Yordas Cave

Historical Environment Record No:
MYD36637
Parish:
Thornton in Lonsdale
OS Grid Reference:
SD707791
Dale:
Ribblesdale
Related to:

Timeline

Themes

Description

During the 19th century, a visit to Yordas Cave was a must for the curious tourist. Early guide books extolled the natural wonders of the limestone cave including a rock formation described by Harry Speight as follows: “…the dead, old genius of the cave – grim Yordas in his coat of mail, with mighty frozen arm and clenched fist, raised in seeming defiance of anyone who dared to dispute his sovereignty of these priceless, gem-studded halls”. The huge main hall rose to a height of nearly 25 metres and was likened to a cathedral. The Chapter House was a smaller cave leading off the main hall. It was decorated with numerous delicate stalactites and at one end a “musical cascade” falling 9 metres and then sinking into the earth, never to be seen again. The caves are no longer publicly accessible.

Source:

Speight, Harry (1892) The Craven and North West Yorkshire Highlands. London: Elliot Stock

Yordas Cave MYD36637 (c) YDNPA 2023

Yordas Cave MYD36637 (c) YDNPA 2023

Location

From Thornton in Lonsdale, take road signed to 'Dent' beside church. Cave lies on left hand side road after 3 1/2 miles, obscured by trees. No public access. View from field gate.

Public Transport Details

Nearest town/village: Ingleton. Call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 to plan your journey. After the welcome message key in 885 for North Yorkshire information.

Accessibility

Viewable from roadside.