Caves fit for Kiddies?

[Steve Robinson]

I took my 5 1/2 year old son in the pots above Ribblehead viaduct a few weeks ago and he loved it! Any suggestions on other caves in the area that would be suitable for youngsters of his age?

Was thinking of parts of Long Churn but it may be a tad wet for him at the moment.

Any Ideas?

Ta, Steve

 

[langcliffe]

Yordas - Kingsdale
KMC Valley Entrance - as far as the pitch
Great Douk - as far as the wet crawl (unless he likes getting wet)
Ingleborough Cave to Giant's Hall
Dow Cave, Wharfedale (is the entrance stable at the moment?)
Upper Long Churn, Lower Long Churn (some), and Borrins Moor Cave

 

[Cavedrone]

Rachel on here would be a good source of information having taken her daughter at
a similar age on a few trips.

Katnot Cave is supposed to be good.

I seem to remember that trying to keep young kids dry is more important than
with us oldies as they get cold quicker so can get nasty fast. Can't quite remember
where I read this (or was told)?

 

[gus horsley]

Browgill - to the waterfall chamber
Old Ing
Birkwith - to the canal

 

[ianball11]

Rachel on here would be a good source of information having taken her daughter at
a similar age on a few trips.

Katnot Cave is supposed to be good.

I seem to remember that trying to keep young kids dry is more important than
with us oldies as they get cold quicker so can get nasty fast. Can't quite remember
where I read this (or was told)?

That sounds significant.

Ian B.

 

[kay]

First bit of Sunset, High Douk Holes, First bit of Old Ing

My son's favourite was Great Douk because of the waterfall climb.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks Folks, that gives me plenty to go at. 

Much appreciated, Steve

 

[Rachel]

Can't add anything to the list of caves, but half-price-or-less . com are selling very cheap kids wetsuits, as are Tescos at Carnforth.

 

[dunc]

A bit further away from three-peaks-land but would Manchester and Goyden be suitable for kids that age?

A good option if its been wet would be Attermire Cave and maybe some of the others nearby..

 

[Paul.Wheelhouse]

"Katnot Cave is supposed to be good."

I used to like Katnot, but not been for about five years.  The caving community in the area (at least local instructors) seemed to think the entrance was unstable.  There was certainly much movement in the entrace passage, and a shake hole seemed to be opening up about 5m in from the entrance.  Anyone been recently?

 

[antmcc]

last time I went to Katnot, I'm guessing about 2 years ago, the entrance looked as dodgy as ever, but I'm not sure that it had moved recently. It's one of those places I just don't hang around, just in case, nice streamway with a few short oxbow crawls to explore.

Further up the river from Katnot (1/2 mile opposite bank), there's what used to be a showcave (Holme Hill?) it's best accessed from the track up to Cam fell from the sharp bend near Far Gearstones, It's downstream from the footbridge/ford on the true right bank. You'll know when you're in the right hole as there's the remains of a gate just inside the entrance. From memory it's not the most exciting cave, but for a youngster it's a nice introduction and not too far from the road.

 

[rogerkirk]

Great Douk is great fun but best going in at the top (Middle Washfold).  Skirwith (an old show cave on the Hawes road) is good fun as far as the waterfall though watch out for old nails sticking out of planks.  Thistle and Runscar at Ribblehead, with Katnot in Thorns Gill.  Upper Long Churn to Doctor Bannister's Handbasin is super with just one waist deep bit to get through.  Great for kids.  As someone else said, Browgill as far as the waterfall and Old Ing.  Others I've done with my little un include Rowten Cave leading into Rowten Pot - a lovely passage with a very short flat out bit half way through.  You can either come back the same way or climb up out of the hole which can be a bit tricky with kids.  Valley entrance great to the pitch head or turn left up the milky way for some crawling practice.  Love that one.  Others?  Try Crackpot Cave in Swaledale.  Long way to go but awesome formations and easy for children.  Water not too deep as long as you pick the weather.  My son managesd it and loved it.  Scoska Cave in Littondale is superb for children.  You have a choice of an easy passage on the right at the first junction, or crawl left on your tummy for few yards and you're into historic way.  Lots of wildlife there so go with care!  Langstroth Cave is also good.  Ask farmer for permission, locate entrance with lidded shaft and it's a lovely little decorated streamway.  Dow Cave is great as far as the obvious boulder choke at Hobson's choice and not difficult for kids.  In a dry summer (if we ever get one) the most spectacular of all is Sleets Gill Cave (turn left towards Arncliffe just past Kilnsey Crag and locate car park lay by near some pine trees).  This cave is truly spectacular with an entrance ramp dropping into the main gallery.  But wait for very dry weather as it floods badly.  Don't be put off by passage blocked by scree.  It's worth kicking it out of the way with your wellies for ten minutes as the cave is magnificent. Another cave well worth doing with your child in dry weather - and it must be dry - is Ibbeth Peril near Dent, though the chances of doing it this year seem remote.  The entrance covers completely when the Dee is in flood but there's nothing difficult for kids once inside, and it's beautiful to look at.  I agree with the guy who said kids get colder fast. You can't hang arounfd too long taking photos and stuff and it's best to keep moving, but don't they love it.  It's a damned sight better than MSN and a bloody playstation.