Burrowed a few miles north of Coniston in the Lake District lies Hodge Close Quarry; one of several historic and remote slate workings in the Tilberthwaite Valley.
Hailed as ‘Britain’s scariest cave’, this quarry particularly stands out for its spooky skull-shaped cavern which can be seen through the reflection of Hodge Close’s glistening water.
Popular among abseilers, divers and adventurous ramblers alike, Hodge Close Quarry has also started to attract a new demographic of visitors after it was recently used as a filming location for Netlfix’s medieval fantasy hit ‘The Witcher’.
Views from the top of Hodge Close Quarry’s 150 feet rock face are absolutely incredible – although standing on the cliff edge is guaranteed to get those legs quaking!
For those who want to explore further, there’s actually a hidden scramble path only around half a mile from the carpark in the surrounding forestry which can lead you all the way down into the caverns.
No diving or climbing required!
However, finding the correct route down to Hodge Close Quarry can prove quite tricky if you don’t know where you’re going.
The path to the bottom is well-hidden and not signposted at all – we unknowingly walked past the correct trail numerous times before a fellow group of walkers kindly guided us to the right spot!
Likewise, the area is littered with warning signs and hazardous drops, so venturing in the wrong sections could be quite treacherous.
The quarry has already taken the lives of several divers and climbers through the years, so it’s certainly worth coming prepared and knowing which paths to be treading down.
In light of this – and to stop others getting lost like we did – I’ve compiled a comprehensive step-by-step picture guide below to show exactly where you need to be going 👇 👇
Where is Hodge Close Quarry?
Address: Hodge Close, Coniston LA21 8DJ
Hodge Close Quarry is nestled just 3.3 miles north of the quaint village of Coniston in the Lake District.
While it’s only around a 15-minute drive from the village however, the country roads to get there are VERY narrow and winding. With only a handful of designated passing places to make way for oncoming traffic, please take your time and drive carefully.
You’ll know once you reach the carpark since you should see vehicles parked to your left before the path dips down towards Hodge Close Cottage (don’t drive past the carpark to the cottage since you’ll struggle to turn your car back around).
Parking is free but spots are limited so be wise when choosing visiting times!
How To Get To The Bottom Of Hodge Close Quarry – Step By Step Guide
- From the carpark, continue straight down the path. To your right, you can also check out the quarry views from above.
- Keep to the path and pass Hodge Close Cottages.
- Immediately after the cottages, take the trail up the hill to your right, following signs for ‘High Oxen Fell’.
- Begin walking up the hill until you see the rustic outhouse to your left.
- To your right (opposite the outhouse) you’ll see a fenced-off cliff edge with a yellow ‘Danger, Keep Out’ sign.
- Take the trail to the left of the sign and scramble your way down to the very bottom.
- Enjoy the amazing views from inside the cavern!
Hodge Close Quarry – The Witcher Season 2 Filming Location
South Cumbria has recently grown in global fame after several scenes in the second season of Netflix’s hit show ‘The Witcher’ were filmed in the county.
According to Netflix, Hodge Close Quarry was used for shooting a ‘pivotal scene’ in the fantasy drama, while other local filming locations include Rydal Caves and Blea Tarn.
For diehard fans of the series, it’s actually possible to view all three locations in a one-day excursion since they’re all in close proximity to one another!
Interested? Be sure to check out our ‘Guide To Visiting The Witcher Film Location In The Lake District’ post.
How to see the skull at Hodge Close Quarry?
To see the skull, the trick is to look for the reflection of the caves in the body of water, snap a pic and then turn your photo on its side.
The cave is only half of the equation – you need the mirroring nature of the water to complete the terrifying illusion 💀💀
While it is possible to make out the skull from up above, the best views would be from the rim of the quarry, standing opposite the cavern.
Type it into Google and look for yourselves at some of the phenomenal photos people have snapped (admittedly much better than mine!)
More resources
While you’re here…
For even more outdoor inspiration, why not check out our recent post listing some of best caves to visit in the Lake District?
Happy walking 🚶🚶