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A hiker and their dog hiking in the mountains of the Lake District

As the name indicates, the Lake District is better known for its lakes than its waterfalls. However, there are a wealth of spectacular waterfalls all over Cumbria, that are great to visit at any time of year.

From Ritson’s Force to Rydal Falls, we have narrowed this list down to just 9 of our favourite waterfalls in the Lake District.


1. Aira Force, Glenridding


Aira Force is a beautiful waterfall located just off the banks of Ullswater. Park at the National Trust car park and follow the Gowbarrow Trail through the forest, passing Aira Force to reach the summit of Gowbarrow.

This famous waterfall has been a popular attraction for over 300 years, and has even been written about by the likes of William Wordsworth in his poem Airey-Force Valley. Aira Force has also been classed as one of the most romantic places in the Lake District, making it the ideal place to visit whilst on holiday with your loved one.

Nearest car park post code: CA11 0JY

For more information on the walking route, please take a look at the National Trust Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail.


2. Skelwith Force, Skelwith Bridge


Skelwith Force is one of the Lake District’s smaller waterfalls, however it is also one of the most easiest to reach. It is located less than a 10 minute’s drive from Ambleside and lies just a quarter of a mile’s walk from the nearest car park.

It is possible to complete a circular route taking in Elterwater and Colwith Force.

Nearest car park post code: LA22 9NJ


3. Stanley Ghyll Force, Eskdale

 

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Stanley Ghyll Force drops 60 feet into a narrow gorge, surrounded by rhododendrons perched on rocky ledges. Park at Dalesgarth Station car park, or take a train on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway.

Take in the waterfall on the 4 mile route taking in Boot, Eskdale and Stanley Force.

Nearest car park post code: CA19 1TG

Care must be taken as it can be slippery at times.


4. Ritson’s Force, Wasdale Head


Ritson’s Force is situated in the Mosedale Valley, and can be reached through the back of the beer garden at the Wasdale Head Inn. It consists of a collection of small waterfalls and lies near the popular mountains of Scafell Pike and Sca Fell.

Nearest car park post code: CA20 1EX


5. Scale Force, Buttermere

 

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Scale Force is a waterfall situated close to Buttermere village, lying part way up Scale Fell, near the banks of Crummock Water. It is regarded as one of the tallest waterfalls in the Lake District, dropping over 170 feet.

Park at one of Buttermere village’s car parks (get there early as they can be busy in peak season) and follow the route along Crummock Water and Scale Beck to Scale Force.

Nearest car park post code: CA13 9XA


6. Rydal Falls, Rydal

 

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Rydal Falls is situated just off the A591 between Ambleside and Grasmere. It is a ten minute walk from Rydal Mount, once home to the poet William Wordsworth.

Nearest car park post code: LA22 9LW


7. Moss Force, Buttermere

 

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Moss Force can be found in Newlands Pass, above Buttermere village. Access to Moss Force is fairly easy as the waterfall is roughly 220 yards from the road between Keswick and Buttermere.

The falls are an impressive sight after rain as torrents of water plunge 100 meters below.

Nearest car park post code: CA13 9XA


8. Colwith Force, Elterwater

 

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Colwith Force is an attractive waterfall situated near Elterwater, a short distance from the village of Skelwith Bridge.

Park at the bottom of the hill, a short half a mile walk from the force, or enjoy the circular route from Elterwater.

Nearest car park post code: LA22 9NU


9. Sourmilk Gill, Seathwaite

 

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Sourmilk Ghyll is located just a short distance from Grasmere in the centre of the Lakes. Its slightly odd name is derived from its churning, white waters. The waters of Easedale Tarn, a glacial corrie in the upper valley of Easedale, run down Sourmilk Ghyll.

There are a number of car parks in Grasmere, but if you are following the route around Easedale Tarn to Sourmilk Ghyll, it is best to use Broadgate Meadow car park.

Nearest car park post code: LA22 9TA


Photographs courtesy of: claire rowland (CC BY 2.0); Steve Bayley (CC BY 2.0).


Feeling inspire to explore this beautiful landscape? Take a look at this amazing selection of Lake District cottages.