Langcliffe, near Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9NF
Victoria Cave
Cave
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
Half day
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3Above Settle, Victoria Cave opens into a limestone hillside where excavations uncovered animal bones dating back as far as 130,000 years.
Victoria Cave combines a striking limestone setting with a deep-time story: archaeological finds here included remains of hippos, elephants and hyenas. The cave is part of a rewarding hill walk, rather than an easy roadside stop.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapLangcliffe, near Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9NF
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit on foot as part of a hill walk from Settle. The supplied OS Maps route links Victoria Cave with Warrendale Knotts and Jubilee Cave, with a steep climb and uneven ground along the way.
Things to do
Visit Victoria Cave
Walk uphill to the cave entrance and explore the limestone setting from a safe, permitted position. The route guide describes uneven terrain.
Allow time for the approach and return; check a current map for your chosen start.
Climb Warrendale Knotts
The route guide describes a short, steep ascent to the summit trig pillar, with 360-degree views over the surrounding Dales and towards Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough.
Continue to Jubilee Cave
Jubilee Cave is described as a second, smaller cave a short distance beyond Victoria Cave on the circular route.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours; route time depends on pace and chosen approach.
Cave and hillside out-and-back
- 01
Start from Settle and follow a suitable mapped route towards Victoria Cave.
- 02
Climb the hillside to the cave, taking care on the steep and uneven ground.
- 03
Pause at the cave entrance and take in the surrounding limestone landscape.
- 04
Return by your chosen route; check the map and access conditions before setting out.
Half day · 3–4 hours
Caves and views above Settle
- 01
Begin in Settle and follow the described circular route towards Warrendale Knotts.
- 02
Make the short, steep climb to the summit trig pillar for views across the Dales.
- 03
Continue to Victoria Cave, then on to Jubilee Cave.
- 04
Descend towards Settle along the Pennine Bridleway, following the route guide and a current map.
Verified history
Archaeologists found animal bones at Victoria Cave dating back as far as 130,000 years, including remains of hippos, elephants and hyenas. The route guide also reports that brown bears used the cave to hibernate after the last Ice Age.
Hidden details
The cave’s deep-time animal remains — The route guide highlights remains of hippos, elephants and hyenas among the finds associated with Victoria Cave—a surprising Ice Age connection to this Yorkshire hillside.
When to go
· A clear, settled day is preferable for the hill views; check the forecast before leaving.
The available sources describe a hill route with a steep climb and uneven terrain but do not establish a particular season as best.
Check the forecast and ground conditions before walking. The route includes a steep ascent and uneven terrain.
The route
- ascent
- 424 m
- surface
- Hills and open countryside; uneven terrain is reported
- distance
- 7.6 km (4.7 miles)
- duration
- 3–4 hours
- difficulty
- Easy to moderate; one steep climb and some uneven terrain
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Settle town centre
- parking start
- The route guide lists Greenfoot car park, Settle, BD24 9RW. Its quoted charge may be out of date; check before visiting.
- shorter alternative
- A shorter walk to Victoria Cave is described by the Yorkshire.com listing as a short uphill walk, but it does not provide a verified distance or duration.
- Warrendale Knotts summit trig pillar and reported 360-degree Dales views
- Victoria Cave and its archaeological finds
- Jubilee Cave
- Descent towards Settle along the Pennine Bridleway
Worth pairing with
Warrendale Knotts
A summit trig pillar on the described circular walk, with reported 360-degree views over the surrounding Dales.
Jubilee Cave
A smaller cave described as a short continuation from Victoria Cave on the circular route.
Settle
The OS Maps route starts and finishes in Settle; Greenfoot car park is listed as a start option.
What to look for
Look for the cave opening in the limestone hillside and imagine the very different animals represented by the excavated remains, including hippos, elephants and hyenas. Do not enter beyond what is safe or permitted.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for a more comfortable hill walk; check conditions before visiting in poor weather.
Choose a clear, settled day for better views from the surrounding hills. Check the forecast and route conditions before starting.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The cave is reached on foot by an uphill route over uneven terrain. The supplied sources describe a steep climb and uneven ground. Confirm current access and conditions before setting out; this is not described as wheelchair accessible. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
The OS Maps route guide lists Greenfoot car park in Settle as a start option and gives a price that may change. Check current parking arrangements before travel.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The approach includes a steep climb and uneven terrain. The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Victoria Cave
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
