Pridhamsleigh Cavern

Pridhamsleigh Cavern is a cave on the edge of Ashburton in Devon. It stretches about 1.1 kilometres in length and reaches just over 50 metres deep, including the lower section called Prid II. The cave is known for its muddy passages, which suit beginners in caving. Its many overlapping routes make the cave complex to map. Surveys of the cave are difficult to follow because of the confusing network of passages. The cave holds several notable features. Near the entrance lies Bishops Chamber, a wide space where most routes begin. Further inside is The Lake, an elongated pool over 100 feet deep. In the early 1970s, divers found a window at about 80 feet down leading to a second chamber. This air-filled space, named Gerry’s Chamber after its discoverer, is the largest in Devon. The cave is also home to Niphargus glenniei, a tiny blind shrimp found only in south-west England. Visitors to the cavern find a challenging yet manageable environment. Three separate routes lead from Bishops Chamber to The Lake, so first-time explorers should mark their path carefully. The cave’s complexity can easily cause disorientation without attention. Plymouth Library holds a hand-drawn map of the cave for reference. The surrounding area remains quiet, with Ashburton’s small town nearby offering a contrast to the underground adventure.