Fume Pot is an opening above Clapham Bottoms, with a few small shafts connected by a short crawl, with a total depth of only 5m. It has been actively excavated over the past few years.
In mid July 2026, a group of volunteers, including many of the original explorers, returned to Fume Pot to construct a permanent entrance to this cave shaft which has produced one of the most significant finds of Mesolithic animal remains on Ingleborough.
A 2.5 metre length of twin wall pipe was fitted to a cemented stonework former around the top of the shaft. This was then back-filled and landscaped with spoil from the dig. This final examination of the spoil produced an unusual find, a humerus bone from a Capercaillie.
The archaeological interest in the cave has now concluded but further cave exploration is anticipated.
The three days of work were eventually completed when rain finally broke the drought in September and provided a water supply to make concrete and mortar.
Thanks are due to a strong and technically experienced team including Fred Rattray, Ged Benn, Tim Sullivan, John Lugger Thorpe, Pete Bann and Andrew Hinde. Photos by Andrew Hinde.
