There are numerous caves along the foot of the Undercliff rockface. Some are small and inaccessible. Others much bigger.
Two noteable undercliff caves are Elephant Hole and Spicer Cave, both natural crevices in the sandstone rock. The are a number of thoughts as to how they came about. One says they were created by landslip resulting in a gap in the rock. Another says they were used for smuggling. And another says they were created to look for a natural spring. Certainly they both have the look of man adapting the rock, particularly Spider Cave.
Whatever their purpose, they are both interesting to explore, although they are tucked away in the trees and undergrowth of the Undercliff, so will take some patience to find. But that's part of the fun.
AS WITH MUCH OF THE UNDERCLIFF LANDSCAPE, CARE MUST BE TAKEN AS LANDSLIPS AND ROCKFALLS ARE NO UNCOMMON. ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING BEFORE VENTURING OUT.
TAKE A TORCH
Elephant Hole
Of the two main caves, this is the one nearer to St Lawrence. Start in Undercliff Drive, on the Niton side of 2014's landslips. At the dead-end signs, just before the 'St Lawrence' village sign, where the road narrows and becomes access-only for the houses trapped between the two slips, there is a paved turning area on your left for cars. Head into the woodland at this point.
Just over to your left you need to search for a low stone wall which you need to clamber over so you are on its western side. Use this as your marker for finding your way back to the road afterwards, as all trees begin to look the same!
With your back to the sea, head towards the cliff. Keep your eyes peeled. You are looking for a large black hole in the undergrowth, which is the entrance to the cave. You can walk from one end to the other as there's an entrance both ends. It's long and thin, and you will need a torch as it gets very dark in the middle.
Although this is not Spider Cave, a great many spiders reside here. See if you can spot the skull and crossbones carved into the rock! It's just inside the eastern entrance of the cave, on the left 'wall'. Don't be tempted to carve your own. Leave the caves for the preserve of others.
Spider Cave
This one is nearer to Niton, about a 2 minute walk west of Elephant Hole. You might spot a set of 3 metal tanks and plumbing. Not sure what they are - but perhaps once used to obtain water from the spring (just my theory). The cave has often suffered rock falls so involves some clambering to get through it. There are some old acrows holding old wooden beams which once supported the 'roof'.
Again, use a torch as it's very dark.
Other Caves
All along the base of the cliff are a number of caves. Just follow the trodden footpath, and keep your eyes peeled for dark holes behind the trailing ivy.
