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.