Austwick Beck Head

The walk to Austwick Beck Head is what makes this worth your time - not the cave entrance itself, which is honestly a bit underwhelming when you get there. You're basically looking at where a small stream disappears underground into the limestone, which sounds more dramatic than it actually is. That said, the approach through the Yorkshire Dales near Settle is proper lovely, and if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Ribblesdale Pods or The Dalesbridge are closest at just a couple of miles away - it's an easy half-day outing that'll stretch the legs without destroying them.

The cave's appeal lies mainly in the geology and the excuse to get out into the landscape rather than any underground spectacle. You won't be scrambling through passages or exploring chambers - it's more of a spot to understand how the Dales work, with water carving its way through the rock. Kids might find it interesting for five minutes, then get restless. Serious walkers and geology types will get more from it, particularly if you combine it with other walks in the area.

Best approached on a dry day when the beck isn't in spate and you can actually see where the water vanishes. Allow an hour return trip from the nearest parking, maybe a bit more if you're coming from Philpin Farm or Orcaber Farm further out. It's free to visit - there's no visitor centre or facilities, just access to the landscape itself. Not a destination on its own, but a perfectly decent add-on to a Dales camping trip.