Thursday 4 September 2008

How Sean Gorge,Yorkshire Pt. 5

How Sean Gorge lies hidden in the heart of Nidderdale. There are narrow paths and footbridges cut through the steep sided ravine which is 80 feet deep in places. Water rushes over large boulders carving them into fantastic shapes. It really is worth making the effort to walk down the slippery paths and stones.

Having walked through the gorge, the way out (unless one completely retraces their steps) is via. a hundred metre underground tunnel and cave.



















See the circular shapes carved in the rock by the swirling water


I hate these narrow bridges but it is the only way if one wants to get to the other side
I brace myself and ignore my wobbly legs and pounding heart

The entrance to Tom Taylor's cave and the way out. This cave can be used as an introduction to caving. Tom Taylor was a Highwayman who used this cave as a hiding place. We go down the wooden steps from the gorge. After the driopping stalactite, the cave closes in giving one the impression of being in the belly of a whale. It then opens up into a tall beehive chamber from which one scrambles into the daylight in the car park.
Now I have a confession to make. We went into the tunnel but decided to retrace our steps and not walk right through as parts of it were so narrow and the walls so wet that we decided we were not really dressed for it and we only had 2 small pen torches with us. This means of course that we are going back over that bridge!





The exit - I am wishing I had gone through now - an experience


Now it's time to fortify ourselves with tea and biscuits in the cafe. We find this gorge is owned by a Christian family. After our tea break we are driving another 2 miles to a most beautiful village on the top of the moor. Not to be missed.

15 comments:

Mike's Travels said...

Looks like you're having fun. I'll join you for the tea and biscuits!

Jeanne said...

I love all that you share.
Blessings

Tess Kincaid said...

All your nooks and crannies are rife with such history! I loved this and wanted to wade in that wonderful looking water.

Lorrie said...

ooh, what fun. And tea and biscuits sound like a wonderful restorative.

Lorrie

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

This looks a little scary!! I can understand why you reversed your steps, but that bridge would have given me some pause, too. We once hiked through a blowing gale around Buttermere lake. It has a tiny cave, nothing like this one. But after the wind blew my hat off for the second time, the only thing we wanted was tea! Fortunately a small cafe had just what we needed!

debbie bailey said...

This scenery reminds me of my native Tennessee. I thought Yorkshire was all moors. Maybe when (and if) I go again, I can visit there. Thanks for the photos, Barbara.

Betty said...

Barbara,
I've been out of pocket for several days...we've been in Tennessee....what beautiful scenery in Yorkshire....the rocks, meandering stream....

Be back for more reading...Betty

Sharon Goemaere said...

Wow!It is not a trip for the claustrophobic! LOL But tea and biscuits is another matter entirely.Bless you for sharing with us your beloved country and it's many "gems".~Sharon G.

Patsy said...

The cave is scary and beauthful at the same time. Wish I was there to see it all.
Patsy

zetor said...

Love all your photos, an interesting post

Come Away With Me said...

That looks like quite an adventure. The surroundings are so green and lush.

Anonymous said...

simply beautiful photos

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara what a beautiful place. Thank you for taking me to the Dales.

I have a little something for you on my blog.
In Appreciation,
Melanie

Tess Kincaid said...

Barbara, I have a little something for you over at Willow Manor! :)

Barbara said...

This certainly is a place when it is very hot and sunny. Quite refreshing...despite the narrow bridge (which I am scared to pass too!). Your pictures remind me of the gorge not far away from my parent's house and where we used to play when we were children. Strangely enough we weren't afraid from narrow paths and bridges at that time.