Scoska Cave and Woods

A large rectangular opening in the cliff, draped in moss and ferns, within an ancient woodland nature reserve. In 1905 members of the Yorkshire Ramblers Club found the skeletal remains of a woman here, estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000 years old and probably one of the Celtic people who inhabited the area up to the end of the Roman occupation. Rare moths and bats overwinter in this cave, and you may notice temperature monitors. In fields below you can see the earthwork remains of an ancient settlement.

Directions: A mile north of Arncliffe on riverside footpath. Pass the green with the brilliant Falcon Inn (BD23 5QE) on the road heading to BD24 9PY and Malham. After 200m, at the tight L bend, park and follow the track straight on. After 500m follow the footpath, bearing R over the fields. The path crosses a beck (often dry) and comes close to the River Skirfare with a ruined barn L. In the second field, with another ruined barn, follow another beck up into the woods, 400m.