Setting an objective for a walk, especially when it’s seeking out a cave, always makes for a more interesting day out. Here are six we recommend paying a visit to
The Chartist Cave (pictured)
Once used to hide weaponry during the Chartist rebellion in the 19th century South Wales coalfield. It is entered via a narrow, eye-shaped slit on top of Mynydd Llangynidr. At the back of the first chamber, a tiny crack gives access to an extensive network of tunnels.
Priest’s Hole, Dove Crag
Perhaps Lakeland’s best known howff these days, but still a challenge to get to, with a treacherous traverse on steep ground required. Much care needs to be taken to access this.
Robin Hood’s Cave, Stanage Edge
Six metres up the gritstone crag of Stanage Edge and reached by a short scramble, this is the quintessential rock climber’s doss.
Gryp’s Chamber, Craig Maskeldie
Tucked away in Glen Lee in Angus, local legend has it that a notorious reiver lived in this cave and preyed on travellers passing over to Deeside.
Millican Dalton’s Cave, Castle Crag
The self-styled “Professor of Adventure” lived in this quarried cave in Borrowdale for over 20 years between the wars, making a living from guiding parties on “hair’s breadth escapes”.
RELEVANT: Discover the story of Millican Dalton
Shelter Stone, Cairngorms
Famous enough to have given its name to the huge crag that towers above it, this massive lump of granite has space to sleep several folk in the dry hollow underneath.
Succoth Caves
The result of a post-glacial slump, this complex of boulders has several chambers that have been used as howffs for centuries. Read Alastair Borthwick for some of the history.
As always with wild camping, please leave no trace of your visit and consider taking any litter you find with you as well.
