A Guide to Visiting Cathedral Quarry (Caves) Dramatic, beautiful – but under pressure

Need to Know Before You Go

• What is Cathedral Quarry?

  A disused slate quarry, gifted to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter. The site is a legacy of the area’s quarrying past, shaped by humans and now slowly being reclaimed by nature.

  As a disused quarry the site has unprotected sheer drops, deep water and there is a chance of rockfall, so if you choose to visit, please come prepared.

• Where is it?

  Located between Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale, there is no onsite parking and so the quarry is only accessible by foot, and signed from one of the car parks below.

• Can I park nearby?

  There is NO parking near to Cathedral Quarry. But, if you’re prepared for a 2-3km walk (about 30-45 mins), then there are various car parks in the local area. Please note, the car parks can fill up fast so plan ahead and park considerately. That means not blocking roads, junctions, gateways, or passing places and NOT parking on verges. The lanes in the area need to be acccesible for tractors, waste collection lorries and emergency vehicles.

  Note - Sat Nav only give approximate locations so stay alert to avoid missing your destination.

  Tilberthwaite – x2 car parks, either side of the Ghyl. It’s a 2.6km walk to Cathedral

  Postcode: LA21 8DG. Grid reference: NY 306010. W3W: ///ferrying.join.skinning

  National Trust Car Park: 14 spaces, no charge

  LDNPA Car Park: 30 spaces, pay & display using RingGo - RingGo car park ID is 3733

  It’s a 2.6km walk from Tilberthwaite car park along relatively flat surfaced track to Cathedral Quarry.

  LDNPA Hodge Close Car Park - 14 spaces, no charge. It’s a 2km walk to Cathedral Quarry
  Postcode: LA21 8DJ. Grid reference: NY315016. W3W: /// paddlers.hamper.blushes

  This small car park sits opposite the quarry down a narrow lane. The route via Stang End includes both tarmac and rough track.

  Insert downloadable Walk to Cathedral

  Elterwater National Trust Car Park – 40 spaces, members park for free, it’s a 3km walk to Cathedral

  Postcode: LA22 9HU. Grid reference: NY327047. W3W: /// crop.forwarded.positives

  It’s an undulating walk via Dale End and Slaters Bridge, along a rough track. You will only pick up signs for Cathedral on reaching Little Langdale.

  Other Car Parking

  At times, temporary car parks may operate in the Tilberthwaite and Little Langdale area. Always park considerately and avoid blocking roads, junctions, gateways, or passing places.

• Are there facilities?

  There are no facilities either onsite or in any of the car parks. That’s no toilets, no café, and no bins. So plan ahead and take everything—including rubbish—home with you. The nearest facilities are either in Elterwater or Coniston villages.