In celebration of our LGBTQ+ colleagues and residents, the Marble Arch Caves are delighted to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies to an evening of adventurous cave activities.
Whether you enjoy time to relax and take in the natural world or live for the thrill of adventure and trying something new, we have a programme of activities we are sure you will enjoy.
Event programme
Activity Break
Complimentary food and refreshments from the Marble Arch Café will be provided during the break between activities allowing you time to relax and recharge. This will be the perfect time to mingle and get to know some of the other attendees if you wish.
Guided Cave Tour
Explore this underworld labyrinth as you trace the journey of the Owenbrean River and discover its energy as the waters gurgle and splash venturing deeper into the black abyss. Enlighten your senses as you smell, hear and feel this active living cave around you! This exciting cave tour follows the Yorkshire Ramblers exploratory route of 1935 past hidden tunnels, still pools, delicate formations and stunning reflections.
What to wear for your Guided Cave Tour
Your guided cave tour will take approximately 45 minutes, the tour is along concrete pathways with stepped sections. We recommend you wear flat comfortable footwear and bring a warm fleece or jacket with you. You will explore over 1km of the show cave with your guide, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this unique landscape. You are welcome to take photographs of the show cave and ask your guide any questions.
Earth Yoga
Join us for a unique experience as you get in touch with your inner yogi in a beginner-friendly 45 minutes yoga session in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. Relax body and mind as we connect to nature inside the cave with an inviting and inspiring class welcome to all levels. This multi-sensory experience will take your yoga practice to a place it has never been, surrounded by the sights and sounds of mother earth deep in the heart of the show cave, 50 metres underground.
Our 45 minute Yoga Session will indulge in restorative poses. The yoga space will be lit with lanterns creating a warm and inviting feeling. The Yoga session will be led by Genny Brown. Genny is a Certified Yoga Teacher, Mindfulness Now Teacher and has a Diploma in Yoga Therapy.
What to bring for Earth Yoga
The cave temperature is approximately 9 degrees so please dress for your temperature comfort level – socks, hat and a jumper or similar. We suggest you bring a hand towel (you may experience a few drops of water from the cave ceiling) and a warm drink in a flask with you. A blanket is required for the relaxation element at the end of your yoga session. We shall provide the yoga mat for you.
Adventure Caving
Delve off the beaten track with our experienced and qualified Cave Leader to explore “adventure caving” in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves system. Your group of ten will explore cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour area of the show cave before navigating your way out.
What you need to bring
We shall provide the essentials: Caving helmet, caving light, gloves and caving over suit. All you need to bring is an old set of warm clothes (we suggest you wear layers with no jeans or short sleeved tops) that you don’t mind getting muddy or damp. These will be worn under your caving suit. Wellingtons are also required (we have a small selection to offer), we suggest you wear two sets of warm socks, ensure these are a good fitting. It is advisable to bring a towel and change of clothes to change back in to after your trip. A number of changing facilities options are available, attendees are welcome to use the facility of their choice. You will be given plenty of time to change for this activity.
Fitness/Ability
The Adventure Caving trip is aimed for those wishing to “give caving a go”, so no previous caving experience is required. However, the trip requires walking, stooping and crawling through dry sections of wild cave. You must feel able to undertake approximately 1 hour 50 minutes of moderate physical exertion.
*Reserve List* – if you find the event you’d like to attend is fully booked, please email mac.development@fermanaghomagh.com to be added to the reserve list. Thank you.
