Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Quarry is a small network of inter-linked quarries above Little Langdale. The system is best known for its main chamber, which stands forty feet in height, and is lit by two windows off the main quarry. They are frequently referred to as Cathedral “Cave”.

The site is a legacy of the area’s quarrying past and was given to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter, who purchased the site in 1929. Beatrix, a well known conservationist, helped to ensure that this and many other sites in the area were preserved for the nation. The National Trust now manages the site.

What you need to know before visiting

The popularity of Cathedral Cave, attracting large numbers of visitors, has put pressure on this sensitive landscape so consideration and forward planning is essential. Please ensure you follow these few simple guidelines before visiting.

As a disused quarry the site has unprotected sheer drops, deep water and there is a chance of rockfall, so if you choose to visit, please come prepared.
 

Where is Cathedral Cave?

Cathedral Cave is located between Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale. There is no onsite parking, so the quarry is only accessible by foot, signposted from nearby car parks which are approximately 2-3km walk (about 30-45 mins) away by foot.
Please note:

• The car parks can fill up quickly, so plan ahead and please park considerately, taking care not to block roads, junctions, gateways, or passing places and not parking on verges.
• The lanes in the area need to be acccesible for tractors, waste collection lorries and emergency vehicles.
• Sat Navs only give approximate locations, so please stay alert to avoid missing your destination.
   

Car Park information:

• Tilberthwaite –  2 car parks, either side of the Ghyl. It’s a 2.6km walk to Cathedral Quarry.
  Postcode: LA21 8DG. Grid reference: NY 306010. what3words:///ferrying.join.skinning
• National Trust Car Park: 14 spaces, no charge.
• Lake District National Park Car Park: 30 spaces, pay & display using RingGo - RingGo car park ID is 37331
  It’s a 2.6km walk from the Tilberthwaite car parks along relatively flat surfaced track to Cathedral Quarry.
• Hodge Close Car Park (Private car park) - 14 spaces, no charge. It’s a 2km walk to Cathedral Quarry
  Postcode: LA21 8DJ. Grid reference: NY315016. what3words:///paddlers.hamper.blushes
  This small car park sits opposite the quarry down a narrow lane. The route via Stang End includes both tarmac and rough track.
• Elterwater National Trust Car Park – 40 spaces, members park for free, it’s a 3km walk to Cathedral.
  Postcode: LA22 9HU. Grid reference: NY327047. what3words///nest.frosted.blotchy
  It’s an undulating walk via Dale End and Slaters Bridge, along a rough track. You will only pick up signs for Cathedral on reaching Little Langdale.

Other Car Parking

At times, temporary car parks may operate in the Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale area. Please always park considerately and avoid blocking roads, junctions, gateways, or passing places.
 

When you get there

Having read the sign at the entrance, and accepting its conditions, you then enter a tunnel. For this first tunnel you will probably not need lighting. At the end of the tunnel you will enter a forty foot high chamber that is known as “The Cathedral”.

The larger of the two openings opens onto the second level of a pit quarry. The smaller opens out into a narrow, cutting like quarry, which eventually leads back to the entrance where you started.

There are various tunnels to explore, which will require lighting, as one is about 400 feet long.

Are there any facilities
 

No, there are no facilities either onsite or in any of the car parks - no toilets, no café, and no bins. So please plan ahead and take everything, including rubbish, home with you. The nearest facilities are in the nearby villages of Elterwater and Coniston.
 

Stay Safe when visiting

• Please plan your visit carefully and consider the lack of facilities and the amount of walking your group will need to do. Bring a torch and refreshments.
• Wear sturdy boots with grippy soles - paths can be steep and slippery.
• Mobile phone coverage in the area is unreliable, download the route in advance and take a map or a screen shot of this information.
   

Looking after the environment and community

Consideration when visiting sites such as cathedral cave is vital. Please follow the rules below to ensure a safe, responsible and enjoyable visit:

• Take your litter home, as there are no rubbish bins along the walk.
• Fires and BBQ’s can be devastating to wildlife so please don’t be tempted to light one.
• Park responsibly. Don’t block access for the emergency services or local people.
• Keep to the main path and follow any onsite signage.
• Follow the Countryside Code. Protect, Respect, Enjoy.
   

Visiting with your dog

• The area is surrounded by farmland so please keep your dogs on a lead at all times and especially near wildlife or livestock.
• Pick up after your dog and take this home.
• Familiarise yourself with the National Trust canine code to ensure a safe and happy walk.

Grid Ref : NY 314029

Photos by Terry Staniforth/Visit Cumbria.