Alum Pot, Limestone cave shaft in Yorkshire Dales, England
Alum Pot is a limestone cave shaft in the Yorkshire Dales that descends over 100 meters into the earth with a large open shaft visible at the surface. The shaft connects to Long Churn Cave and Diccan Pot, forming part of an interconnected cave system.
The first documented exploration began in 1847 when John Birkbeck attempted a partial descent from Long Churn Cave. He returned the following year and successfully reached the shaft floor using a bucket as part of his descent equipment.
The name of this geological formation has appeared in records under different spellings that have shifted over time. These variations show how place names were often written differently in older documents and gradually standardized.
Access is gained through Selside Farm via a private track, and visitors must follow specific safety guidelines for entry. Due to potential rockfall and the depth of the shaft, proper preparation and caution are essential for any visit.
The shaft can be explored via multiple different routes including Dollytubs, South-East, and North-West paths that offer varied experiences. These different entry points reveal the intricate nature of the underground network connecting these passages together.
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