Craven Pothole Club’s Gaping Gill Winch Meet 2026

Your ticket is for a return trip on the CPC winch and includes access through the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail. Show your booking confirmation at the trail hut.
Your booking confirmation and QR code will be emailed to you. Bring it electronically or printed so it can be scanned at the booking-in tent.
Your ticket is for a specific one-hour slot. Your descent may take place at any time during that hour.
Arrive at Gaping Gill 30 minutes before your booked time slot.

Booking in and descent

Report to the white tent next to the winch with your booking confirmation and QR code.
You will be given a numbered wristband and further instructions.
All descents are individual: one person per chair.
Children must be at least 7 years old, able to follow instructions, and able to sit still for at least 90 seconds while descending and ascending solo.
The maximum weight limit is 127 kg / 20 stone.
Once in the Main Chamber, you may stay as long as you wish. When ready to return, join the queue in the middle of the chamber.

Gaping Gill can only be reached on foot from Clapham village via the Estate Nature Trail and Ingleborough Show Cave.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the walk, depending on fitness.
The route beyond the show cave is more challenging and is unsuitable for people with mobility issues, pushchairs, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters.
Visitors must be able to climb steps to access the gantry and chair.
Late arrivals may miss their slot. The CPC Day Leader may try to rearrange your descent if capacity allows, but this is not guaranteed and may involve a long wait. If no availability remains, no refund will be given.

Weather at Gaping Gill can differ from Clapham village and can change quickly. Heavy rain may temporarily pause winching.
Underground temperatures are around 8–10°C and can feel colder due to wind and spray.
You must wear or bring warm, waterproof clothing, including suitable footwear. Hats and gloves are recommended, especially for children.
Anyone wearing unsuitable clothing may be refused a descent. No refund will be given.
If the winch must close, notice will be posted on the CPC Facebook page, a sign will be displayed at Ingleborough Cave, and affected bookings will be emailed.
Ingleborough Show Cave is a separate attraction and is not responsible for winch closure decisions.

Public toilets are available at the public car park in Clapham and Portaloos are available outside the show cave.
Basic toilet and hand-washing facilities are provided at Gaping Gill.
Safety helmets are provided.
Subdued lighting is provided in parts of the Main Chamber and guides carry lights, but you may bring a torch or headlamp.
Bring a packed lunch, as refreshments are not available at Gaping Gill. Refreshments may be available in Clapham or at Ingleborough Show Cave during opening hours.
Cameras are welcome, but protect equipment from spray in the Main Chamber.

The best starting point is Clapham village, off the A65 between Settle and Ingleton.
Cars can be left in the National Park car park in the centre of the village.
From the car park, follow the lane beside the stream through the village to the Nature Trail.
Clapham railway station is a short walk from the village, with services from Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Carnforth, and Lancaster. Local buses link Clapham with Skipton, Settle, Ingleton, and Lancaster.
Camping at Gaping Gill is only permitted for Craven Pothole Club members. Other visitors should use campsites, bunkhouses, or B&Bs in and around Clapham.