12 of the loveliest waterfall walks in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a region that’s known for its sunshine and showers, but rather than bemoaning the rain, celebrate the fact that it has created such an abundance of water features. Carving their way through the county’s topography, waterfalls are a magical way to punctuate the dramatic craggy landscape. Their important place in Yorkshire’s heritage is illustrated by the fact that they have even entered the local dialect, with fosses, forces and spouts used to describe the various cascades. 

Whatever corner of Yorkshire you’re visiting, there’s a waterfall ramble you can go on. Exploring waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales offers a wonderful variety of both wild and maintained walks while the waterfall walks in West Yorkshire have a literary flavour with the Brontë sisters and Ted Hughes seeking inspiration there. 

Whatever the weather, pull on your wellies and start exploring our pick of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire. For plenty of lovely places to stay after your waterfall walk, browse our range of Yorkshire cottages to find your perfect base.  

Skip to:

• Aysgarth Falls
• Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
• Hardraw Force
• Janet's Foss
• East Gill Force
• Catrigg Force
• Mallyan Spout
• Falling Foss
• Posforth Gill Force
• Goit Stock Waterfall
• Bronte Waterfall
• Lumb Hole Falls

Aysgarth Falls

There’s something for everyone at this series of waterfalls just outside the quaint town of Leyburn. An easy walk through the well-managed paths in Freeholders Wood will take you to a wonderful look-out spot over Wensleydale and Bolton Castle before arriving at the falls. There are three separate falls, Low Force, Middle Force and High Force, that make up this Yorkshire Dales waterfall walk that build in power as they transform the River Ure. The Visitors’ Centre and neighbouring Coppice Café provide a well-earned treat after your walk around Aysgarth Falls.

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

One of the more curated Yorkshire waterfall walks, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has been open to the public since 1885. This well organised and carefully maintained beauty spot has an admission price of £10 per adult and £5 for under 16s and offers interactive trail guides and children’s activity packs. During the circular Yorkshire Dales walk, there’s a whopping six waterfalls to marvel at from Pecca Falls at the start to the dramatic Baxenghyll Gorge at the end – so you definitely get your money’s worth! One of the best-known waterfalls on the trail is Thornton Force which comes with a dramatic 14-metre drop.

Hardraw Force

For sheer magnificence, Hardraw Force is hard to beat as it’s one of the highest waterfalls in England, with a single drop of nearly 100ft. You can incorporate it into a circular waterfall walk from Hawes, taking in a beautiful packhorse bridge as well as views of Great Shunner Fell. You approach it from the side of The Green Dragon Inn, and there’s a fee of £4 (£2 for children), which is worth paying to see the natural amphitheatre formed by this impressive gorge. Dogs on leads are welcome around this wonderful Yorkshire Dales waterfall.

Janet’s Foss

Who is Janet? And why was this enchanting waterfall near the charming village of Malham named after her? According to folklore, she was the queen of the fairies, and you’ll discover why this spot is so aptly named when you visit it. Gently flowing over a lush carpet of moss, the cascade ends in a crystal-clear pool framed by woodland fronds, creating an other-worldly magic. At just under 5 miles, this Yorkshire Dales waterfall walk around Janet's Foss also takes in ancient woodland, the sheer limestone pavement at Malham Cove and another, more rugged waterfall, Gordale Scar – two for the price of one!

East Gill Force

Rather than a circular route, this walk starts at one station, the highest mainland station in England, Dent, and ends at another, Ribblehead. This invigorating trail is an exercise in contrasts. You’ll climb up Whernside, the tallest of the famous three peaks, for fabulous panoramic views of Ingleborough and the Ribblehead Viaduct, before plunging down to see the impressive East Gill Force waterfall with its 6-metre vertical drop. The walk ends at Ribblehead Station where you can have a well-earned drink before catching the train or bus back to Dent.   

Catrigg Force

Catrigg Force, a real treasure buried deep within dense woodland, was once frequented by composer Edward Elgar when he visited friends in nearby Settle. You can imagine him being inspired by the magnificence of the roaring cascade. The walk also takes in a flight of limestone steps up to a splendid view of Ribblesdale and the Three Peaks. While you’re in the area, you can also take the short walk to Stainforth Force, another equally dramatic waterfall accessible from the same departure point as Catrigg.

Mallyan Spout

Follow the beautiful West Beck waters from Goathland as it descends through the wooded valley towards the Mallyan Spout waterfall. The path is in a prime position to view the tumbling cascade, which, if it’s in full flow, throws up a fine mist, so be sure to wear a raincoat! The 70ft drop ends in a natural pool that is perfect for a dip for wild swimmers or a paddle for youngsters and the young at heart. The return journey of this North Yorkshire waterfall walk takes you back via the original track bed of the Whitby to Pickering railway line.

Falling Foss

It’s not often that you wish for rain on holiday, but if you’re blessed with precipitation, head for Falling Foss afterwards to see the North Yorkshire waterfall at its thundering best. A roughly 40-minute stroll winding through gorgeous North York Moors woodland makes this an ideal excursion for all the family. If you can, time your visit with the seasonal opening times of the Falling Foss Tea Garden, a beautiful al fresco café right by the waterfall. Nearby is the Hermitage – a cave carved from a boulder, where two chair-shaped stones are placed – sit in one to make a wish and the other to make it come true.

Posforth Gill Falls

You may be wondering what you’ve let yourself in for as you enter the Valley of Desolation, but fear not, this stunning stretch of woodland by Bolton Abbey Estate earned its name after a storm caused a landslide in the 1800s. Happily, nature has worked its magic since then and restored it to its former glory. Follow your ears as you ramble through some of Yorkshire’s finest landscape to discover the exhilarating Posforth Gill Falls, which links the river with Barden Moor and the spectacular look-out point of Simon’s Seat.   

Goit Stock Waterfall

More of a hidden gem than a landmark, the Goit Stock Waterfall is the perfect picnic destination after a ramble through Goit Stock Woods, following the path of the Harden Beck. Beck is Northern dialect for a river that runs over a stony bed, and the rippling meander of it is such a soothing sight. On the way, you’ll pass three mills once served by the beck – Hallas Bridge, Harden Bridge and Goit Stock. This West Yorkshire waterfall trail is perfect for children, and also makes a lovely dog walk – why not end your walk at The Malt Pub, which will welcome your furry friend?

Bronte Waterfall

You’ll know you’re on a literary journey during this expedition to the famous novelists’ waterfall when you spot the stone books wedged by the path. Crossing a vivid heather moorland dotted with bilberry bushes, you’ll see Lower Laithe Reservoir – a spectacular view with the rolling hills behind. Bronte Waterfall is a calming trickle by the Bronte Bridge that follows a gentle path down the hill. Make sure to bring a copy of Wuthering Heights to read while you sit on the rock known as Bronte Chair during this popular West Yorkshire waterfall walk. 

Lumb Hole Falls

A series of ledges formed by the craggy Yorkshire landscape creates the lip of this stunning waterfall that descends into a deep crater-like pool below. The 9-mile loop around Lumb Hole Falls takes you through the (sometimes literally) breathtaking Pennine Valley, where Ted Hughes was inspired to write the poem Six Young Men, remembering a family of soldiers lost in World War One, and you can see the plaque commemorating it. 

Map of Yorkshire waterfall walks

Find the best Yorkshire waterfall walks with this helpful map:

Plan your Yorkshire getaway

After a wonderful day exploring Yorkshire’s waterfalls, it’s time to hang up your walking boots and have a well-earned rest. Take a look at these gorgeous properties in North and West Yorkshire to set up base camp. 

You can also make sure your holiday is full of fresh-air-filled, fun-packed days out with this handy guide to the best walks in Yorkshire.