Great Douk Cave, Natural cave system in Chapel-le-Dale, Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom
Great Douk Cave is a cave system in Chapel-le-Dale, Yorkshire Dales National Park, featuring five entrances and extending 914 meters through limestone passages. Water flows continuously through the passages, creating small waterfalls along the underground route.
The cave received its first documented mention in 1780 when included in John Hutton's Addendum to Thomas West's Guide to the Lakes. This early record established its place in the exploration history of the Yorkshire Dales region.
Local spelunking groups regularly organize educational trips to teach beginners about cave formations, geology, and environmental conservation practices.
Access is available through a main footpath near the Hill Inn without requiring special permissions or permits. Visitors can explore the cave independently following the established route.
A new entrance naturally formed in April 2021 when a surface sinkhole collapsed into the stream passage below. This event demonstrates how underground cave systems continue to evolve through natural geological processes.
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