Limestone is formed in shallow, warm seas from the calcium of small creatures' skeletons. Quite what it's doing up here, 150m above the sea, being Arnside Knott is an interesting thought to ponder. Limestone has joints and bedding planes through which water runs and dissolves the rock, forming cavities. Some of these become larger.
In a previous life, I worked and lived in Arnside for an outdoor training & development centre. The Knott provided plenty of fun and adventure and one activity was visiting a small cave hidden in the woods. Here's a chance to have your own mini-adventure while finding this cache. Rather than reveal the co-ordinates on the page, this is a simple off-set cache - find a vial with the cave's co-ordinates, rehide well, then find the cache. It used to be a fine Ammo-box donated by FMH - but someone has nicked it! Now it's a nice L&L small box. Don't squish too much with rocks, but hide well.
The cave has two levels. The top level is the entrance and various holes in the floor lead down into a lower passage. The cache is in the lower one. If you're pretty small and thin, you could descend the first hole. I would struggle! The second hole is bigger and I'd recommend this one! You will need a good torch. The rock is usually a tad damp and your outer clothes will get a little dirty (not muddy). Use a helmet or take care of your head - move slowly and check what's above you.
If you go down the third hole you can go further into the cave - take care! Over many years, some keen folk have been emptying the next chamber of rubble, looking for extensions to the system. It's now quite a drop with a plank crossing the chasm. On the other side of the plank is a short extension into another small chamber which ends the cave. I have no knowledge of the state or safety of the plank.
The upper level ends shortly after the fourth hole - don't fall down the fourth hole!
Like every cache - you assume all responsibility for yourself when seeking it. There are real risks associated with this cache. Take care, and let someone know where you're going in case you don't return!
Stage 1: Head south out of the car park, through the small gate. A small pathlet leads off to the right in the direction of the first small vial which is hiding under a small juniper. The co-ords are on it - copy them. Nice views.
Stage 2: A short walk from the first will get you to the cave, follow the paths. Have fun and enjoy exploring this subterranean world. With appropriate supervision it would be suitable for children.
The cache is hidden with permission from the landowner.
