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Gaping Gill

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description Gaping Gill Overview

Gaping Gill is a prominent natural pothole and cave system located on the slopes of Ingleborough in North Yorkshire, England. It is distinguished by its massive 98-metre vertical entrance shaft, which is the largest unbroken underground shaft in Britain. At the base of this shaft lies the Main Chamber, which is among the largest known natural underground chambers in the country. Due to its scale and complexity, it is a highly sought-after destination for experienced cavers and speleologists.

help Gaping Gill FAQ

What is Gaping Gill famous for?

Gaping Gill is a prominent natural pothole and cave system located on the slopes of Ingleborough in North Yorkshire, England. It is distinguished by its massive 98-metre vertical entrance shaft, which is the largest unbroken underground shaft in Britain.

How do explorers get down to the main chamber of Gaping Gill?

At the base of the shaft is a massive main chamber that is often compared in size to the interior of a cathedral. For most of the year, access is limited to experienced cavers using ropes, but during two weeks each year, local caving clubs set up a winch to lower the public down.

What river flows through Gaping Gill?

The Fell Beck river flows off the surface of Ingleborough and plunges straight down the 98-metre shaft. The waterfall it creates is one of the highest unbroken waterfalls in Britain, landing in the cavern deep underground.

Where does the water in Gaping Gill eventually emerge?

The water that disappears underground at Gaping Gill travels through miles of subterranean limestone passages. It eventually resurfaces several miles away at Ingleborough Cave, which is a popular show cave in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

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