Caving & Potholing
Natural passages carved through 300 million year-old limestone over thousands of years along with man-made mining tunnels make the Peak District a great place for those who want to explore underground. There is a great selection from family-friendly caves, entry-level experiences suitable for speleologists and explorers of all ages and abilities to more strenuous and physically-demanding caving experiences.
The Peak District is home to natural potholes such as the spectacular Eldon Hole and the 170 metre deep Nettle Pot, natural caves such as Peak Cavern, Thor’s and Reynard’s Cave, Dove Holes in Dovedale, Poole’s Cavern in Buxton and not forgetting the mighty Titan, Britain’s biggest cave, carved over millions of years from the Peak’s limestone scenery. This massive chamber contains a waterfall which plunges 140 metres deep below ground level and is reached at the culmination of a five hour underground expedition.
Anyone intending to go underground should always be experienced and well-equipped.
It is easy to get wet and tired and it can then be quite difficult to return to the surface. Cave rescue can be more difficult than mountain rescue. If you do get in trouble, call 999 and ask for Derbyshire Cave Rescue.
Most of the cave and mine systems in the area require permission to descend them and mention of a system here does not imply that permission will necessarily be given.
Showcaves & Guided Tours
- Blue John Cavern, Castleton
- Masson & Rutland Caverns, Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
- Peak Cavern (Devil’s Arse), Castleton
- Poole’s Cavern, Buxton
- Speedwell Cavern, Castleton
- Temple Mine, Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock
- Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton
Guided Caving Experiences
- Bagshawe Cavern – Map Ref SK 17163 80887, Grade III
- Carlswalk Cave, Stoney Middleton – Map Ref SK 22067 75814
- Giants Hole – Map Ref SK 11942 82685, Grade IV
- Peak Cavern, Castleton
- P8 – Map Ref SK 10784 81792, Grade III
Other Caving
- Cumberland Cavern & Wapping Mine, Matlock Bath – Map Ref SK 2923 5773, Grade II
- Devonshire Cavern, Matlock Bath – Map Ref SK 290 584, Grade III
- Jug Holes Cave, Matlock – Map Ref SK 2797 5959, Grade II
- Mouldridge Mine, Pikehall – Map Ref SK 1943 5952, Grade II
- Peak Cavern, Castleton
- Reynard’s Cave, Dovedale – Map Ref SK 14510 52518, Grade I
- Robin’s Shaft Mine, Ilam – Map Ref SK 13551 52777, Grade III
- Thor’s Cave, Manifold Valley – Map Ref SK 0986 5496, Grade I
Maps & Guides
Maps
OS Explorer OL1 – Dark Peak
OS Explorer OL24 – White Peak
Guidebooks
Caves of Derbyshire – Dalesman, 1984
Caves of the Peak District – Derbyshire Caving Association, 2010
Guided Experiences
Gritstone Adventure Activities
Lost Earth Adventures
Peaks & Paddles Outdoor Adventure
Pure Outdoor
More Information
British Caving Association
Derbyshire Caving Association
Derbyshire Caving Club
Peak District Caving
Cave Rescue
Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation
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