description Alum Pot Overview
Alum Pot is a large limestone shaft and cave feature near Selside in the Yorkshire Dales of England. The pothole forms a deep vertical entrance into an extensive underground system, with water and geological erosion contributing to the surrounding karst landscape. It is used by experienced cavers for underground exploration and is also known as a significant natural landmark for visitors to the Yorkshire Dales.
help Alum Pot FAQ
Where is Alum Pot, and how deep is the main shaft?
Alum Pot is near Selside on the slopes of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales. The Yorkshire Dales National Park describes the open pothole as about 70 metres deep. [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/long_churns_and_alum_pot/)
Can ordinary visitors climb down into Alum Pot?
Visitors can view the shaft from the surrounding path, but a descent requires suitable caving equipment and experience. It is not operated like a normal show cave or family attraction. [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/long_churns_and_alum_pot/)
Which caves connect to Alum Pot?
The underground system connects with Diccan Pot and the Long Churns cave system. Long Churns is used for popular beginner caving trips, while the Alum Pot shaft itself is considerably more demanding. [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/long_churns_and_alum_pot/)
Who made the first successful descent of Alum Pot?
John Birkbeck made the first successful descent in 1848, when a group was lowered to the shaft floor in a large bucket. A later complete descent in 1870 used a cage and windlass. [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/long_churns_and_alum_pot/)
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