Caving for Beginners: Your Guide to Caving in the Peak District

Caving (or potholing, as many people call it) is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Peak District, and you don't need any experience to try it. Beneath the limestone of the White Peak lie hundreds of caves and old lead mines: winding passages, crawls, chambers, underground streams and some spectacular formations.

This guide covers what caving is really like, where beginners go in the Peak District, what to wear, and how to stay safe.

What is caving like?

A beginner's caving trip is a mix of walking, stooping, scrambling and the odd crawl through passages that have been carved out by water over thousands of years. Some sections are big enough to stand up in; others mean squeezing along on your hands and knees. It's dark, quiet and surprisingly calm, and most people are amazed at how quickly they feel at home underground.

There are two main types of caving:

• Horizontal caving: exploring passages on foot, scrambling over boulders and through low sections. This is where everyone starts.
• Vertical caving: using ropes, ladders and abseils to go down shafts and potholes. It's the next step once you've caught the bug.

You don't need to be super fit. A reasonable level of fitness to keep you going for a day is plenty, and an instructor will choose a trip that suits the group.

Is caving safe?

With a qualified instructor, caving is a safe and hugely rewarding activity. The main hazards underground are water levels after heavy rain, getting lost, and slips and bumps, which is why we choose venues to suit the weather, carry emergency kit and a first aid kit, and keep groups small (a maximum of 8 people per instructor on our beginner days).

If you're thinking of going on your own, don't. Start with an instructed trip or join a caving club, where experienced cavers will show you the ropes.

Best caves for beginners in the Peak District

The Peak District has caves for every level. Here are some favourites for a first trip underground.

Carlswark Cavern, Stoney Middleton

The largest system in the cave-rich dale of Stoney Middleton and a classic for beginners. It has maze-like passages roofed with fossils, stalactites and stalagmites, traces of the area's lead mining history, and optional crawls and squeezes for anyone wanting more of a challenge.

Giants Hole, near Castleton

A stream cave under Rushup Edge with walking-sized passages and impressive chambers in its upper section, so it's ideal for a first taste. Further in, the cave gets much more serious, which makes it a great place to come back to as your skills grow.

Show caves

If you'd like to see what's underground before trying caving yourself, the show caves around Castleton (Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern) offer guided tours on lit paths. They're a great day out, but they're very different from real caving, where you explore by headtorch in an oversuit.

For more of our favourite trips, read 3 Epic Caving Adventures in the Peak District.

What do I need to wear caving?

On an instructed trip, all the specialist kit is provided. On our courses that's an oversuit, wellies, a helmet, knee pads and a headtorch. Underneath, wear:

• synthetic layers such as a base layer and fleece (not cotton, which stays cold and heavy when wet)
• thick, warm socks (bring a spare pair)
• a buff or thin hat that fits under a helmet

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, snacks and a drink. It's a steady 8 to 12°C underground all year round, so caving is a great year-round activity. Our full caving kit guide has more detail.

How old do you need to be to go caving?

Our scheduled caving courses are open to anyone aged 13 and over. Under-16s need a parent or guardian to complete a participation form. For families and groups with younger children, a private session may be possible, so just ask.

How do I start caving in the Peak District?

The easiest way is a guided beginner day. Our Beginner Caving Day (Horizontal) runs from 9:30am to 4:30pm from The Adventure Hub in Bamford, with all the kit provided. The cave we visit depends on the weather and the group, and is usually about a 15-minute drive away. Some caves charge a small access fee of up to a few pounds, payable on the day.

Once you're hooked, our Adventure Caving Day (Vertical) introduces abseils and ladders, and both courses also run as weekends.