Kirkhead Cave

A prehistoric limestone cave which have yielded the oldest human remains in the North of England. The cave was excavated in and amongst middens of elk bones and lynx remains was found a femur belonging to an individual who lived 10,000 years ago. A time just after the retreat of the glaciers. It is likely this was a cave burial similar to those seen in Goughs cave in Somerset. This cave is a real hidden treasure and is in a small hollow in the woods, amongst the wild garlic it is like you've entered an ancient primordial world slowly being encroached by new housing and holiday parks. Be careful this one is for bold adventurers, the land is owned by the Cavendish family of the Holker Estate who are fiercely protective of this land, best to ask permission. It can be accessed through a farm gate down a cul De saq. Walk through the first field and go through a gate in the dry stone wall. Follow the field boundary right till you enter the woodland, eventually you'll find a muddy descent to a makeshift swing, you will see a broken style, go over it, after a few paces descend to your left. You will have to search for it here.