Extending our knowledge of Weardale's Fairy Holes.

The North York Moors Caving Club has taken the lead in exploring the Fairy Hole Caves near Stanhope for quite a few years, supported by members of other caving Clubs. The known caves were always considered to be part of a longer network. In the more recent years, the cavers have managed to find almost two additional kilometres of streamway. There have been many challenges in the journey through this fascinating cave system. The local land and property owners have been hugely supportive of the Club in its efforts, and without whom access would have been impossible.

The discoveries are to be revealed at Hidden Earth, to be held in Bristol in September, an important national and international meeting that highlights cave research from all over the world. The event has lectures and workshops on cave science, research, technology, and photography. It is also a huge social event for UK and overseas cavers to meet, exchanges experiences and socialise.

Living Uplands looks forward to sharing what the cavers have found and look forward to discovering if they've learned the full extent of the cave system, or if there is more to discover.

Photo: (c) Lee Smith