The Complete Guide to the Yorkshire Dales — The Best Waterfalls

Surely anyone who knows anything about the Yorkshire Dales knows about Aysgarth Falls. They are the most visited of all in the Dales because of their location close to the A684 Wensleydale arterial road. Aysgarth Falls is a series of cascading falls separated into three forces: High, Middle and Low. High Force is the most vivacious of the group whereas Middle Force has the largest single drop of around 2 metres. Low Force is the most serene. Try this walk →

Aysgill Force is a 40ft waterfall in Duerley Beck which, should conditions be right, offers a spectacular view for walkers who make the short journey south from Wensleydale into Sleddale. The walk is along the beck from Hawes and through Gayle to the waterfall. A return route is found a little higher to the west making for a short circular walk.

Beezley Falls is part of a series of waterfalls close to Ingleton and is part of the very popular 'Ingleton Waterfalls Walk' which comes second only to Aysgarth Falls in terms of visitors. Beezley Falls are a triple spout system and the further upstream of two systems of waterfalls on the River Doe section of the walk. There is an admission charge for doing the walk. Try this walk →

Catrake Force is one of a series of dramatic waterfalls on the River Swale near to the village of Keld. Personally I find this series, which also includes Kisdon Force, more dynamic than Aysgarth Falls. However they are not as accessible, which is good for walkers seeking peace and quiet when seeking out the dramatic views of the waters as they tumble down the young upstream River Swale. This series is particularly dramatic after heavy rain. Try this walk →

Catrigg Force is an absolute gem. The waterfall is hidden from view in a small secluded copse one mile upstream of Stainforth village. The main waterfall (there is a series of smaller ones in the copse further down) has a vertical drop of about 6 metres into a lovely secluded pool. The walk to Catrigg Force from Stainforth village is along a bridleway and is very easy to follow. For a much more interesting walk you could combine the visit with a trip to Victoria Cave. Try this walk →

If Catrigg Force is a hidden gem then Cautley Spout is a wide-open masterpiece. It is without doubt the most dramatic of sights imaginable for any walker approaching the Howgill Fells from the south-east. Dramatic pictures of Cautley Spout and how to get there can be found on my walks pages. Cautley Spout is a long series of waterfalls tumbling for over 200 metres off the Howgill Fells. The spectacle of Cautley Spout is not to be missed and is best viewed on approach. Try this walk →

Clapham Falls are located in the north of the village and fall just after Clapham Lake. They can clearly be seen from the road by walkers leaving Clapham who are bound for Ingleborough via Ingleborough Cave and Trow Gill, but you will have to look over to your right if the weather is set fair, for only in wet conditions can their roar be heard to catch your ear and turn your head. There are lots more opportunities to see smaller falls in the beck further upstream.

I came across Cote Gill Waterfall purely by chance during a walk in the Mastiles Lane, Malham Tarn and Littondale area. It is not marked on any maps and I feel that is a travesty because it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have come across in the Yorkshire Dales. The 4-metre drop waterfall feeds water from the fells into a beautiful turquoise-tinged clear water drop pool. Easily found by path from Arncliffe Cote. Try this walk →

Cotter Force is a lovely secluded waterfall. It is a stepped series of about half a dozen waterfalls with the largest single drop being about 5 feet. The force widens as it descends, being only a couple of feet wide at the top and about 15 feet wide at the bottom. The waterfalls are easily reached via a purpose-designed path from the side of the A684 at Holme Heads Bridge, two miles west of Hawes. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Currack Force is one of the series of waterfalls on the source of the River Swale near Keld where erosion has resulted in rock steps and drop pools. Situated at the terminus of Stonesdale Beck just prior to falling into the Swale, this series of waterfalls is often viewed by Coast to Coast walkers as they emerge off the Pennine watershed into Keld. Access to view Currack Force is very easy as there are paths all around the waterfalls. Try this walk →

I have been to East Gill Waterfall a few times. The first time was during the Coast to Coast Walk in 1994. It left such an impression that I have revisited it on most of the occasions I have walked nearby as there is easy access from a path from the bottom of Keld village. The waterfall is a popular picnic spot for families because of its close proximity to the roadside, thus making the walk not too difficult for children and the elderly. A lovely waterfall it is too. Try this walk →

Force Gill Waterfall has been seen more times than most in the Yorkshire Dales, yet seldom visited. This is because it is close to the Three Peaks Walk between Ribblehead Viaduct and Whernside — a tough uphill section where most people are more concerned with simply getting to the top! That's a shame, for the waterfall with its 6-metre vertical drop is one of the best of all in the Dales. Being close to the path it is easily reached by a short detour. Try this walk →

Unless you have wings or plan the abseil trip you will not see the full glory of the 98-metre cascade into the deep pothole of Gaping Gill. After falling through one of the largest known underground chambers in Britain, the water disappears to emerge near Ingleborough Cave to the south. There are opportunities to see the full extent of the waterfall, but you will need to book and sit in a basket to be winched down into the chasm. Try this walk →

Gordale Scar is a very popular place and you will often find people attempting to clamber up the lower of the two waterfalls in the scar. The area around Gordale and Malham is the most visited area in the entire park, so don't expect to be alone if you visit. The reasons for the scar's popularity are evident as you round the gorge to the scar from Gordale Bridge. It is one of those awesome sights you will never forget — an inspiring place to be. Try this walk →

The largest of all in terms of single drop and reputedly the biggest in England, Hardraw Force is also famous for being the location of Kevin Costner's bathe in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Hardraw Force plunges water from Hardraw Beck over 30 metres over a rocky overhang. Hidden in a copse the waterfall is only accessible via the Green Dragon pub in Hardraw for a small entrance fee. Take note: the waterfall can be a trickle in dry weather. Try this walk →

Hell Gill Force in Mallerstang accommodates water taken from the High Seat range of hills in the north-west of the Yorkshire Dales. The waterfall is actually in Cumbria! The waterfall is often visited by walkers exploring the hills around Wild Boar Fell and can easily be reached by path. As it is also close to the road motorists can easily visit by walking just 250 metres. The waterfall is a single drop fall of approximately 8 metres. Try this walk →

The small waterfall of Janet's Foss is a popular place for families to visit as it is conveniently situated next to the roadside between Malham and Gordale Bridge. In past times the pool below the waterfall was a sheepwash for local hill farmers — a good spot too, on the road to market to get the sheep looking their best! The Foss is a single-drop waterfall of about 4 metres. Oh, Janet was a local fairy who lived in a cave behind the waterfall. Really! Try this walk →

The Kisdon Force series of waterfalls are located 600 metres downstream of Keld village. This is a particularly aggressive part of the river as there are a number of other falls in the vicinity. None of the falls are dramatic drops, but a cascading series popular with canoeists. This is a set of waterfalls of which I have special memories as I met a litter of stoats walking down to them once. They are easily reached on a riverside path from Keld. Try this walk →

Linton Falls are in one of those places that attracts hosts of visitors. The falls are located just south of Grassington in Wharfedale and can easily be walked to from this most popular village by a short stroll down Sebber Lane. There is a footbridge straddling the falls, so viewing their beauty is exceptionally easy. The north bank of the river is always busy with families on a pleasant summer's day as the gentle grassy area makes a splendid picnic spot. Try this walk →

Mill Gill near Askrigg in Wensleydale has a number of waterfalls along its short route between Whitfield Beck and Paddock Beck en route into the River Ure. The force is hidden in woodland 1km west of Askrigg and can be reached by following a road west from the village before crossing a field and then walking in the wood alongside the gill. The force is best visited in a double adventure by also visiting Whitfield Gill Force. Try this walk →

Pecca Falls is one of the waterfall groups on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk. They are a group of three separate drops cascading into their own pools which make a lovely sight. I have often stopped at the falls during a walk to enjoy their company. The woodland around Pecca Falls is preserved by the Woodland Trust and it is a beautiful place. Pity about the fee to get in, but the Waterfalls Walk is a gem not to be missed. Try this walk →

Posforth Gill takes water from Barden Fell to the River Wharfe via the Valley of Desolation. This is a popular walking area for it is the closest part of the Dales to the conurbations of West Yorkshire. I have walked from Bolton Abbey through the valley onto Barden Fell and across to Simon's Seat many times and often stayed by the falls. Incidentally there is another secluded unnamed waterfall further up the valley at SE081569 that deserves a visit. Try this walk →

Scaleber Force is conveniently situated by the roadside (Settle to Airton) so nobody needs to walk more than a few yards to view the waterfall. As with many waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales it is surrounded by a small copse. The drop on the waterfall is around 20 feet. The best option to include the waterfall with a decent walk is from Malham Tarn to Settle via Langscar Gate then Stockdale Lane rather than the usual route past Attermire Scar. Try this walk →

Snow Falls are the last to be viewed of the named series of waterfalls on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk. They are a very pretty series and you do not see them until you have passed them and heard the roar. Walk about 50 metres further and look back — they, as all the series, are an impressive display. Try this walk →

Stainforth Force is a beautiful small waterfall on the River Ribble situated just west of the village of Stainforth. As the waterfall is so close to the village and a caravan park, and also on the Ribble Way, it is a well-visited beauty spot and like many others close to roads and villages it is a favourite spot for family picnics. The waterfall begins as a series of small cascades followed by a final slightly larger one of approximately 4 feet. Try this walk →

The Strid is a deceptive series of waterfalls caused by the dramatic narrowing of the River Wharfe. Placid when dry weather prevails, they soon become a dangerous torrent after rain. In the dry the foolhardy can leap across the river at the narrowest point, but it is not advised as people have perished here, most notably a newly married couple a few years ago. The Strid walk is very popular and walked from the car park at Bolton Abbey. Try this walk →

There are two premier waterfalls in Swinner Gill and a number of small stepped drops. The gill is a splendid place enclosed on both sides by steep banks. The larger waterfall (pictured) is 250 metres from the head of the gill and the other is near the disused Swinner Gill Lead Mines. Coupled with a walk up Gunnerside Gill this makes for a superb half-day walk in Upper Swaledale — it is one of my favourite Swaledale walks. Try this walk →

Thornton Force is in a really beautiful corner of the River Twiss. The drop from the force is about 20 feet and the water cascades down over 330-million-year-old Carboniferous Great Scar limestone onto Ordovician sandstone rock some 170 million years older. Visited as part of the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk it can also be reached without paying a fee via Twisleton Scar and Raven Ray footbridge. Try this walk →

Like many other waterfalls in this list, Uldale Force hides from obvious view in a rocky bowl and has to be sought out. It is the jewel of a series of waterfalls that feature on the juvenile River Rawthey as it races off Baugh Fell to the gentler flows after Rawthey Bridge. Uldale Force usually roars so you will know when you are getting close. The easiest access is on the path from Rawthey Bridge, although diehards can come from off the fell. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia) / Try this walk →

Upstream of Keld the River Swale is still in its infancy at Wain Wath Force. The river is created by the merging of Birkdale Beck and Great Sleddale Beck as they tumble off the Pennine watershed. The force is a series of small stepped drops. They can easily be viewed from the roadside on the Keld to Tan Hill road. They often provide the inspiration for a photograph for Coast to Coast walkers who pass the force on their epic journey. Try this walk →

Embsay Moor in the south-east of the Yorkshire Dales is a wide open expanse, much of it featureless. However it holds some interest for walkers like Rylstone Cross and Cracoe War Memorial. Water bleeds off the fell rather than flows as most is captured by the Barden reservoirs and transported off the moor in underground pipes. Thus the waterfall at Waterfall Gill is a delightful exception and although small it is a lovely spot on a barren moor. Try this walk →

West Burton Falls (also known locally as Cauldron Falls) are easily reached by walking to the north end of the village and standing on the footbridge. The path that leads off from the footbridge into the country takes one closer to the falls, but they are secluded by woods after a while. The falls are often benign and only reach the force shown in the picture after substantial rainfall. There are many walks to enjoy around West Burton. Try this walk →