Online Fellwalking Club - Gaping Gill and Ingleborough from Clapham

Gaping Gill and Ingleborough from Clapham

Written by Neil Haslewood

Sunday, 30 August 2009

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Group photo

After waiting for everyone to arrive we set off from near the National Park Car Park the village at 9.50am. The walk through the village is a very pleasant one following Clapham Beck before walking down Church Avenue to arrive at St James’ Church with its 12th Century tower. As the sun was out a few photos were taken at this point. We then continued on to the Old Sawmill and the entrance to the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail. Once upon a time there used to be an honesty box here but now it’s as if we are all cars and have to pay at the meter!! There was quite a delay as we had to fumble around for some loose change in our pockets and rucksacks. Once we were all “legal” we placed ourselves into “gear” and headed off along the path through the nature trail.

We passed a lake and a folly (where group photos were taken) before arriving at Ingleborough Cave. Then it was onwards to Trow Gill where the melt waters of the Ice Age created this spectacular ravine. The path through the limestone ravine is quite steep and rocky. After a short time we were all safely through the Gill and heading to the moorland beyond.

The Ingleborough Ascent

Eventually we arrived at Gaping Gill (the highlight of the day). Gaping Gill is one of Britain's most famous caves. The stream of Fell Beck plunges 105 metres (360 feet) into the Main Chamber and is Britain’s highest unbroken waterfall. Those wishing to descend to the depths below registered their names with the organisers of the winch meet (Craven Pothole Club) and paid their dues. However we were informed that there was a waiting time of 2½ hours. Like in previous years this gives plenty of time to ascend Ingleborough (one of Yorkshires Three Peaks). Some of the party did not want to carry on to climb Ingleborough so they stayed behind and waited.

Big thanks to Liz for putting it all together, also to all who came for making it a really fun day. Steve Procter

Ingleborough

Stephen Procter, Lorraine Barks, Dave Dimmock, Peter Burgess, Brian Burgess and myself set off across Bottoms Rigg and Brunt Riggs Moss to the slopes of Simon Fell. Then we joined a well trodden path to the summit of Ingleborough (723 metres). Strangely the summit is quite flat and very rocky and also used to be a hill fort in Roman times. There are great views in all directions from the summit which has several cairns as well as a large shelter and a Triangulation Pillar. We decided that we were in need of refreshments so we all congregated at the shelter. Here were a group of young people from the YHA all having a good time too.

As we were about to finish our lunch we saw rain approaching so it was time to don our waterproofs, have a quick photo session, and then escape off back towards Gaping Gill. Incredibly we were soon back to greet our colleagues who had been patiently waiting at the pothole. It was still raining when we arrived at Gaping Gill. Liz and Barrie had descended the gill moments before we arrived.

The Gaping Gill Descent

Instructions to Visitors:

Peter in Gaping Gill

This was my second descent of Gaping Gill so I knew what to expect ... well more or less anyway ... except for how much water was going to pour over me as I was winched into the depths in the safe and secure bosons chair. The descent starts off slowly as the chair nears the edge of the gill then speeds up once inside the huge cavern. When one arrives at the bottom it is so dark that your eyes have not had time to adjust. Anyone looking at you take your first steps must think you are drunk or something as you grope around in the dark. Then it’s an “is that you?” scenario as it’s difficult to tell who’s who with helmets and waterproofs on. Anyway eventually everyone descended safely and gathered for the launch of the new “Lost Sheep” presented by Peter. Well done to Peter for publishing it in time for today’s big event. I guess it must have been the deepest launch its history. It was also amazing that Peter had managed to keep them all dry.

Waiting

Everyone had plenty of time to investigate the chamber and take lots of photos in the gloom. The chamber is actually floodlit and makes for some great photo opportunities. One downside while at the bottom of Gaping Gill was that it was cold and damp (obviously) and while waiting for the ascent back to the surface (over ½ an hour) we had to stand close to where one of the waterfalls was cascading downwards ... which meant we got quite wet. I can’t speak on behalf of the others but during my ascent I got drenched as I was winched back up through the mouth of the Gill.

I especially liked the shots of the falls and the light effects in the cave itself. Angela

Get your certificate now!

Have you descended Gaping Gill in the past as part of an OFC organised event? If so then you are entitled to a certificate to celebrate the occasion. E-mail the OFC with your details and one will be despatched to you forthwith. Peter Burgess

Back at the surface it was still raining but however was starting to ease. We were now split up as getting everyone back to the surface was taking some time and therefore we decided to return back to Clapham in small groups. We returned back the way that we came ... through Trow Gill (which had now become quite slippery with the rain). It was early evening when we arrived in Clapham.

We headed to the New Inn for food and drinks. Peter handed out a copy of the Lost Sheep to everyone as well as a signed certificate (by Peter and Liz) for the Gaping Gill Descent. This was another great OFC outing. Well done to all concerned especially Liz and Peter.

Neil Haslewood
Peak and Fell Walking
www.walkthelakes.co.uk

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