Gaping Gill
Descend 322ft via winch into a colossal underground chamber with England's highest unbroken waterfall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited access for unique experience
Gaping Gill
Best Time
Limited access for unique experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend 322ft via winch into a colossal underground chamber with England's highest unbroken waterfall.
"The winch descent is simply wow, amazing! A truly unique experience."
🎯 Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Tickets for the winch descent sell out fast! Book online in advance or queue from 6 AM for a chance.
💧 Dress for Wet Conditions
Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are essential. Expect to get wet during the descent!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Winch Descent
Main shaft
Descend 322 feet via winch into a massive underground chamber with a breathtaking waterfall.
Underground Waterfall
Main chamber
Witness the highest unbroken waterfall in England plunging into the vast cavern.
Exploring the Cavern
Main chamber and side passages
Discover the immense scale of the cave system and its unique geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Gaping Gill
Prepare for the Descent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Tickets for the winch descent sell out fast! Book online in advance or queue from 6 AM for a chance.
💧 Dress for Wet Conditions
Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are essential. Expect to get wet during the descent!
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
Temperatures inside the cave are around 8°C. Layers are crucial for comfort.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
The winch takes one person at a time, so waits can be long. Bring snacks and entertainment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead or Arrive Early
Tickets for the winch descent sell out fast! Book online in advance or queue from 6 AM for a chance.
💧 Dress for Wet Conditions
Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are essential. Expect to get wet during the descent!
🧥 Bring Warm Layers
Temperatures inside the cave are around 8°C. Layers are crucial for comfort.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
The winch takes one person at a time, so waits can be long. Bring snacks and entertainment.
💰 Payment Options
Tickets can often be purchased with cash or card. Check with the specific club for details.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the winch descent into Gaping Gill as an 'unforgettable' and 'incredible' experience, highlighting the awe-inspiring scale of the cavern and the powerful underground waterfall. The volunteer-run winch operation is praised for its professionalism and friendliness. However, the limited access and long waiting times during peak periods are significant drawbacks for some.
"The winch descent is simply wow, amazing!
The winch only operates for 2 weeks in the year so this is really an unique experience! And the volunteers were helpful and friendly.
I did the descent in August 2025. There's now an online pre booking system, check the Bradford or Craven Pothole clubs for info."
Julie
"Had an amazing time visiting Gaping Gill with the Bradford Pothole Club. The winch ride into the huge underground chamber with a waterfall is unforgettable. Despite light rain, the cave and waterfall were stunning. The new ticket system is great. I booked online in early April for May half term meet with plenty of slots available. They also release extra tickets on the day, depending on weather. I was booked for 5 pm but got to go down an hour early since it was quiet. The club members were friendly, helpful, and clearly love what they do. A bit wet, but 100% worth it!"
Ruth
"Totally incredible experience being able to access the longest cave in the UK with the highest single drop waterfall. It's a truly stunning cavern with multiple spouts cascading into it. The whole operation is very professionally managed by two caving clubs, who limit visits to two weeks per year (one in May with Bradford and the other in August with Craven). It is popular (we went in August) so make sure you are there early... 1st decent is at 9am but people were queuing from 6am and all places had been filled before 9.30am. We arrived just before 9am and had to wait 5.5h to descend as the winch takes only one person at a time and has to complete the 105m descent. So, bring plenty of warm and waterproof gear... we took a portable shelter which was perfect whilst waiting to keep the wind and rain off! Also, it's about 8°C in the canyon so plenty of layers are needed... and you will get very wet during the ride in the winch. You have been warned! If you come prepared, it's a breathtaking adventure of a day out
P.s. No tickets can be bought in advance and no camping is allowed on the National Park (only the caving club). We walked there from Clapham which takes about 1h to 1h30 depending on pace"
Philip Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gaping Gill is located in the Yorkshire Dales. The most common access point is a scenic hike from the village of Clapham, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Some visitors also include it in wider Yorkshire Dales road trips.
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Parking is available in Clapham village, which serves as the starting point for the hike to Gaping Gill.
While you can hike to the entrance of Gaping Gill, the unique experience of descending into the main chamber is only possible during the annual winch meets.
The hike from Clapham is described as adventurous and scenic, leading you through the Yorkshire Dales landscape. It's a moderate walk suitable for most fitness levels.
Facilities like toilets and cafes are available in Clapham village before you begin your hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gaping Gill is accessible via winch descent for only two weeks each year. Typically, one meet is in May with the Bradford Pothole Club, and another in August with the Craven Pothole Club. +1
The descent fee is approximately £20 per person. Payment can usually be made with cash or card.
Yes, online pre-booking is available for some winch meets, especially with the Bradford Pothole Club. For the Craven Pothole Club meet, it's often first-come, first-served on the day, so arriving very early is recommended.
If you don't secure a ticket in advance or arrive too late for the daily allocation, you won't be able to do the winch descent. However, the hike to the cave entrance is still a worthwhile experience.
While not explicitly stated, the winch descent is an adventurous activity. It's best to check with the organizing pothole club for any specific age recommendations or restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The winch descent involves being lowered 322 feet into a massive underground chamber via a winch system operated by caving clubs.
Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear. The environment inside the cave is damp, and you will likely get wet during the descent.
The hike to the cave takes about 1-1.5 hours each way. The descent and exploration time within the cave can vary, and waiting times for the winch can be significant, potentially several hours.
The 322-foot descent can be daunting for those with a fear of heights.
The temperature inside the cave is consistently around 8°C (46°F), so warm layers are highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged! Capturing the scale of the cavern and the dramatic waterfall is a highlight for many visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the chamber.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and the operational procedures of the winch.
The lighting can be challenging due to the underground environment and the spray from the waterfall. Experiment with different settings and be patient.
The main shaft during the winch descent, the base of the waterfall, and the overall scale of the cavern are the most iconic photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone is dressed in waterproofs and warm layers, as it can be wet and chilly. 🧗♀️ Adventure Seekers
The adventure continues with exploring the cavern's nooks and crannies. Remember to book your slot during the limited annual winch meets and come prepared for wet and cool conditions. 📸 Photographers
+1 Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities and a wide-angle lens to do justice to the vastness. Protecting your gear from moisture is paramount. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Gaping Gill
+1 The cave system is extensive, with numerous smaller passages and tunnels branching off the main chamber, offering a glimpse into the intricate underground world sculpted by nature. This natural wonder is not just a single cave but part of a larger subterranean network. The constant flow of water has shaped the limestone, creating the dramatic features visitors witness today. The sheer scale of the main chamber and the powerful waterfall are awe-inspiring, highlighting the immense forces at play in shaping the Earth's surface over geological time.
+1The Annual Winch Meets
+1 This annual access is crucial for experiencing the full wonder of Gaping Gill, as it's the only time the public can safely descend. These events are a marvel of volunteer effort and organization. Volunteers from the pothole clubs manage the winch operation, ticket sales, and safety procedures, ensuring a memorable yet secure experience for visitors.
It's a highly sought-after experience, with many visitors arriving extremely early to secure their place. What to Expect During the Descent
The sound of the waterfall, Fell Beck, becomes more prominent as you descend, creating a dramatic and immersive atmosphere. The air inside is cool and damp, so wearing appropriate clothing is essential. Once at the bottom, you can explore the cavern floor, marveling at the powerful waterfall and the surrounding rock formations.
The volunteers are usually on hand to provide information and ensure everyone's safety. It's a truly unique encounter with the natural world, leaving a lasting impression on all who undertake it. 
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