Troller’s Gill: Yorkshire Dales' Haunted Gorge Beckons Hikers

> **Quick Summary**
> - **Troller’s Gill Location:** Narrow 0.5-mile limestone gorge near Appletreewick and Skyreholme in Yorkshire Dales National Park, 4.7 miles southeast of Grassington.
> - **Legends and Features:** Haunted by trolls hurling rocks and the spectral Barghest hound with saucer eyes; includes Hell Hole pothole and abandoned lead/fluorspar mines.
> - **Hiker Appeal:** Dry stream bed most of year with disappearing river; slippery after rain—ideal for folklore enthusiasts and families.
> - **Access Tips:** Half-hour walk from Appletreewick; watch for caves, potholes, and historic sites like Perceval Hall nearby.

Troller’s Gill carves a dramatic path through the Yorkshire Dales, drawing bold hikers to its shadowy depths laced with ancient myths. This foreboding limestone ravine, just a half-hour stroll from Appletreewick, pulses with tales of trolls and a monstrous hound that may have sparked Sherlock Holmes lore.

Nestled in Wharfedale's "Barden Triangle," the gorge stretches 0.5 miles (0.8 km) at grid reference SE068619, coordinates 54°03′11″N 1°53′51″W. Known also as Trollerdale, its name blends "troll" with an old term for "rear end," evoking "troll's arse" from Scandinavian folklore—first recorded in 1812.

## Legends of Trolls and the Barghest in Troller’s Gill

Trolls supposedly lurked in Troller’s Gill, pelting stones at intruders from the cliffs above. Local stories claim these mischievous beings gave the site its eerie name, turning the narrow pass into a gauntlet for passersby.

Even more chilling is the Barghest (or Barguest, Barquest), a spectral black hound with saucer-sized eyes that petrifies victims with a single glare. This ghostly canine haunts the ravine, potentially inspiring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's *The Hound of the Baskervilles*.

The gorge's "Barden Triangle" location amplifies its mystique, with folklore warning of Scandinavian trolls and demonic dogs. Hikers report an palpable atmosphere, especially near the entrance where the tension builds.

## Geological Wonders and Hell Hole Pothole

Troller’s Gill formed through millennia of river erosion on Dinantian Limestones within the Skyreholme anticline. Its upper section likely originated as a vast cavern that collapsed, creating the steep V-shaped chasm.

A standout feature is the **Hell Hole**, a 55-meter-deep pothole with 210 meters of passages, first explored in 1896. This ominous cave anchors the site's underground network, where a stream vanishes—reappearing only after heavy rain.

Most days, the beck runs dry underground, making the rocky bed hikeable. But post-rain, flash floods render it treacherous and slippery—approach with caution.

## Abandoned Mines and Industrial History

Disused mine workings dot the head of Troller’s Gill, remnants of lead and fluorspar extraction. Galena veins fueled operations from around 1700 to 1900, reopening in the 1920s for fluorspar—one of Yorkshire's most productive sites until closing in the early 1980s.

These shafts sit along mineralized faults, with collapsed entrances visible near the gorge. Explorers can spot old workings amid natural potholes, blending geology with ghost stories.

## Hiking Troller’s Gill: Route and Atmosphere

Start from Appletreewick or Skyreholme for a gentle field stroll leading to the gorge's cool shadows. The path follows Skyreholme Beck upstream, where the river mysteriously dives underground at the top—delighting kids and legend seekers.

Pass flower-filled meadows before descending into the ravine. Watch for overhanging rocks (troll territory) and the demon dog's alleged lair. Nearby, Perceval Hall's 24-acre gardens offer elevated ravine views, though barbed fences block direct access—opt for the steep hillside scramble.

Families love the geocaches, disappearing river, and Halloween-ready ghost tales. The full loop suits all ages but demands sturdy shoes for uneven limestone.

### Top Activities in Troller’s Gill
- **Troll-spotting hike:** Navigate the 0.5-mile gorge, dodging imaginary boulders from cliff-dwelling trolls.
- **Hell Hole gaze:** Peer into the 55m-deep pothole without descending—fatal accidents have occurred.
- **Mine exploration:** Inspect abandoned lead/fluorspar entrances and mineral veins safely from trails.
- **Barghest lore hunt:** Recite hound legends while soaking in the eerie silence.
- **River mystery:** Trace Skyreholme Beck's vanishing act at the gorge head.
- **Scenic detour:** Climb to Perceval Hall for panoramic Wharfedale vistas.

## Practical Tips for Your Troller’s Gill Adventure

Reach Troller’s Gill via a half-hour walk from Appletreewick, near Burnsall and 4.7 miles (7.5 km) southeast of Grassington. Park responsibly and follow marked paths to avoid bogs or fences.

Best visited in dry weather—spring or summer for wildflowers, avoiding wet slips. Pack layers for sudden chills in the gorge's depths. Families: Bring torches for cave peeks and stories to fuel imaginations.

Proximity to Simon’s Seat peak adds options for longer treks. Check [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/places/troller_gill/) for updates.

## Key Facts at a Glance

| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Appletreewick/Skyreholme, Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales; 4.7 miles SE of Grassington |
| Length | 0.5 miles (0.8 km); grid SE068619 |
| Main Legends | Trolls hurling rocks; Barghest hound (saucer eyes, turns to stone) |
| Key Features | Hell Hole (55m deep, 210m passages, explored 1896); disappearing Skyreholme Beck |
| Mines | Lead (1700-1900), fluorspar (1920s-early 1980s); Galena veins on faults |
| Hazards | Slippery after rain; potholes, old shafts—watch footing |
| Access | Half-hour walk from Appletreewick; family-friendly with geocaches |

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is Troller’s Gill and where is it located?**  
Troller’s Gill is a 0.5-mile limestone gorge near Appletreewick and Skyreholme in North Yorkshire's Yorkshire Dales, 4.7 miles southeast of Grassington at SE068619. Known as Trollerdale, it's famed for trolls and the Barghest legend.

**What are the legends of Troller’s Gill?**  
Trolls reputedly lived here, rolling stones on hikers; the Barghest, a spectral hound with huge eyes that petrifies victims, haunts the ravine—possibly inspiring *The Hound of the Baskervilles*.

**Is Troller’s Gill safe for hiking with kids?**  
Yes, it's family-friendly with disappearing rivers and stories, but slippery after rain and near potholes like Hell Hole (fatal risks). Stick to paths, visit dry days, and share troll tales for fun.

**What geological features make Troller’s Gill unique?**  
Eroded Dinantian Limestone with a collapsed cavern top; Hell Hole pothole (55m deep); abandoned lead/fluorspar mines on mineral faults, last worked early 1980s.

## Related Travel Guides

[Yorkshire Dales Top Haunted Walks](/yorkshire-dales-haunted-trails-2026)
[Appletreewick Family Adventures](/appletreewick-yorkshire-dales-kids-2026)
[Wharfedale Hidden Gorges](/wharfedale-secret-ravines-2026)

**Disclaimer:** Data sourced from Yorkshire Dales sites and folklore records as of March 2026—verify conditions with [Yorkshire Dales National Park](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk) or [FlightAware](https://[FlightAware](https://flightaware.com).com) for access updates before travel.