Grid Ref: – SD 655827
Barbondale is situated on the Western edge of the Dales and is host to the small village of Barbon which lies three miles from Kirkby Lonsdale and two miles from Casterton.
The village comes to life in May with a two-day hill-climbing event which counts for two rounds of the British Hill Climb Championship. The challenge is a 0.5 mile 1 in 12 average gradient; with several of these events been held throughout the year.
Built in 1862 Barbon Manor is a grade two-listed building built in an Italian and French style dating back to the middle of the 19th Century but it’s what’s under Barbondale that interests most people! The Ease Gill cave system runs beneath Leck Fell, Ireby Fell, and Casterton Fell and is a vast underground cave structure which runs for some 41 miles. It is not only the most complex but the longest in Britain. Unfortunately most of the system is under water and has to be dived.
How about a brisk hill walk. Well Calf Top ‘tops’ out with a high point of 609 metre and offers outstanding views, on a good day to, the Howgills and the Bowland Fells.