Going Underground in the Lake District

GOING underground in the Lake District is increasingly popular. We don’t have technical caving here; you have to head east to the Yorkshire Dales for that. But the caves here are accessible for all, as long as you don’t mind dark, uncomfortable and possibly damp spaces! The latest move to encourage people to go underground in the Lake District is a controversial one. We’ll start with that one. The plan has now been approved, whether you are for or against.<\/p>

Elterwater Quarry

Quarrymen are still working underground in the Lake District and at Elterwater Quarry in the Langdale valley they have been mining for slate since the middle of the 19th century. The quarry produces a distinctive pale green stone, often with contrasting markings which highlight its natural origin as a metamorphic volcanic stone - around 400-500 million years old.<\/p>

The operators, Burlington Stone, have decided to focus on extraction in fewer quarries. And, they say, “to ensure the quarry, its underground caverns and voids remain safe and protected, there is a need to creatively and responsibly repurpose the site”.<\/p>

Their plans for a new heritage experience for visitors within an immersive cavern have just been approved by the Lake District National Park authority. The project aims to allow visitors to explore parts of the cavern that had been previously inaccessible for a ‘heritage-based adventure experience’. Plans include installing platforms in the caves at points of interest. Visitors will travel from one platform to another via a zipline.<\/p>

After many objections were received when the plan was first put forward, the amended proposals encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport to reach the site. This includes a possible shuttle bus service from Brockhole at Windermere to ease traffic problems in an already overcrowded village.<\/p>

Among the objectors, the Friends of the Lake District said: "We remain opposed in principle to a major tourist attraction being established in a small community that is already under huge visitor pressure. The area already suffers from congestion and a demand for parking, and even a small increase in traffic will make the problems worse." You must decide yourself.<\/p>

Rydal Cave

Here’s another place you can go caving in the Lake District which also used to be a quarry. But this one’s free, and you have to walk there, up a steep and bumpy track. It is now very popular, understandably. Rydal Caves - there are several here, but it’s the largest one that’s the main attraction – lie on the side of Loughrigg above Rydal Water. It penetrates around 150ft into the hillside. Guidebook writer A. Wainwright pointed out that there’s shelter enough here for the entire population of Ambleside, though many of them would be standing in water.<\/p>

The caves are the result of quarrying for slate in the 19th century, and the largest is a remarkable cathedral-like cavern, the far walls touched with shades of russet and gold and blue. From Loughrigg Terrace, access is via an easy scramble at the side, or stepping stones across a shallow pool (full of tiny fish). Swallows used to nest in here.<\/p>

Cathedral Cavern

And here's another old quarry for those who love to go underground in the Lake District. It is truly spectacular, and deserves its name. Cathedral cavern is an old quarry working, set into the hillside between Little Langdale and Tilberthwaite. You can reach it by going through a disused tunnel which leads off the path from Little Langdale shortly after Slaters Bridge. Or you can follow the river up stream for a short while to gain direct access into the cavern if you don’t want to risk bumping your head. It’s an eerie place, full of echoes, but when the light streams in and highlights the fabulous colours of the rockface, it is totally awe-inspiring. You’ll need a torch – and waterproof boots – if you’re going through the tunnel. Afterwards, call for a drink at the famous inn The Three Shires.<\/p>

Hassness Tunnel

We love Buttermere and often recommend that our visitors here take the trip out west to walk round this loveliest of lakes. And the path gives you a brief, and quite safe, experience of going underground in the Lake District. No quarry working this time, but the Hassness tunnel was carved out of the rock so that a continuous footpath route could be achieved all the way around the lake shore. It was the scheme of George Benson, a 19th century Manchester mill owner who owned the Hassness estate, and the story is that he had his labourers cut the tunnel by hand to give them something to do in the winter months. Before that, walkers would have to climb over a rock bluff, or wade through the water! It adds an extra dimension to a delightful circular walk.<\/p>

Honister Slate Mine

At the top of the Honister pass, between Borrowdale and Buttermere, is the Honister Slate Mine, a very well-established and popular attraction. And here you can have a taste of underground in the Lake District as well as a host of other adventurous activities. There’s a tour of the mine where you can go climbing: a journey through a subterranean world, where you can (in safety) scale the mine cavern walls, traverse tunnels, climb ladders, and learn about the history and heritage of quarrying. There’s also a host of adventures for thrill seekers who don’t want to go below ground, but have a strong head for heights above it. Have a go on the Via Ferrata, the Infinity Bridge, or the Adrenaline Pass. If you dare!<\/p>