I don't know, there are likely plenty of small undiscovered caves off the beaten track but are likely to be found in sandstone rather than limestone as cavers are not normally interested in non-lime stone areas. I only say that because a few years ago me and Chris walked into some new and likely unknown and at the very least un-documented sandstone caves (a few of which where walking height and 2 were over 20m long). These could be used as base for a large creature I guess these sort of caves could be suitable, though I doubt anything other than sheep live there now. However, despite this, due to our small land mass there really are not places remote enough to fulfil the large roaming area such a creature would require.
The caves in question are in Tripsdale on the North York moors.
Thanks Alex, much appreciated. That type of small cave in a remote area would be more than suitable for a creature to use as it's base, somewhere safe, dry and within a decent distance of food and water. I would agree there are challenging arguments against such a creature existing today, however, hundreds of sightings suggest otherwise, many coming from decades ago when a man's word was his oath, before the time of youtube fame seeking etc. I personally believe it to be some kind of undiscovered form of primate, the descriptions support this idea and though descriptions vary, it is mostly described and bi-pedal, upright, not knuckle dragging, some reports describe huge facial jaw muscles throwing Neanderthal into the mix.
However, despite this, due to our small land mass there really are not places remote enough to fulfil the large roaming area such a creature would require.
I think this part of the argument against is the weakest, there are miles and miles of remote forest and countryside, particularly in Scotland, for example Galloway Forest Park is 30 square miles, Northumberland has one at 24 square miles, in fact there are many. However, there is no reason to believe that this species requires a mass of land to survive, look at humans, most stay within their town, take away the car and most would barely leave the house or office. There are lot's of human foragers that survive purely on what they find in the wild, all it requires is the knowledge and skill, this, in their case has been developed over thousands of years. Their diet is likely varied, and if they do eat meat or have adapted to eat meat then there are ample sources at those numbers, along with grasses, roots, nuts, berries, fish, barks, fruit, mushrooms and other fungus, it's endless really.
I personally think we are dealing with smaller numbers too, perhaps in the low hundreds, I think they traverse certain parts of the country seasonally, like other animals they have the knowledge of what food is plentiful, where and when. They travel unseen, by night and the early hours. They use the path of least resistance, using rail lines, canal systems, power lines and other such corridors. I think it likely they take advantage of old disused underground corridors, old rail lines etc. Over the years they would have to adapt to the changing landscape and in doing so develop more skills and understanding. For example, Gorillas are surprising game wardens by actively avoiding poachers, even destroying their snares and traps, essentially we are underestimating this species like many before it.
Anyway, thanks for the advice, I'll look further into it.
