Devil's Grinding Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devil's Grinding Mill |
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The Devil's Grinding Mill, sometimes called the Devil's Hole, is a really interesting natural area in England. It's part of a larger cave system known as The Angel's Drainpipe. This place is found along the River Eden, near Kirkby Stephen in Stenkrith Park.
Here, the river has carved out amazing gorges and natural arches. The water rushes through these caves and narrow channels, making a loud, constant roaring sound. It's a dramatic and exciting place to visit!
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What is the Devil's Grinding Mill?
The Devil's Grinding Mill is a section of a partially collapsed cave system. It's famous for its powerful water flow and the unique rock formations it has created. The name "Grinding Mill" likely comes from the way the water churns and grinds against the rocks.
A Unique Rock Formation
Most caves form in a type of rock called limestone. However, the Devil's Grinding Mill is special because it formed in a different kind of rock called brockram. Brockram is a mix of limestone pieces stuck together with sandstone. This makes the geology of this area quite unusual and interesting for scientists.
The Roaring Waters
The constant roar of the water is one of the most striking features of the Devil's Grinding Mill. As the River Eden flows through the narrow gorges and caves, it creates powerful currents and waterfalls. This creates a loud, echoing sound that can be heard from a distance. It's a reminder of the incredible power of nature.
Stories from the Past
People have been visiting and writing about the Devil's Grinding Mill for a long time. In 1828, a travel writer described the area, sharing some local stories and observations. Even back then, the roaring water and the unique features of the place made a big impression.
The Name "Devil's Hole"
One of the most famous parts of this area is called the "Devil's Hole." Local people have told stories about how this name came to be. Some believed the loud sounds from the abyss were made by spirits. Others thought the name came from a person named Deville, who was part of a sad local tale. These stories show how much the place captured people's imaginations.
The Wager Story
The travel writer also shared a fun story about a wager, or a bet, made at the Devil's Grinding Mill. A gentleman bet that he could stretch his hand across a very narrow part of the water. He almost won, but his opponent secretly chipped a piece off the rock during the night! This made the gap wider, and the opponent won the bet. Today, that narrow part is still only about one and a half to two feet wide.
The water from this area eventually flows into the main River Eden. The river here is known for having many trout, which are a type of fish.
