Cathedral Cave

Cathedral Cave, or Cathedral Quarry, is a chamber found on the site of a disused quarry in Little Langdale. The cave forms part of a network of caverns, interlinked by tunnels. The largest of the caves is Cathedral Cave which towers a staggering 12m in height.

The cave’s impressive nature is further enhanced by a rocky outcrop taking centre stage in the chamber, serving as a pillar in the middle of the structure. Cathedral Cave is well-lit, with two ‘windows’ taking shape in its slate walls, flooding the cavern with natural light. Hence why so many refer to it like a church window. Throughout the 19th Century, the site continued to provided green slate to many homes, with the famous author Beatrix Potter purchasing the site to later gift it to the National Trust who presently oversee the site. The chamber and tunnels are formed from centuries of frilling and explosives to extract the slate. 

The cave is easily accessed via many routes with just a short walk but most routes do require you to walk up and down steep sections with loose paths underfoot.