Best Waterfalls in the Lake District

The Itinerary Gal

A free list of waterfalls in the Lake District to add to your list when planning a visit.

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Lake District National Park

@theitinerarygal

The Lake District, also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, is a mountainous region and national park in North West England. It is primarily famous for its mountain, lake, and coastal scenery, and for its literary associations with William Wordsworth and other Lake Poets, Beatrix Potter, and John Ruskin.

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When planning your trip to the Lake District be sure to add these waterfalls to your itinerary.

Ritson's Force

@theitinerarygal

is a series of waterfalls hidden amongst the Mosedale Valley, in the wildest part of the Lake District. As Scafell Pike and Great Gable tower over Ritson’s Force, visitors will have plenty of opportunity to observe more than just the waterfalls! The water here is crystal clear and the falls tumble powerfully. The best photo opportunity is at the lower part of the falls. Be careful, this involved clambering over fallen boulders and wading in shallow water!

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Scale Force Waterfall

@theitinerarygal

Renowned as the highest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force towers over 170 feet. The fact that very few people know about this major Lake District spectacle makes a visit worthwhile! Scale Force offers two waterfalls in one. The upper fall features an impressive narrow plume, while the lower falls are wider and more picturesque.

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Lodore Falls

@theitinerarygal

If you’re looking for a waterfall trek in the Northern Lakes, this one is just as impressive as the better-known Aira Force. This spectacular series of waterfalls tumbles 100ft over huge boulders. There are superb, unrestricted photo opportunities, especially following heavy rainfall. Be sure to capture Watendlath Beck as it cascades over the rocks, with crystal clear water pooling in-between.

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Dob Gill Car Park

@theitinerarygal

Another option for waterfall hikers in the north Lakes is Dob Gill Waterfall. This Lake District waterfall takes its name from the stream that flows freely from Harrop Tarn before cascading down a wide rocky ravine, giving rise to a series of waterfalls and plunge pools. Where is Dob Gill Waterfall? Dog Gill Waterfall can be found tucked away within a secluded woodland area in the heart of the Lake District National Park. This enchanting waterfall tumbles from Harrop Tarn into the lesser-known Thirlmere Reservoir, just west of Helvellyn. Despite their secluded location, the falls are easily accessible. Ee sure not to forget your camera! What could be better than capturing nature’s force in places few people have visited before? Dob Gill Waterfall Park in Steel End Car Park, just outside Wythburn off the A591, passing the eastern shore of Thirlmere. From here, follow the signposted walk to Harrop Tarn through steep woodland. The secret falls are hidden about a mile into the trail. You’ll catch a glimpse of the falls through the trees as you ascend, adding to the excitement! The walk is not too challenging, and little ones are sure to enjoy the sights just as much as keen photographers! To extend your walk, head out of the woodland and onto the fells to reach Blea Tarn, located a mile and a half away.

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Tom Gill

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The Tom Gill Waterfalls can be found hidden away amongst the wooded landscape of Coniston, not far from the southern end of Tarn Hows. An alternative route to the tarns renowned circular trail will lead you to discover the stunning Tom Gill waterfalls. Getting to the Tom Gill Waterfalls The journey to Tom Gill Waterfalls begins at Glen Mary Bridge car park, off the A593. From here, follow the signposted route along the tumbling Tom Gill stream. Approximately 15 minutes in, you’ll reach the first in a series of waterfalls. A second flurry of more impressive falls sit a little further along. This route promptly brings you out at Tarn Hows. Here you can join the circular walk and soak in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding tarns.

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Rydal Hall Ltd

@theitinerarygal

Rydal Grot is a magical little spot and one of the easiest to get to on this list. The pretty waterfall cascades into an emerald pool and it’s hard to believe such a lovely spot is both free to visit, and a mere five minute easy stroll. What makes it unique is the little stone hut that sits in front of the falls. You can sit in the window seat, which feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a children’s storybook.

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Taylor Gill Force

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There are a couple of ways to reach the falls and we chose the quickest route, which takes you through some spectacular scenery. The path is almost entirely flat, but can be quite rocky and boggy in parts, especially after heavy rainfall. There's a very short, easy scramble to reach the viewpoint, which is a lovely, secluded spot to take in the falls.

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Sour Milk Gill

@theitinerarygal

Sour Milk Ghyll might be small, but it’s perfectly formed, and the setting is simply stunning. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells. The pool has a beautiful peridot colour water, which was very striking in the late afternoon sunshine. It’s also the warmest swimming spot I’ve been to in the Lakes so far!

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Aira Force Waterfall

@theitinerarygal

Another reason for its popularity is that it can be reached via such an easy well maintained trail. If you don’t want to walk up the steps beside the waterfall, it’s almost entirely flat. The woodland is also a great place to try and spot red squirrels, although we sadly didn’t get lucky!

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Skelwith Force

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Skelwith Force might not be the biggest waterfall in the Lake District, but it’s both beautiful and powerful. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, it’s mesmerising to watch.

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Eskdale

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Normally we would pick out just one waterfall from the track, but honestly that’s a very tough job when you see the sensational spots on offer here. Although no one waterfall is huge, each is utterly spectacular.

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Cockermouth

Warnscale Beck

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This is another waterfall which has created a series of smaller cascades and a range of different swimming holes. One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. It’s undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. However, the infinity pool is the lowest pool, if you venture a little higher up the cliff side then you’ll find a series of other swimming holes.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Itinerary Gal

Hi I'm Emma from the UK and I have been fortunate enough to have been traveling since my 20s in the UK and abroad. I started the Destination bible because I wanted to turn my passion of travelling into a business so I became an Independent travel advisor. I also have a love for fitness and the outdoors. I have spent so much time planning my adventures that I wanted to take the stress and hassle out of planning the perfect escape for others. I offer 1:1 calls and custom itineraries for all tastes and budgets. I also accept requests for package holidays/cheap flight deals/ UK staycations/ Spa and theatre breaks/ cruises and Disneyland packages and I will source the best deals and tell you where to book them. Don't worry if you have a fur baby, I often take my ginger Pomeranian Todd on my adventure's too so I can recommend some great dog friendly places. I regularly check all the best package deals from the UK so reach out if you want some recommendations on where is cheap and trending right now, as we all love a great deal right? I hope my guides will inspire you to get out more and explore the world 🌎no matter what your budget or location. I have created guides on my personal experiences and on places that I know you will enjoy exploring. Hopefully as much as I have. I only recommend places to stay based on personal experience. Looking for some inspiration? Feel free to check out my socials or browse my travel shop💗

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