Dan yr Ogof

Dan yr Ogof is a cave system in south Wales, part of the National Showcaves Centre. It lies in the Brecon Beacons National Park, about eight kilometres north of Ystradgynlais. The show cave section is the only part open to visitors. Beyond it stretches a 17-kilometre network kept as a nature reserve for cavers. The site also includes other caves and attractions. The cave has a long history of exploration and discovery. In 1912 two local brothers, Edwin and Jeff Morgan, entered with candles and a revolver, crossing lakes by coracle. Decades later, in 1963, Eileen Davies became the first to pass the Long Crawl. Martyn Farr later explored further and wrote about the system’s future growth. Bones of 42 humans and many animals have been found in nearby chambers. In 2005 it was voted Britain’s greatest natural wonder in a Radio Times poll. Visitors walk through lit sections of the cave, seeing large chambers and underground lakes. Guides point out features like the coracle crossing points and the Long Crawl entrance. The surroundings include the Brecon Beacons’ hills and valleys. The cave has also appeared in Doctor Who as a filming location. Nearby caves such as Pwll Dwfn and Ogof Ffynnon Ddu offer further exploration for cavers.