On
the map above it appears that Dow Cave and Providence Pot are connected
by a simple straight line, the Dowbergill Passage. In reality it is a
vertical maze where finding the right levels to traverse at is an
exasperating problem. This 70 ft. (21m) high passage is too narrow for
much of it's length to enable walking thus making it nessesary for
cavers to jam themselves across the width of the passage at various
levels. It is one of the classic caving trips in the Yorkshire Dales
and also the scene of many rescues with the Upper Wharfedale Fell
Rescue Association who are charged with cave rescues in this part of
the Dales being called out several times to help cavers who have become
lost.
While Providence Pot is a rat hole, Dow Cave consists af
mainly walking height passages and is popular with novices. Hobson's
Choice in Dow Cave is a dangerous boulder choke and is best avoided.