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25
Sept
First new cave for 25 years to open at Stump Cross Caverns
A spectacular cave never before seen by the public is to be opened up to visitors at Stump Cross Caverns, near Pateley Bridge.
Work will begin in January on a 120-metre extension to the caverns, to create the first new section opened to the public in 25 years.
Oliver Bowerman, whose parents Lisa and Richard bought the caves in 2003, said the project would be carried out in two phases.
He said:
The first phase will give us access to C Chamber, a stunning, large chamber richly decorated with natural formations. It’s approximately nine metres across and three metres high.
Stump Cross Caverns, which lie beneath the fells of Nidderdale and Wharfedale, were discovered by lead miners in 1860 and opened to visitors in the 1920s.
Last year, the caves featured on Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector, when business troubleshooter Alex Polizzi visited the attraction and advised the Bowermans on how better to run their business.
Visitors hoping to see the new cave will have to wait a while. Oliver Bowerman said:
We estimate that phase 1 will take around two years to complete, and the project is only possible thanks to the incredible support of the Craven Pothole Club.
The second phase will link this new section to the cave steps, creating a full circular route for visitors, which will significantly improve the flow and overall visitor experience.
The new section of the cave is currently filled with glacial mud, washed in after the ice ages. Similar mud, excavated during previous cave explorations, led to the discovery of remarkable ice-age remains of wolverine, reindeer, wolf, arctic fox, and bison, so we are hopeful of uncovering more exciting finds.
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