Yorkshire Dales Guides - Settle

Captain S.

This year I'd planned to go caving with the National Trust at Gaping Gill who hold an annual event at there. The deal is you're winched in, you're winched out, essentially you learn what if feels like to be a worm on a hook. Due to C-19 the event was cancelled this year and last which seemingly at the time looked like bad news for me. I decided to reach out to the National Trust and see if there were any alternative services they could recommend. I heard back the next day and was pointed in the direction of Yorkshire Dale Guides.
I reached out and left a message and heard back promptly from Steph, Co-Owner, Caver, Cave-Rescuer, Scientist, Amateur Botanist and over-all genial phone personality. We spoke, unrushed, at length about caving, it's Steph's passion and running Yorkshire Dale Guides is a labour of love. She arranged to have Mike, co-owner, affable dude with a CV equal to Steph's (an arm-long). Both Mike and Steph were VERY accommodating with scheduling, training, and caving dates as we were passing through Yorkshire on a week-long trip.
We were thoroughly trained and guided through every procedure patiently, with zero pressure or expectations other than being safe and enjoying ourselves by both Mike and Steph. 2 hours flew by seamlessly with a lot of laughs and confidence gained. At the end  of our training we'd gained a new skillset and given options based on our abilities but we left it to the pros to decide just exactly how the tour would go down (pardon the pun). Steph and Mike said they'd have a plan for us the next morning when they returned to pick us up but before they left they kitted us out. We got everything we would need to stay warm, dry(ish) and safe for our journey fitted to suit us. All items were also cleaned on site and before use FYI.
The next day Steph and Mike arrived early and we set off. We arrived to site before anyone so there was zero wait times for us, what pros! They took us personally through pretty much every type of cave network there was to offer right down to the bottom of the cave network. Wet, cramped, dry, spacious, fossilized, waterfalls and pools plus giant caverns and fissure, you name it (and they did)! Mike and Steph aren't just knowledgeable guides, they are experts and also part of the Yorkshire cave rescue program (fortunately for us those skills weren't put to use on this day). We were given all the information from types of caves to how they were formed and what to expect around each corner with of course some awe inspiring surprises along the way. One such surprise is to learn that Steph has a pretty tremendous singing voice that resonates in the chambers as remarkably as the views due. We met and were introduced to other guides along the way too who all knew Mike and Steph well and their groups, who if I do say so myself, seemed a tad bit envious of our crew and odyssey.
My colleague who came with me was blown away and cannot wait to return, to be fair neither can I. He was concerned that his family might not be up to the physicality or perils of our adventure but they assured him there were plenty of options for caving in the area for experts all the way to novice, not all of it is claustrophobic and really does lend itself to amateurs. I would encourage you to reach out to Yorkshire Dale Guides with any questions you might have for yourself and your group's needs you will not be disappointed they really do go above and beyond all expectations.

Richard M.

We did the Explore Caving and absolutely loved it.

Mike was a friendly and knowledgeable guide - we felt very safe in his reassuring presence.

We had 90 minutes underground and it really is an incredible experience crawling though underground streams, climbing waterfalls etc.

Mike always had a few options in case people felt uncomfortable with any of the climbing and crawling but, with his patient guidance we did much more than we initially expected.

We would thoroughly recommend the experience

sue L.

If you’ve ever had the urge to try out wild camping but have none of the gear and no idea then this is most definitely the experience for you !

Steph & Mike at YDG offered an overnight walking and wild camping experience in a remote area of the northern Lake District.

We were sent an extensive kit checklist in advance and on the day YDG did a thorough audit of our rucksack contents to ensure we fully understood what was essential and what we didn’t need. We were very grateful to ditch a lot of unnecessary extra weight !

YDG provided us with top notch lightweight tent and cooking equipment and explained what we should look for in kit at different price points when we are ready to buy our own .

Steph and Mike covered detailed map reading , navigation with compass and mountain safety all pitched at just the right level based on our existing knowledge and lots of chance to practice whilst on the walk .

They explained weather forecasts and route planning to give us confidence to make our own decisions going forward .

The circular trip was a total of 10 miles with 700 metres of ascent , 3 tarns and terrific long distance views . We are now total converts to using walking poles which are essential when carrying a heavy rucksack on rocky uneven terrain .

YDG taught us the essentials of catering for an overnight trip and even provided surprise giant marshmallows as a treat after a long exhausting day . Much appreciated !

Totally professional, hugely knowledgeable and very caring guides and they gave an experience which will last us for many moons to come .

Until next time !

Willum G.

We had an absolutely amazing time doing “Explore Caving” today. It was everything we hoped for: fun, educational and with some challenges to undertake if we wanted to. We’ll be back for “Adventure Caving” next time! 🙌🏻

Francis Y.

Superb trip today down Bull Pot of the Witches today. 2/3 of us were complete beginners but it was an amazing experience. We were made to feel completely safe which let us enjoy the caves properly. Steph and Mike were great and their enthusiasm really shone through by keeping the whole 3+ hour trip interesting!

JH

We organised a Yorkshire Three Peaks charity fundraiser for 50 people and the team at the Yorkshire Dales Guides were just brilliant. In the lead up to the event, they promptly answered emails, helped with admin queries and on the day, the Guides were thorough, engaging and professional. The participants were made up of people with varying levels of fitness and the Guides made everyone feel motivated. The support vehicles were a welcome sight between each peak with plenty of refreshments and words of encouragement. You’re in very safe hand with the Yorkshire Dales Guides, their expertise is second to none.

Brody

My daughter, knowing I used to cave booked us into an underground adventure with YDG and what fun! Within an hour of being with them this was no longer a 'paid for' but a day out with new-found friends.
Since then, I have been underground with them many times and also have been trained by them in single rope techniques.
I would heartily recommend this firm for more than just fun.

Shaun N.

Jacob G. (.

I had a great time with Yorkshire Dale Guides. We caved and then absailed down to a ledge in Alum Pot. Great experience and was an enjoyable time. My instructor Sean was great and reassured you whilst making jokes so you enjoyed even the scary parts.