Mossdale Caverns

Mossdale Caverns is an underground system beneath Grassington Moor in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, extending through multiple passages and chambers. The network consists of narrow corridors, stream passages, and sections carved from layered limestone that connect deep within the moorland.

Cavers found the entrance during World War II and began mapping the passages systematically over the following decades. An incident in June 1967 prompted changes in safety standards for underground exploration across Britain.

The cave network holds significance in British speleology as the location of the most severe caving incident in 1967, leading to substantial changes in cave safety protocols.

Entry requires prior permission from local caving clubs familiar with the conditions inside. Rainfall can raise water levels quickly, so checking weather forecasts before any descent is advisable.

An underground stream runs through the passages and reemerges downstream at Black Keld. This watercourse forms one of the longest subterranean links in northern England.

Location: Conistone with Kilnsey

GPS coordinates: 54.12366,-1.97670

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26