story with a short walk deeper into the rock. Tours leave every hour. From April to October the cave opens daily, normally from 10:00 to 17:00. From November to March it opens at weekends and during school holidays. The last tour starts around 16:00. Booking online is wise because slots can sell out. Prices change, so check the official site before you go. How do you get there and what is nearby? The cave sits at the edge of Castleton village, a short walk from the centre. Peveril Castle stands on the ridge above the village and is reached by a steep path. The surrounding hills offer plenty of walking in the Peak District. Castleton is reachable by car from Sheffield or Manchester, and local buses run from nearby Hope. Frequently asked questions Can I enter Peak Cavern without a guide? No. Visits are guided tours that depart hourly. How long does the tour take? About an hour, including the rope-making demonstration. Is the Devil's Arse the same place? Yes. That is the cave's older name. Should I book ahead? Yes. Booking online secures your slot, especially in summer and school holidays.

Blue John Cavern

High Peak

Blue John Cavern is a show cave near Castleton in Derbyshire, in the Peak District National Park, England. It sits at the top of Winnats Pass, a few kilometres west of the village, and is one of four caves open to visitors around Castleton, alongside Peak Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern. What makes Blue John Cavern special? The cave is known for Blue John, a rare banded fluorite in shades of purple, blue and yellow. The stone has been mined here for centuries and was turned into vases, bowls and jewellery. Miners broke into the main chamber around 1700, and the geologist and mineral dealer John Mawe described the site in print in 1802. Underground you see natural chambers and fissures, plus traces of the old mining work. A note on names: Blue John Cavern is a separate attraction from Treak Cliff Cavern, which lies across the valley and is also tied to the mineral. Each cave has its own tour and ticket desk. What is the tour like? Entry is by guided group only. A tour usually lasts 50 minutes to an hour and leads down through a series of chambers. Your guide explains the geology, the miners' working methods and how the stone became decorative objects. Expect around 240 steps, and some passages are low and narrow, so wear sturdy shoes. The cave stays cool all year, even on hot days, so bring a warm layer. Who is it for? Families, geology fans and walkers who want a rainy-day stop between hikes will get the most from it. Because of the steps and tight sections, the cavern has no wheelchair access and is a poor fit for anyone with serious mobility problems. How do you get there, and when should you go? From Castleton you can drive up through Winnats Pass or walk along the pass on foot, which takes roughly an hour. Opening hours change with the season: winter closing is earlier than in summer, and the first tour leaves in the morning. Check the current schedule and prices on the attraction's own website before you travel. In summer and at weekends, arrive early, since you may wait a little for the next descent. Frequently asked questions How long does a visit to Blue John Cavern take? A guided tour runs about 50 to 60 minutes. Is the cave wheelchair accessible? No. The route has roughly 240 steps and some low, narrow sections. Is Blue John Cavern the same as Treak Cliff Cavern? No. They are two separate caves near Castleton, with different entrances and routes. Both are linked to Blue John stone mining. What should I bring? Shoes with good grip and warm clothing, because the cave is cool in every season.

Gough's Cave

Cheddar

Gough's Cave in Cheddar is one of England's best-known show caves. It sits inside Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills of Somerset. The gorge hides several underground routes, but Gough's Cave stands out for the size of its chambers and for archaeological finds that reshaped what we know about early people in Britain. What is Gough's Cave? The cave system reaches about 115 m in depth and runs for roughly 3.4 km. Inside you pass large chambers and richly sculpted rock formations. Beneath it flows the Cheddar Yeo, the largest underground river system in Britain. Only part of the network is open to visitors, yet it is enough to give you a real sense of scale. What will you see inside? The path leads through successive halls of flowstone and colourful rock walls. Lighting brings out the texture of the stone and the shapes of the formations. It suits families and anyone curious about geology, since you can set your own pace. Why does it matter to archaeology? The cave is a site of international standing. Around 14,700 years ago, late Upper Palaeolithic Magdalenian people lived here. Remains found in the cave point to cannibalism, the making of cups from skulls, and the domestication of dogs. Much younger is the Mesolithic skeleton known as Cheddar Man, about 10,300 years old. It ranks among the most famous ancient skeletons found in Britain, and research on it keeps resurfacing in scientific papers and museum displays. How do you get to Cheddar Gorge? The gorge lies on the edge of the village of Cheddar in Somerset, south-west of Bristol. Driving is the easiest option, as public transport is limited. Car parks serve the gorge entrance. The road through the gorge has tight bends and narrow stretches, so allow extra time in high season. When should you visit? The cave stays at a steady temperature all year, so a visit works in rain or cold. Quieter times fall outside school holidays and on weekdays. In summer and at weekends queues build at the ticket desk, so mornings are usually best. Bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip, because the floors can be damp. How much time do you need? The cave itself takes about an hour. Add a walk through the gorge and nearby attractions and you fill half a day. Opening hours and ticket prices vary by season, so check the Cheddar Gorge & Caves website before you travel. Frequently asked questions Is Gough's Cave good for children? Yes. The route is visually striking, and the story of the ancient residents and Cheddar Man often becomes a highlight for younger visitors. How does Gough's Cave differ from Cox's Cave? They are two separate caves in the same gorge. Gough's Cave is larger and known for the archaeological site that produced Cheddar Man. Is it cold inside? The air inside is cool and damp whatever the weather outside, so an extra layer helps. Where is Gough's Cave? In Cheddar, Somerset, in south-west England, within the Mendip Hills.

Gaping Gill

Clapham

Gaping Gill is one of England's best-known caves, set on the southern slopes of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, a little over an hour's walk uphill from the village of Clapham. A 98-metre (322 ft) natural shaft swallows the stream Fell Beck, which plunges into one of the largest underground chambers in Britain. What exactly is Gaping Gill? It is a pothole and cave system in North Yorkshire, not a loch or a lake. A moorland stream runs up to a ragged opening in the ground and drops into the hill. At the bottom the water sinks among boulders and filters through the limestone, finally emerging close to Ingleborough Cave. The shaft entrance is a deep, fern-fringed hollow that stands out on the fellside. How do you walk there from Clapham? Start in Clapham, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The route follows the private Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, which charges a small fee. You pass the entrance to Ingleborough Cave, a show cave, then the dry gorge of Trow Gill, before climbing onto the open moor beneath the mountain. Expect roughly 4 km, all uphill, which usually takes 60 to 90 minutes each way. Wear proper walking boots and bring layers for changeable weather. Can you go down? For most of the year the chamber is off limits to the public, and the shaft is the preserve of experienced cavers. Twice a year, however, caving clubs set up a winch and lower visitors to the floor during so-called winch meets: Bradford Pothole Club runs the spring meeting around the late-May bank holiday weekend. Craven Pothole Club runs the August meeting, ending on the August bank holiday weekend. The winch cable passes through spray from the waterfall, so pack a waterproof and a head torch. There is no advance booking; you queue on the day. Prices have changed from year to year, so check dates and fees with the clubs. Heavy rain can suspend the winch. What will you see underground? The main chamber is huge, among the biggest natural voids in the UK. The waterfall drops into it from the surface, and daylight falls through the shaft opening. Deeper, more technical sections of the system are only for people with the right gear and training; the British Caving Association and the regional caving council publish guidance for cavers. When should you visit? Going underground is only possible during the winch meets, in late May and in August. At any other time you can still walk up and look into the shaft. Summer and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons for the hike, while Fell Beck is most dramatic after rain, though the path can be muddy. Frequently asked questions Can I go into Gaping Gill on my own? No. Descending without experience and equipment is dangerous. Visitors go down only on the winch during the organised weeks. How long is the walk from Clapham? About 4 km each way, normally 60 to 90 minutes uphill. Do I need to book the winch? No. There is no reservation; you join the queue on site, and the winch may stop in bad weather. What should I bring? A waterproof jacket, sturdy boots, a head torch and cash for the trail fee and the winch.

Loch Achnamoine

Loch Achnamoine is a small mountain loch in the Highland council area of northern Scotland, set on the River Helmsdale in Sutherland. Kinbrace, the closest settlement, sits about 4 km to the east along a minor road. The surroundings are classic Flow Country: open peatland, heather and big sky. What kind of place is it? The loch is a drift dam. Debris left by the retreating ice sheet blocked the valley and held back the water. Its Gaelic name combines achadh (field) and mòine (peat), so it translates roughly as "peat-field loch", a fair description of the terrain. It lies on the river's course about 1.5 km below the larger Loch Badanloch, which forms a linked group with Loch nan Clàr and Loch Rimsdale. What role does it play on the Helmsdale? The River Helmsdale, also known historically as the Ullie, runs south-east from Badanloch through Achnamoine and reaches the Moray Firth at the town of Helmsdale. The chain of lochs works as a compensation reservoir, keeping up flows for the river's well-known salmon fishery. Further downstream the river runs through the Strath of Kildonan, called Strath Ullie in Gaelic. What can you see here? wide, empty ground on both sides of the water, with Ben Klibreck in the distance a steel suspension footbridge across the river near the loch, listed in the Highland historic environment record the typical northern Highland scene of low hills, bog and unbroken sky There is no cafe, shop or visitor facility, so bring food and fuel with you. The spot suits anyone after quiet, landscape photographers and birdwatchers. How do you get there? You approach via Kinbrace, 4 km from the loch. The village has a station on the Far North Line between Inverness and Thurso/Wick and lies on the A897 through the Strath of Kildonan. From Kinbrace a narrow local road leads west. Driving is the easiest option; plan the journey from Helmsdale or Inverness, because settlements are few and far between. When should you go? Late spring, summer and early autumn give long days for walking and photography. Winter in inland Sutherland is cold, windy and wet with short daylight, so allow extra time and dress accordingly. Frequently asked questions Where is Loch Achnamoine? In Highland, in the historic county of Sutherland, on the River Helmsdale, 4 km from Kinbrace. What does the name mean? From Gaelic, roughly "loch of the peat-field". Are there visitor facilities? No. It is remote country; Kinbrace is the nearest settlement and Helmsdale offers a wider choice of services. Can you fish here? The Helmsdale is famous for salmon, but fishing rights are controlled by the river's managers, so arrange permission in advance.

Loch Skerrow

Loch Skerrow is a remote moorland loch in Galloway, in the Dumfries and Galloway region of south-west Scotland. It lies on an open upland plateau roughly midway between New Galloway and Gatehouse of Fleet, and a small watercourse carries its outflow north into the Airie Burn. The coordinates are about 54.98° N, 4.18° W. Visitors come for solitude and for railway history, because a lonely halt of the same name once stood on its shore. What kind of place is it? The loch sits in the old parish of Girthon, historically part of Kirkcudbrightshire. A nineteenth-century Scottish gazetteer describes it as holding pike and trout, with the biggest trout said to reach about 6 lb. The surroundings are bare: low hills, peat bog and almost no buildings. Mobile signal is patchy, so download an offline map before you set out. What was Loch Skerrow Halt? Beside the water stood a small station on the single-track Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway. It worked as a passing loop that split a very long signalling section between New Galloway and Gatehouse of Fleet, and steam locomotives stopped here to take on water. For years it was left out of the public timetables. It became an advertised station in 1955 and lost its regular passenger service on 9 September 1963. Trains still called occasionally until the whole line shut in 1965. One platform survives in good shape, the other is half demolished, and the railway cottages are ruined. Tradition places Richard Hannay, hero of John Buchan's 1915 novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, on a train that stopped here. It is a literary legend, not a documented event. How do you get there? The practical approach is to drive to New Galloway or Gatehouse of Fleet and continue on foot. The old trackbed now works as a walking route, reachable from both towns. It is flat but long and empty, with no shops or toilets on the way. Carry water, warm layers and waterproof boots. Public transport in the area is limited, so plan your transport in advance. What will you see? the loch shore and the open Galloway moorland, the surviving platform and the ruined railway cottages, the line of the embankment that once carried trains towards Portpatrick, waterbirds and birds of prey over the plateau. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light for landscape photography. Galloway also has notably dark skies, which makes the area popular with stargazers. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable period, with long days and a drier trackbed. In winter the ground is boggy and daylight short. Upland weather changes fast and can turn wet and windy even in summer, so do not leave the path without a map. Frequently asked questions Can you fish at Loch Skerrow? Older sources record pike and trout in the loch. Fishing rules depend on the owner and the local angling association, so check which permit applies before you go. In the nearby Galloway Forest Park the trout and salmon season runs from 15 March to 30 September. Do trains still run here? No. Regular passenger service at the halt ended in 1963 and the whole line closed in 1965. Can I walk to the loch from New Galloway? The station there is gone, but the old trackbed can be walked from the New Galloway side. It is a long outing, so allow a full day and return the same way. Are there facilities nearby? No. The area is wild, with no shops or cafes. Bring food, water and a map.

Loch Cracail Mòr

Loch Cracail Mòr is a hill loch in the Highland council area of northern Scotland, in historic Sutherland, close to the settlement of Achinduich and a few kilometres from Lairg. It sits at roughly 57.98° N, 4.32° W within Rogart parish, on open moorland well away from the busier Highlands routes. Where is Loch Cracail Mòr? The loch lies in the east-central part of Sutherland. The nearest reference points are Achany (about 5 km), Lairg (about 6 km) and Inveran (about 7 km). The much larger Loch Shin is around 19 km away. A watercourse carries the outflow south into its smaller neighbour, Loch Cracail Beag. Together the two form a pair, and their names tell them apart by size: Gaelic mòr means big, beag small. What does the name mean? When Ordnance Survey surveyors recorded local names in 1871–1875, they described a sizeable mountain loch on the Duke of Sutherland's estate. The Name Book glosses it as "large antlered loch", then adds that the meaning is obscure. Norse-derived names are common across Sutherland and reflect centuries of Scandinavian contact in the north. What is there to see? The surroundings reward anyone interested in archaeology. The Highland Historic Environment Record holds several entries for Loch Cracail Mòr, including the remains of prehistoric hut circles. One faint oval example, roughly 10 m by 8.5 m, was measured by Ordnance Survey teams in 1975 and again in 1980. In 1913 local gamekeepers reported a cairn of loosely piled stones out in the water, which the record links to a crannog, an artificial island dwelling. Loch Cracail Beag holds the only island of the pair. Surveyors in 1980 could not land on it, so whether it is man-made remains unconfirmed. How should you plan a visit? No waymarked paths or access descriptions have been published for this loch. Carry an Ordnance Survey map (sheet NC60) and plan on walking in from the glen onto the moor. Waterproof boots are essential on wet ground, and the Highland weather calls for layers. Lairg offers accommodation and shops, and you can drive to the surrounding area from there. The land belongs to a private estate, so respect local land management and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Loch Cracail Mòr? In the Highland council area, in historic Sutherland, about 6 km from Lairg and near the hamlet of Achinduich. What does Cracail mean? The Ordnance Survey Name Book renders it as "large antlered loch" but notes that the meaning is unclear. Are there signs of early settlement? Yes. The Highland Historic Environment Record lists prehistoric hut circles, and gamekeepers described a stone cairn in the loch in 1913. Where does the water drain? A watercourse runs south into Loch Cracail Beag, the smaller loch next door.

Loch Slaim

Loch Slaim is a small loch in Sutherland, in the Highland region of northern Scotland. It lies east of the Ben Loyal massif and is the final link in a chain of four lochs, the largest of which is Loch Loyal. The River Borgie, a well-regarded salmon river on the north coast, begins at its outflow. Where is Loch Slaim? The loch sits in a remote stretch of the Highlands, among moorland and bog between Loch Loyal and the Borgie valley. Together with three neighbouring lochs it forms a line running eastwards from Ben Loyal. Older gazetteers give its size as roughly three-eighths of a mile by a quarter of a mile, so this is a modest body of water. What makes it worth knowing? Loch Slaim has no visitor facilities; its interest lies in the landscape and in what flows from it. The River Borgie starts here and runs for about seven miles across boggy moor, through Borgie Forest, before reaching the Atlantic at Torrisdale Bay. The river and its upper catchment are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and the river is also a Special Area of Conservation. Wildlife includes salmon, trout, otters, birds and protected molluscs. Can you fish here? A nineteenth-century Scottish gazetteer records large trout, char and pike in the lochs of Creagach and Slaim. The Borgie itself is a known salmon fishery, with around 50 named pools and about 300 fish caught and released each year. Check fishing rules and permits locally before you travel. How do you plan a visit? The surrounding country is empty and calls for proper navigation: carry an Ordnance Survey map and sturdy walking boots. For an easier day out, head for Borgie Forest, south of the hamlet of Borgie. Forestry and Land Scotland manages it, and the river divides it into Borgie Breco on the west bank and Borgie Glen on the east. The nearest bridge carries the A836, so each side has its own access road, public car park and waymarked walks. The woodland is mostly Sitka spruce with some mature Scots pine and broadleaves, replanted after a fire in 1942. When should you go? Late spring to early autumn gives long days and drier paths. The salmon season falls in the warmer months, though each beat sets its own dates. Highland weather turns quickly, so pack waterproofs whatever the forecast says. Frequently asked questions Is Loch Slaim a large loch? No. Older descriptions give about three-eighths of a mile by a quarter of a mile. What is it known for? The River Borgie rises from its outflow and runs through Borgie Forest to Torrisdale Bay. What fish live nearby? Salmon in the Borgie, and older sources mention trout, char and pike in the neighbouring lochs. Where is the easiest place to start a walk? Borgie Forest, where the access roads have public car parks and signposted trails.

Loch Lunndaidh

Loch Lunndaidh is a small freshwater loch in Sutherland, in the Highland council area of northern Scotland, roughly 4 km west of the coastal town of Golspie. It covers 30.7 hectares and sits at about 175 m above sea level in Strath Lunndaidh. Older maps often print the anglicised form, Loch Lundie. Where is Loch Lunndaidh? The loch lies in the south-east of Sutherland at 57.980 N, 4.058 W. Golspie, on the North Sea coast road running north from Inverness, is the nearest settlement. To the north, the hill of Ben Lundie rises above the water, reaching around 446 m (1,464 ft). What is special about the loch? Its water level is managed. A sluice at the south-eastern end controls how high the surface stands. Nineteenth-century descriptions give its length as a little over a kilometre, with a width under 400 m, and the water leaves towards the sea along the Culmaily Burn. That burn starts at the loch and runs south-east until it reaches Loch Fleet, a broad tidal inlet known for its mudflats and protected as a nature reserve. The Highland Historic Environment Record lists traces of earlier human activity around the shore, including the site of a boat house and a clearance cairn, a pile of stones gathered while preparing land for farming. The surrounding land belonged to the Duke of Sutherland, as the Ordnance Survey name books of 1871 to 1875 record. What else is nearby? Golspie makes a practical base for this stretch of coast. Dunrobin Castle, the former seat of the Sutherland family, stands close to the town, and the monument to the first Duke crowns the hill of Beinn a' Bhragaidh above it. Loch Fleet lies a short drive south and suits birdwatching. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is the easiest season for the Golspie area, with long daylight hours and the most settled Highland weather. In winter days are short and the hills above the loch can carry snow. Frequently asked questions What does the name look like in different spellings? Loch Lunndaidh is the Gaelic form. Loch Lundie is the English spelling found on older maps and in historical gazetteers. How big is the loch? It extends over 30.7 ha and lies at roughly 175 m above sea level. Where does the water go? It drains south-east through the Culmaily Burn into Loch Fleet. Is this the same as Loch Lundie near Invergarry? No. The Loch Lundie in Glen Garry is a different body of water in another part of the Highlands. Loch Lunndaidh sits near Golspie in Sutherland.

Loch Buidhe

Loch Buidhe is a freshwater loch in Sutherland, in the north-east Highlands of Scotland. It lies about 8 km north-east of Bonar Bridge, at the head of the Kyle of Sutherland, within the old parish of Creich. The name is Gaelic for "yellow loch". Which Loch Buidhe is this? Scotland has several lochs with this name, including ones on Rannoch Moor, Skye and in Glen Muick. This one sits in Sutherland at roughly 57.955° N, 4.262° W. The former boundary between the parishes of Creich and Dornoch crossed it. The water lies around 160 m (527 ft) above sea level, close to 2 km long and under 400 m wide. What is there to see? The setting is classic Sutherland upland: open heather moor, peat bog and rolling hills with almost no buildings. Expect quiet, wide skies and very few other visitors. A 19th-century dam at the eastern end raised the water level by about 1 to 2 m. The Highland Historic Environment Record also lists a possible crannog, a man-made dwelling island of prehistoric type. A 1969 visit found no trace of it, since any remains would now sit under water. Can you fish here? The loch has long had a name as a trout water. Victorian accounts call it good trout fishing, and an attempt to stock it with salmon failed. It forms part of the Carnaig river system, which runs through a chain of lochs towards the Fleet. Before you go, find out who holds the fishing rights and get permission. How do you get there, and what should you bring? Bonar Bridge is the nearest place with services, and its railway station is on the Far North Line. From there you need a car or bike. The area falls within the North Coast 500 touring region, but facilities are scarce, so carry food, water and waterproofs. Weather turns quickly even in summer. Late spring and summer, with their long daylight hours, are the best times to visit. Frequently asked questions What does Loch Buidhe mean? It is Gaelic for "yellow loch". Several other Scottish lochs share the name. Is there much to do? This is a loch for quiet landscapes: moor, water and hills. There are no cafes or visitor centres on site. Are there trout in the loch? Yes. It has been described as good trout water since the 19th century. Salmon introduced there did not take. Where should I stay nearby? Bonar Bridge, Ardgay or Spinningdale offer accommodation and shops, all within a short drive of the loch.

Loch a' Chadha-chàrnaich

Loch a' Chadha-chàrnaich is a small freshwater loch on the east coast of the Isle of Raasay, in the Highland council area of Scotland. It sits on the hillside above the Inner Sound, a short walk inland from the abandoned township of Hallaig, at roughly 57.38° N, 6.02° W. There is no visitor centre or ticket office here, just open moorland, quiet, and traces of people who once farmed these slopes. What does the name mean, and where exactly is it? The Gaelic name was translated in the Ordnance Survey Name Books of the 1870s as roughly "loch of the pass of the cairns". The surveyors placed it south-east of the hill Dùn Ceann and a little north-east of Hallaig. A burn, the Allt Loch a' Chadha-chàrnaich, drains the loch and runs north to meet the Inner Sound. What can you see around it? This corner of Raasay rewards people who like landscape archaeology more than lake photography. The Highland Historic Environment Record and Canmore list several features nearby: two large enclosures with stone-and-turf banks on the loch's western shore, surrounded by old cultivation ridges (rig and furrow), plus a possible prehistoric hut circle; five well-preserved turf-and-stone shielings in a shallow saddle at the north end of the ridge east of the loch, the kind of hut where families stayed while grazing cattle in summer; the ruins of a house and byre on boggy ground at the foot of cliffs, crossed by a small stream; two stone structures west of the burn, one later fitted with a lambing pen. Most of this information comes from a field survey carried out in 1991. Together the remains show that the upland parts of the island were once actively used, before the people who farmed them left or were cleared. How do you get there? Take the CalMac ferry from Sconser on Skye to Raasay, a crossing of about 25 minutes. From the ferry, roads lead along the east side of the island towards Hallaig, where a waymarked walk passes through the old township. The loch lies higher up the slope and has no surfaced access, so wear proper walking boots, carry an OS map and be ready for uneven, sometimes boggy ground. When should you visit? Late spring and summer are best: the days are long and the ground is at its driest. In winter the slopes are slippery and daylight is short. Hebridean weather can change within the hour, so pack waterproofs, and midge repellent for summer evenings. What else is nearby? Hallaig is well known through the poetry of Sorley MacLean, one of the major Gaelic poets of the twentieth century, and for the birch woodland on its hillside. A visit to the loch combines well with a full day on Raasay's east side, with views across to the mountains of Skye and the mainland. Frequently asked questions Which island is Loch a' Chadha-chàrnaich on? Raasay, in the Highland region, on the east coast close to Hallaig. Are there historic remains beside the loch? Yes. The records list stone-and-turf enclosures, old field systems, shielings, and the ruins of a house and byre. Can I walk there without a guide? Yes, if you carry a map and are used to pathless terrain. There is no marked path to the loch itself. What does the name mean? According to the Ordnance Survey, "loch of the pass of the cairns".

Shakerley Mere

Allostock

Shakerley Mere is a man-made lake and recreation area beside the village of Allostock in Cheshire, England. It fills a former sand pit and today offers an easy lakeside loop, coarse fishing and birdwatching, within reach of Knutsford and Holmes Chapel. What is Shakerley Mere? Sand extraction here ended in the 1960s, and the empty pit then filled with water. The lake is roughly triangular. The M6 runs along the east side, while the B5081 and B5082 roads form the other two edges. Cheshire West and Chester Council manages the site for public recreation. What will you see? A circular path hugs the shoreline, covering about 0.9 miles (1.4 km). The surface is level and well kept, so it suits pushchairs and visitors who prefer flat ground. Most people finish a lap in around half an hour at a relaxed pace. In the south-east corner a small patch of heathland survives, classed as a site of biological importance. Please keep to the path there. Mallards, mute swans and Canada geese are easy to spot. Birdwatchers also record great crested grebes, herons, cormorants, black-headed gulls, oystercatchers and kingfishers. Can you fish here? Yes. Lymm Angling Club leases the fishing rights, and the water holds carp, bream, roach and perch. The council notes that day tickets can be bought on the bank. How do you get there and where do you park? The main car park sits on the B5082, a short distance from the Three Greyhounds pub. Parking is free and toilets are located at the car park. The lake is close to the M6, which makes it a handy stop for drivers touring Cheshire. Public transport options are limited because the village is small. When is the best time to visit? The loop is open all year. Spring and summer bring the most birdlife, while quieter months suit those who want solitude. The path stays in decent condition after rain, though sturdy shoes help. Motorway noise carries along the eastern side, so the western stretches feel calmer. FAQ How long is the walk around the mere? About 1.4 km, just under a mile, on flat ground. Is parking free? Yes. The car park on the B5082 costs nothing and has toilets. Are dogs welcome? Yes. The area is popular with dog walkers, and the council provides waste bins. Do I need a permit to fish? Yes. The water is leased to Lymm Angling Club, and day permits are sold on the bank.

Loch Harrow

Loch Harrow is a small freshwater loch in Dumfries and Galloway, in south-west Scotland. It sits at roughly 55.15° N, 4.32° W, in the hill country of the Glenkens, north-west of the village of St John's Town of Dalry. It suits visitors who prefer empty uplands to ticketed attractions. Where is Loch Harrow? The loch lies in the Southern Uplands, behind the valley of the Water of Ken. The nearest village is St John's Town of Dalry, on the Water of Ken about three miles north of New Galloway. Smaller places on the map nearby include North Gairy and Scar of the Folk. Its Gaelic name is Loch na h-Airbhe. What is the setting like? Loch Harrow is where the Polharrow Burn begins. Water leaves the loch eastwards and runs about 8.6 km before joining the Water of Ken. The Ordnance Survey Name Books of 1848–1851 record the burn as flowing out of Loch Harrow, Loch Minnies and Loch Dungeon, and state that the loch gave the burn its name. The name is Gaelic, and the same element, "airbhe", appears in the burn's name. Loch Minnoch lies between Loch Harrow and Loch Dungeon, some seven miles north-west of Dalry. All three can be seen together from the Rhinns of Kells ridge, a favourite with hillwalkers. Routes along that range, taking in Corserine, Meikle Millyea and Milldown, usually start near Forrest Lodge, and walkers' reports give about 19 km and around 1,200 m of ascent for the round. How should you plan a visit? Expect proper hill terrain: wet ground, tussocky slopes and loose rock. Bring sturdy boots, a topographic map or offline navigation, and plenty of time, because approaches on foot are long. St John's Town of Dalry makes the most practical base. It grew from a medieval settlement linked to the Knights of St John and was laid out as a planned village in the late 18th century. What else is nearby? Within a few miles are Loch Minnoch and Loch Dungeon, and to the east the Water of Ken valley with further villages of the Galloway Glens. From the Rhinns of Kells you see all three lochs at once, which is the best way to take in Loch Harrow within its landscape. Frequently Asked Questions Where exactly is Loch Harrow? In Dumfries and Galloway, north-west of St John's Town of Dalry, at the head of the Polharrow Burn. What does the name mean? It is of Gaelic origin. The alternative Gaelic form is Loch na h-Airbhe. Where does the water go? East into the Polharrow Burn, which meets the Water of Ken after about 8.6 km. Where is the best view of the loch? From the higher parts of the Rhinns of Kells, where Loch Harrow, Loch Minnoch and Loch Dungeon are visible together.