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Coordinates: 54°08′58″N 2°22′57″W / 54.14956°N 2.382489°W / 54.14956; -2.382489
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{{Short description|Cave in North Yorkshire, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}

{{Infobox cave
{{Infobox cave
| name = Gaping Gill
| name = Gaping Gill
| photo = Gaping_Gill.jpg
| photo = Gaping_Gill.jpg
| photo_caption = Entrance shaft viewed from the Main Chamber
| photo_caption = Entrance shaft viewed from the Main Chamber
| location = [[Ingleborough]], [[North Yorkshire]], [[UK]]
| location = [[Ingleborough]], [[North Yorkshire]], England
| depth = {{convert|198|m}}<ref name="nc">
| depth = {{convert|192|m}}<ref name="dixon">{{cite journal|last1=Dixon|first1=Kevin|title=Gaping Gill: The Survey|journal=Descent|date=Aug–Sep 2016|issue=251|pages=22–27}}</ref>
⚫
| length = {{convert|21|km|mi}} (including Ingleborough Cave)<ref name="dixon" />
{{cite book
|title=Northern Caves 2 - the Three Peaks
|last1=Brook
|first1=Alan
|last2=Brook
|first2=David
|last3=Griffiths
|first3=Julian
|last4=Long
|first4=M.H.
|pages=173–206
|publisher=The Dalesman Publishing Company Ltd.
|year=1991
|location=Clapham (via Lancaster)
|isbn=1-85568-033-5
}}
</ref><ref>
{{cite journal
|last=Ryal
|first=David
|title=Even Further Diving Deep Well
|journal=Descent
|date=August–September 2008
|issue=203
|page=10
}}
</ref>
⚫
| length = {{convert|11600|m}}<ref name="nc" />
| discovery =
| discovery =
| geology = Limestone
| geology = Carboniferous limestone
| bcra_grade = 4
| bcra_grade = 4
| grid_ref_UK = SD 75117270
| grid_ref_UK = SD 75117270
| grid_ref = <ref name=braemoor>
| grid_ref = <ref name="braemoor" />
{{cite web
|url=http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ggentrances.shtml
|title=Gaping Gill - A list of entrances
|first=John
|last=Gardner
|accessdate=30 September 2012
}}
</ref>
| map = United Kingdom Yorkshire Dales
| map = United Kingdom Yorkshire Dales
| map_width = 180
| map_width = 180
| coordinates = {{coord|54.14956|N|2.382489|W|format=dms|region:GB-NYK|display=inline,title}}
| lat_d = 54.14956
| long_d = -2.382489
| entrance_count = 21<ref name="braemoor" />
| entrance_count = 21<ref name="braemoor" />
| location_public = yes
| access = Ingleborough Estate Office
| access = Ingleborough Estate Office
}}
}}

'''Gaping Gill''' (also known as '''Gaping Ghyll''') is a natural [[cave]] in [[North Yorkshire]], England. It is one of the unmistakable landmarks on the southern slopes of [[Ingleborough]] – a {{convert|98|m|ft|0|adj=on}} deep [[Pit cave|pothole]] with the stream [[Fell Beck]] flowing into it.<ref>
'''Gaping Gill''' (also known as '''Gaping Ghyll''') is a natural [[cave]] in [[North Yorkshire]], England. It is one of the unmistakable landmarks on the southern slopes of [[Ingleborough]] – a {{convert|98|m|ft|0|adj=on}} deep [[Pit cave|pothole]] with the stream [[Fell Beck]] flowing into it.<ref>
{{cite journal
{{cite journal
Line 67: Line 32:
|page=136
|page=136
}}
}}
</ref> After falling through one of the largest known underground chambers in Britain, the water disappears into the bouldery floor and eventually resurges adjacent to [[Ingleborough Cave]].<ref name=braemoor>{{cite web|url=http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ggentrances.shtml|title=Gaping Gill - A list of entrances|accessdate=2 June 2010}}</ref><ref name="bpc-gaping-gill">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gaping_gill.htm|title=Gaping Gill|publisher=Bradford Pothole Club|accessdate=14 November 2008}}</ref>
</ref> After falling through one of the largest known underground chambers in Britain, the water disappears into the bouldery floor and eventually resurges adjacent to [[Ingleborough Cave]].<ref name="braemoor">{{cite web|url=http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ggentrances.shtml|title=Gaping Gill – A list of entrances|first=John |last=Gardner |access-date=30 September 2012
}}</ref><ref name="bpc-gaping-gill">{{cite web|url=http://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gaping_gill.htm|title=Gaping Gill|publisher=Bradford Pothole Club|access-date=14 November 2008}}</ref>


The shaft was the deepest known in Britain, until [[Titan (cave)|Titan]] in [[Derbyshire]] was discovered in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grough.co.uk/view/2006/11/07/battle-of-titans-proportions-after-news-of-biggest-cave/|title=Battle of Titan’s proportions after news of biggest cave|date=7 November 2006|publisher=grough|accessdate=15 February 2014|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090425121528/http://www.grough.co.uk/view/2006/11/07/battle-of-titans-proportions-after-news-of-biggest-cave/|archivedate=25 April 2009}}</ref> Gaping Gill still retains the records for the tallest unbroken waterfall in England and the largest underground chamber naturally open to the surface.
The shaft was the deepest known in Britain, until [[Titan (cave)|Titan]] in [[Derbyshire]] was discovered in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grough.co.uk/view/2006/11/07/battle-of-titans-proportions-after-news-of-biggest-cave/|title=Battle of Titan's proportions after news of biggest cave|date=7 November 2006|publisher=grough|access-date=15 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425121528/http://www.grough.co.uk/view/2006/11/07/battle-of-titans-proportions-after-news-of-biggest-cave/|archive-date=25 April 2009}}</ref> Gaping Gill still retains the records for the highest unbroken waterfall in England and the largest underground chamber naturally open to the surface.


==Features==
==Features==
⚫
[[File:GapingGillSurface.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A view of the crater around the mouth of Gaping Gill|alt=]]
Due to the number of entrances which connect into the cave, many different routes through and around the system are possible. Other entrances include [[Jib Tunnel]], [[Disappointment Pot]], [[Stream Passage Pot]], [[Bar Pot]], [[Hensler's Pot]], [[Corky's Pot]], [[Rat Hole, Gaping Gill|Rat Hole]], and [[Flood Entrance Pot]].
Due to the number of entrances which connect into the cave, many different routes through and around the system are possible. Other entrances include [[Jib Tunnel]], [[Disappointment Pot]], [[Stream Passage Pot]], [[Bar Pot]], [[Hensler's Pot]], [[Corky's Pot]], [[Rat Hole, Gaping Gill|Rat Hole]], and [[Flood Entrance Pot]].
⚫
[[File:GapingGillSurface.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A view of the crater around the mouth of Gaping Gill]]
⚫
The Bradford Pothole Club around Whitsun May Bank Holiday,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gaping_gill.htm|title=Gaping Gill|publisher=Bradford Pothole Club |accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref> and the Craven Pothole Club around August Bank Holiday,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cravenpotholeclub.org/gg_contentpage.aspx?Page=gapinggill.about&Group=GapingGill |title=Gaping Gill |publisher=Craven Pothole Club |accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref> each set up a winch above the shaft to provide a ride to the bottom and back out again for any member of the public who pays a fee.


⚫
The Bradford Pothole Club around Whitsun May Bank Holiday,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpc-cave.org.uk/gaping_gill.htm|title=Gaping Gill|publisher=Bradford Pothole Club |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref> and the Craven Pothole Club around August Bank Holiday,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cravenpotholeclub.org/gg_contentpage.aspx?Page=gapinggill.about&Group=GapingGill |title=Gaping Gill |publisher=Craven Pothole Club |access-date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906035140/http://cravenpotholeclub.org/gg_contentpage.aspx?Page=gapinggill.about&Group=GapingGill |archive-date=6 September 2013 }}</ref> each set up a winch above the shaft to provide a ride to the bottom and back out again for any member of the public who pays a fee.
⚫
A detailed 3D model of the chamber has been created using an industrial [[laser rangefinder]] which showed that its volume is comparable to the size of [[York Minster]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Laser-scan-provides-the-first.4429527.jp|title=Laser scanner provides first 3D view of legendary Dales Cavern|date=27 August 2008|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|accessdate=19 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mdl.co.uk/news/MDL_CREATES_FIRST_COMPLETE_3D_MODEL_OF_GAPING_GILL.html |title= MDL Creates First Complete 3D Model of Gaping Gill |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20101115220731/http://www.mdl.co.uk/news/MDL_CREATES_FIRST_COMPLETE_3D_MODEL_OF_GAPING_GILL.html |archivedate=15 November 2011 |date=4 September 2008 |publisher=MDL Laser Systems |accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref>

⚫
A detailed 3D model of the chamber has been created using an industrial [[laser rangefinder]] which showed that its volume is comparable to the size of [[York Minster]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Laser-scan-provides-the-first.4429527.jp|title=Laser scanner provides first 3D view of legendary Dales Cavern|date=27 August 2008|newspaper=Yorkshire Post|access-date=19 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mdl.co.uk/news/MDL_CREATES_FIRST_COMPLETE_3D_MODEL_OF_GAPING_GILL.html |title= MDL Creates First Complete 3D Model of Gaping Gill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115220731/http://www.mdl.co.uk/news/MDL_CREATES_FIRST_COMPLETE_3D_MODEL_OF_GAPING_GILL.html |archive-date=15 November 2010 |date=4 September 2008 |publisher=MDL Laser Systems |access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref>


==History of exploration==
==History of exploration==
⚫
The first recorded attempted descent was by [[John Birkbeck]] in 1842 who reached a ledge approximately {{convert|55|m|ft|0}} down the shaft which bears his name.<ref>{{cite book|last=Marshal|first=Des|first2=Donald |last2=Rust|title=Selected Caves of Britain and Ireland|pages=47|isbn=1-871890-43-8|year=1997}}</ref> The first complete descent was achieved by [[Édouard-Alfred Martel]] in 1895. In 1983 members of the [[Cave Diving Group]] made the underwater connection into [[Ingleborough Cave]].


=== Descents ===
⚫
An extreme rock-climb ([[Climbing grade|graded]] E3, 5c) is possible up the main shaft which requires very dry conditions. It was first pioneered in 1972 with ten points of aid. The first free ascent was made in 1988.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul |last=Eastwood|year=1989|url=http://www.pennine.demon.co.uk/NPC/NEWS/23GG.HTM| title=Gee Gee Rider - first free ascent |work=NPC Newsletter 23, January 1989|accessdate=21 July 2006}}</ref>
⚫
The first recorded attempted descent was by [[John Birkbeck]] in 1842 who reached a ledge approximately {{convert|55|m|ft|0}} down the shaft which bears his name.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Marshal|first1=Des|first2=Donald |last2=Rust|title=Selected Caves of Britain and Ireland|pages=47|isbn=1-871890-43-8|year=1997}}</ref> The first complete descent was achieved by [[Édouard-Alfred Martel]] in 1895.

=== Hensler's Crawl and Master Cave ===
On 16 May 1937<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcra.org.uk/logbooks/index.php?display=Eric%20Hensler/Page%20042.jpg|title=MCRA Logbooks Browser|website=www.mcra.org.uk|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> Eric Hensler (1907–1991) explored a low passage leading off Booth-Parsons crawl, finding it to be unexplored. This was later named Hensler's Crawl and was also found to lead into Hensler's Master Cave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://caving-library.org.uk/audio/playback-61.html|title=British Caving Library|website=caving-library.org.uk|access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref>

=== Since 1937 ===
In 1983 members of the [[Cave Diving Group]] made the underwater connection into [[Ingleborough Cave]].

⚫
An extreme rock-climb ([[Climbing grade|graded]] E3, 5c) is possible up the main shaft which requires very dry conditions. It was first pioneered in 1972 with ten points of aid. The first free ascent was made in 1988.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul |last=Eastwood|year=1989|url=http://www.pennine.demon.co.uk/NPC/NEWS/23GG.HTM| title=Gee Gee Rider – first free ascent |work=NPC Newsletter 23, January 1989|access-date=21 July 2006}}</ref>

⚫
{{Clear|left}}

== See also ==


* [[Caving in the United Kingdom]]
⚫
{{clear|left}}
*[[List of caves in the United Kingdom]]


==References==
==References==
Line 89: Line 69:


==Sources==
==Sources==
*{{cite book | last=Beck |first= Howard M. | authorlink= | title=Gaping Gill: 150 years of exploration | year=1984 | publisher=Robert Hale | location=London | isbn=0-7090-1552-6 | pages=}}
*{{cite book | last=Beck |first= Howard M. | title=Gaping Gill: 150 years of exploration | year=1984 | publisher=Robert Hale | location=London | isbn=0-7090-1552-6 }}
*{{cite book | title=Northern Caves 2 - the Three Peaks| last=Brook| first=D.| publisher=Dalesman Press| isbn=1-85568-033-5|display-authors=etal}}
*{{cite book | title=Northern Caves 2 – the Three Peaks| last=Brook| first=D.| publisher=Dalesman Press| isbn=1-85568-033-5|display-authors=etal}}
*{{cite book | last=Farr |first = Martyn | authorlink= | title=The Darkness Beckons: History and Development of Cave Diving | date= | publisher=Gardners Books | location= | isbn=0-906371-87-2 | pages=}}
*{{cite book | last=Farr |first = Martyn | title=The Darkness Beckons: History and Development of Cave Diving |year = 1991 | publisher=Gardners Books | isbn=0-906371-87-2 }}
*{{cite book | title=Caves and Caving in Britain| last=Mason| first=E. J.| year=1977| publisher=Robert Hale | isbn=0-7091-6195-6}}
*{{cite book | title=Caves and Caving in Britain| last=Mason| first=E. J.| year=1977| publisher=Robert Hale | isbn=0-7091-6195-6}}
*{{cite book | title=Gaping Gill| last=Dixon| first=Kevin| year=2015| publisher=Geospatial3D | isbn=978-0-9933481-0-5}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Gaping Gill}}
{{Commons category|Gaping Gill}}
*[http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ggmap.shtml Googlemap of location of all the entrances into the Gaping Gill system]
*[http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ggmap.shtml Map of all the entrances into the Gaping Gill system]
*[http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ Website that includes details of several caving routes in Gaping Gill and Ingleborough Cave]
*[http://www.braemoor.co.uk/caving/ Website that includes details of several caving routes in Gaping Gill and Ingleborough Cave]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayNKyKNNZxg Extract from the documentary film "Journey into Darkness" hr/ARTE 1995]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayNKyKNNZxg Extract from the documentary film "Journey into Darkness" hr/ARTE 1995]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVGKcizVfNs&t=757 Video of Eric Hensler recounting his discovery of Hensler's Crawl]


[[Category:Limestone caves]]
[[Category:Limestone caves]]
[[Category:Caves of North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Caves of North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Subterranean waterfalls]]
[[Category:Waterfalls of England]]

Latest revision as of 11:13, 10 April 2023

Gaping Gill
Entrance shaft viewed from the Main Chamber
Map showing the location of Gaping Gill
Map showing the location of Gaping Gill
LocationIngleborough, North Yorkshire, England
OS gridSD 75117270[1]
Coordinates54°08′58″N 2°22′57″W / 54.14956°N 2.382489°W / 54.14956; -2.382489
Depth192 metres (630 ft)[2]
Length21 kilometres (13 mi) (including Ingleborough Cave)[2]
GeologyCarboniferous limestone
Entrances21[1]
AccessIngleborough Estate Office
BRAC grade4

Gaping Gill (also known as Gaping Ghyll) is a natural cave in North Yorkshire, England. It is one of the unmistakable landmarks on the southern slopes of Ingleborough – a 98-metre (322 ft) deep pothole with the stream Fell Beck flowing into it.[3] After falling through one of the largest known underground chambers in Britain, the water disappears into the bouldery floor and eventually resurges adjacent to Ingleborough Cave.[1][4]

The shaft was the deepest known in Britain, until Titan in Derbyshire was discovered in 1999.[5] Gaping Gill still retains the records for the highest unbroken waterfall in England and the largest underground chamber naturally open to the surface.

Features

[edit]
A view of the crater around the mouth of Gaping Gill

Due to the number of entrances which connect into the cave, many different routes through and around the system are possible. Other entrances include Jib Tunnel, Disappointment Pot, Stream Passage Pot, Bar Pot, Hensler's Pot, Corky's Pot, Rat Hole, and Flood Entrance Pot.

The Bradford Pothole Club around Whitsun May Bank Holiday,[6] and the Craven Pothole Club around August Bank Holiday,[7] each set up a winch above the shaft to provide a ride to the bottom and back out again for any member of the public who pays a fee.

A detailed 3D model of the chamber has been created using an industrial laser rangefinder which showed that its volume is comparable to the size of York Minster.[8][9]

History of exploration

[edit]

Descents

[edit]

The first recorded attempted descent was by John Birkbeck in 1842 who reached a ledge approximately 55 metres (180 ft) down the shaft which bears his name.[10] The first complete descent was achieved by Édouard-Alfred Martel in 1895.

Hensler's Crawl and Master Cave

[edit]

On 16 May 1937[11] Eric Hensler (1907–1991) explored a low passage leading off Booth-Parsons crawl, finding it to be unexplored. This was later named Hensler's Crawl and was also found to lead into Hensler's Master Cave.[12]

Since 1937

[edit]

In 1983 members of the Cave Diving Group made the underwater connection into Ingleborough Cave.

An extreme rock-climb (graded E3, 5c) is possible up the main shaft which requires very dry conditions. It was first pioneered in 1972 with ten points of aid. The first free ascent was made in 1988.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Gardner, John. "Gaping Gill – A list of entrances". Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b Dixon, Kevin (August–September 2016). "Gaping Gill: The Survey". Descent (251): 22–27.
  3. ^ Cordingley, John (2002). "The True Depth of Gaping Gill". Cave and Karst Science. 29 (3): 136.
  4. ^ "Gaping Gill". Bradford Pothole Club. Retrieved 14 November 2008.
  5. ^ "Battle of Titan's proportions after news of biggest cave". grough. 7 November 2006. Archived from the original on 25 April 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Gaping Gill". Bradford Pothole Club. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Gaping Gill". Craven Pothole Club. Archived from the original on 6 September 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  8. ^ "Laser scanner provides first 3D view of legendary Dales Cavern". Yorkshire Post. 27 August 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  9. ^ "MDL Creates First Complete 3D Model of Gaping Gill". MDL Laser Systems. 4 September 2008. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  10. ^ Marshal, Des; Rust, Donald (1997). Selected Caves of Britain and Ireland. p. 47. ISBN 1-871890-43-8.
  11. ^ "MCRA Logbooks Browser". www.mcra.org.uk. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  12. ^ "British Caving Library". caving-library.org.uk. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  13. ^ Eastwood, Paul (1989). "Gee Gee Rider – first free ascent". NPC Newsletter 23, January 1989. Retrieved 21 July 2006.

Sources

[edit]
  • Beck, Howard M. (1984). Gaping Gill: 150 years of exploration. London: Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7090-1552-6.
  • Brook, D.; et al. Northern Caves 2 – the Three Peaks. Dalesman Press. ISBN 1-85568-033-5.
  • Farr, Martyn (1991). The Darkness Beckons: History and Development of Cave Diving. Gardners Books. ISBN 0-906371-87-2.
  • Mason, E. J. (1977). Caves and Caving in Britain. Robert Hale. ISBN 0-7091-6195-6.
  • Dixon, Kevin (2015). Gaping Gill. Geospatial3D. ISBN 978-0-9933481-0-5.
[edit]
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