Today’s adventure took us to Ingleborough Cave and Nature Trail, a hidden gem bursting
with natural beauty, history, and a real sense of peace. From start to finish, it was the kind of
day that reminds you how grounding it feels to be surrounded by nature.
Our journey began at The Old Saw Mill Café, the perfect spot to start the day. The smell of
home-cooked food and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and I couldn’t resist a quick bite
before setting off. It’s the sort of place that instantly makes you feel welcome — cosy,
friendly, and full of character.
Setting out on the trail, the first stop was the lake, and honestly, it was breathtaking. The still
water reflected the surrounding trees and hills like a painting. It’s the kind of place you could
sit beside for hours, just watching the ripples and listening to the quiet hum of nature.
Further along, we stumbled upon a money tree, where generations of visitors have hammered
coins into the bark for luck. What amazed me most was that despite all those years of coins
being pressed into it, the tree is still alive and thriving — a little symbol of endurance tucked
away in the woods.
As we walked, we learned about Reginald Farrer, who once owned the Ingleborough Estate.
He had a lifelong passion for rhododendrons — calling them the kings of mountain flora —
and travelled across the Himalayas, Burma, and Western China collecting and studying them.
There’s still a rhododendron garden here, and I can just imagine how stunning it must look in
summer when everything is in full bloom.
The 1.5-mile trail meanders alongside the river, which was flowing fast and lively that day. We
even came across a hydro pump, cleverly sending water up the mountainside to the sheep
grazing above — a neat mix of nature and engineering.
Eventually, we arrived at the cave entrance, where a small shop sells drinks and souvenirs.
After strapping on our hard hats and listening to a quick safety briefing, we stepped into the
cool, dark heart of the cave. What greeted us inside was magical — cascading waterfalls,
crystal-clear pools, and dramatic stalagmites and stalactites shaped over thousands of years.
Some sections were low, so there was a bit of crouching and careful stepping, but that just
added to the sense of adventure.
Reaching the end of the cave felt like stepping into another world. We paused to take it all in
before making our way back the same way we’d come, emerging once again into daylight —
and heading straight for a well-earned cup of tea.
As we retraced our steps along the trail, everything felt a little quieter, a little slower. It was
the perfect chance to soak in the views one last time. And, of course, no perfect day ends
without a treat — so we finished back at the café with a slice of cake and a hot chocolate, the
ideal way to round off our visit.
If you’re ever in the area, Ingleborough Cave and Nature Trail is a must. It’s peaceful,
beautifully kept, and full of hidden surprises — the perfect mix of nature, history, and a touch
of adventure.
