Cowskull Pot

The entrance to Cowskull Pot is easy to miss if you're not paying attention - just a dark maw in the limestone hillside near Settle, with sheep wandering past as if it's the most ordinary thing in the world. It's a proper caving spot, the kind that rewards a bit of scrambling and doesn't require technical gear or a guide, though you'll want a decent torch and sturdy boots. The passage opens out into chambers with water features and the kind of geology that makes you understand why Yorkshire's Dales are so famous among cavers. You're looking at maybe 45 minutes to an hour inside, depending on how far you fancy pushing into the system.

Walkers staying at Ribblesdale Pods or Philpin Farm will find this a solid half-day excursion. It's not for the claustrophobic or those with young children who panic in confined spaces - some sections require low crawling - but teenagers and adults with a sense of adventure will genuinely enjoy it. The real appeal is how accessible it is compared to the serious caving elsewhere in the region. You won't need to book in advance or pay an entry fee, which is refreshing.

Timing matters. Visit after dry weather and avoid days when the area gets hammered with tourists. Early morning or late afternoon is your best bet. Settle itself is a pleasant market town for supplies and a pint afterwards, and you're well-positioned to explore Ingleborough and the wider Dales network if you're staying for a few days. Not glamorous, but genuinely interesting.