Long Churn Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long Churn |
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Dr. Bannisters Hand Basin
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| Location | Ingleton |
| Discovery | 1870 |
Long Churn Cave is a famous cave in the Yorkshire Dales in England. It's located near a place called Ingleborough. This cave is a super popular spot for people who are just starting out in caving. It's known for a tight squeeze called the "Cheesepress." The cave was first explored way back in 1870. You can find it about 9 miles north of Ingleton, North Yorkshire. To visit, you usually need permission from the landowner at Selside Farm.
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How Long Churn Cave Formed
Long Churn Cave was created over millions of years. It formed in limestone rock. Slightly acidic rainwater slowly wore away the rock. Think of it like a very slow-motion carving process!
The cave has two main parts: "Lower Long Churn" and "Upper Long Churn." Both parts have active streams flowing through them. The cave is also connected to other nearby cave systems like Alum Pot and Diccan Pot.
Exploring the Cave's Passages
When you enter Upper Long Churn, you go down a 4-meter waterfall. This leads into a pool of water called "Dr Bannister's Handbasin." From there, you follow a single long passage.
Lower Long Churn leads to an exit into Diccan Pot. Then you reach the famous "Cheesepress." This is a very narrow squeeze that cavers talk about a lot! But don't worry, if it's too tight, there's usually a way to go around it.
Further along, there used to be wooden aids to help cavers over a pool called "Plank Pool." These are not there anymore. The end of Lower Long Churn opens up to a "window" into Alum Pot. Alum Pot is a much more difficult cave to explore.
The History of Long Churn Cave
The first person to explore Long Churn Cave was W. Boyd-Dawkins in 1870. Over the years, it became well-known.
A famous outdoor writer named Alfred Wainwright once wrote about the dangers of caves. He said it's important to stay on the right path. This is especially true in places like Alum Pot, which can be very tricky.
Caving Safely in Long Churn
Long Churn Cave is often used to teach new cavers. It's a great place to learn the ropes! However, it's very important to be careful. When there's a lot of rain, the water levels inside the cave can rise quickly. This can make caving dangerous.
Always go caving with experienced people. Make sure you have the right gear and know the conditions. This way, you can have a safe and fun adventure exploring Long Churn Cave!
