Highlight • Structure
Hiking
5.0
(25)
Lacy's Caves are a unique series of five man-made chambers carved into the striking red sandstone cliffs along the River Eden in Cumbria, England. Located just north of Little Salkeld, near Nunnery, and a few miles east of Penrith, these fascinating caves sit at an elevation of approximately 91 meters above sea level. Commissioned in the 18th century by the eccentric Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy of nearby Salkeld Hall, they are recognized as a Regionally Important Geological Site and a historical…
Tips
October 26, 2022
Hiking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Lacy's Caves
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
20.0km
05:22
230m
230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(22)
178
hikers
9.09km
02:28
130m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
hikers
5.62km
01:29
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 90 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 2 April
12°C
4°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Lacy's Caves were commissioned in the 18th century by Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Lacy of Salkeld Hall. While the exact reason remains a mystery, they were primarily used for entertaining guests and possibly for wine storage. The area was originally adorned with ornamental gardens, making them a classic example of an 18th-century 'romantic folly' designed to create an atmospheric setting.
The walk to Lacy's Caves is generally considered moderate. The paths are public footpaths, sometimes following a former tramway line, and are usually well-maintained. However, the terrain can be muddy and treacherous, especially after rain, with narrow and precipitous areas and drops overlooking the River Eden. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is highly recommended.
Lacy's Caves can be a fascinating visit for families. However, caution is advised due to the terrain, which includes narrow paths and drops overlooking the river. Younger children should be closely supervised. The walk itself is a pleasant adventure through woodlands, and exploring the caves can be an exciting experience for older children.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome at Lacy's Caves and on the surrounding public footpaths. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near the river and any livestock, and always clean up after your pet to preserve the natural environment for all visitors.
The most common starting point for walks to Lacy's Caves is the village of Little Salkeld. Parking is often available here, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons or on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot.
While there isn't direct public transport to the caves themselves, you can reach nearby villages like Little Salkeld or Langwathby via local bus services or the Settle-Carlisle railway line (Langwathby station). From these points, you would then need to walk to the caves, which can add significant distance to your journey.
No, permits are not required to visit Lacy's Caves. They are accessible via public footpaths, and there is no entry fee.
Unfortunately, Lacy's Caves are not accessible for wheelchair users or prams. The paths leading to the caves are uneven, can be muddy, and include narrow sections with drops overlooking the river, making them unsuitable for wheels.
Lacy's Caves are carved into striking red sandstone cliffs and are recognized as a Regionally Important Geological Site. Inside the caves, you can observe a blend of textures and colors, with hard quartz veins crisscrossing layers of softer sandstone. These features are a result of centuries of natural erosion and weathering, offering a unique glimpse into the area's geology.
The amount of time needed depends on your starting point and how much you wish to explore. If starting from Little Salkeld, a circular walk including the caves might take 2-3 hours. This allows ample time to walk to the caves, explore the chambers, and enjoy the riverside scenery. If you combine it with other nearby attractions like Long Meg and Her Daughters, plan for a longer outing.
The nearest amenities, including cafes and pubs, can be found in the nearby villages of Little Salkeld and Langwathby. It's a good idea to check their opening times in advance, especially if you plan to visit outside of peak tourist season.
While the River Eden flows past Lacy's Caves, wild swimming is generally not recommended directly at the caves. The river here can be fast-flowing and has strong currents, posing significant safety risks. If you are interested in wild swimming, it's best to research designated and safer spots further along the river or in other local areas.