Giant's Hole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Giant's Hole |
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| Location | Castleton, Derbyshire |
| OS grid | SK1194282685 |
| Depth | over 120 metres (390 ft) |
| Length | over 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) |
| Access | No prior permission required but a £3 per caver fee is charged, payable at booth in the parking area |
| Cave survey | Giant's Hole Survey |
Giant's Hole is a well-known cave located near Castleton in Derbyshire, England. It's famous for its large passages and the stream that flows through it. This cave is part of a special type of landscape called karst, where water has dissolved rocks like limestone over a long time, creating caves and sinkholes.
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Exploring Giant's Hole Cave
Giant's Hole is a popular spot for caving, especially for beginners and groups. The cave has a main stream that flows right into its entrance. You can follow this stream through the cave. It goes past three "sumps," which are parts of the cave passage completely filled with water. The stream eventually reaches the East Canal, which is the very end of Giant's Hole.
Inside the Cave Passages
The cave has many different paths and sections. Besides the main stream passage, there are several smaller passages that join the main route. There's also a higher-up section called a "fossil series." This means it's an older passage that the stream used to flow through, but it's now dry. This fossil series offers a different way to explore the cave and is part of a popular "round trip" route for cavers.
Connecting to Other Caves
Giant's Hole is connected to a larger system of caves and old mines. This includes Oxlow Cavern and Maskhill Mine to the south. Exploring the connection to Oxlow Cavern is a very challenging journey. It requires a lot of skill and preparation. Cavers need to be very careful and well-prepared before attempting this difficult route.
Accessing Giant's Hole
You don't need special permission to visit Giant's Hole. However, there is a small fee of £3 per caver. This fee is paid at a booth near the parking area by Peakshill Farm. The cave is located within the Castleton SSSI. This means the area is protected because of its special natural features.
Safety When Caving
Caving can be an exciting adventure, but safety is always the most important thing. The Derbyshire Cave Rescue Organisation helps cavers who get into trouble. Since 2002, they have responded to 11 calls for help at Giant's Hole. This shows how important it is to be careful and prepared when exploring caves. Always go with experienced cavers and make sure you have the right equipment.
