Giant's Hole

Giant’s Hole is a cave near Castleton in Derbyshire. It lies in an area of Karst landscape where limestone shapes the ground. Most of the cave consists of large tunnels formed by an underground stream. A complex network links it to Oxlow Cavern and Maskhill Mine to the south. The Entrance Series is the easiest part to enter, so beginners and groups often start there. The cave is worth visiting for its stream-way features and classic routes. The underground stream can be followed past three sumps to the East Canal, the cave’s farthest point. Divers have reached twenty-four metres down East Canal in dry spells, though water usually fills it higher. A high-level fossil series offers an alternative path and forms part of the popular ‘round trip’. Connections to Oxlow Cavern are challenging and should only be attempted by experienced cavers. Inside, visitors find wide passages and a flowing stream at the entrance. The Entrance Series leads further in, where sumps and side tunnels appear. East Canal stretches ahead as the main route before the terminal sump blocks further progress. Above, the fossil series winds through older cave passages. The surroundings belong to the Castleton Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the cave’s features remain protected.