Hidden Earth 2025

The Cleasby Hill Cave System

45 minute Lecture|Chris Curry

Abstract

A major cave system at the top of Arkengarthdale, with dozens of sinks across the hillside all flowing to the Roughton Keld resurgence. It was briefly entered by miners in 1908 and then lost for over a century. Since the 1950s cavers have been digging and pushing dozens of different leads trying to regain access to this fabled streamway. Recently, a flood event opened a previously blocked way on, and a group of cavers from various clubs and backgrounds have been undertaking a significant digging, survey and exploration project.

Chris Curry presents a history of the cave system and an account of the current exploration.