You’d be hard pressed to find a more magical place than the Lakes.
Home to a vast, diverse and incredibly awe-inspiring landscape, each time we visit there’s always something fresh to explore!
Likewise, one thing that’s always struck me with the national park is the sheer number of picturesque waterfalls dotted throughout its countryside.
In typical northern fashion – the Lake District experiences more than its fair share of rainfall – meaning you’re only ever a short distance from one of the hundreds of waterfalls just waiting to be discovered.
I don’t know about you, but I find something so therapeutic about waterfalls, watching and listening to the water cascading from above before dramatically crashing into the pool below.
However, with so many waterfalls on offer in the national park, you may be wondering which are the cream of the crop?
(Pun warning – Speaking of cream of the crop, the Lakes is actually home to a waterfall titled ‘Sour Milk’ 🥛🥛)
Having visited a chunk of these spots ourselves over the years and speaking to various other Lake District enthusiasts in the know, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of waterfalls you really need to discover for yourself on your next trip to the national park.
Lake District waterfalls map
The BEST Lake District waterfalls
Aira Force
Location: Matterdale, Penrith CA11 0JY
Grid Reference: NY 401209
Starting with perhaps the most famous waterfall in all of the Lakes, since the 18th Century Aira Force has stood tall as one of the national park’s tourist hotspots.
Originally a rugged Victorian pleasure park with the main force crashing 70 feet from below an idyllic stone footbridge, this breath-takingly beautiful site even inspired William Wordsworth in writing his famous poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’.
Rated as one of the most romantic spots in the Lakes, surrounding the falls you’ll also be treated to the picturesque Glencoyne Deer Park and iconic lakeshore of Ullswater. Safe to say bringing your significant other here is bound to get you in the good books!
Skelwith Force
Location: Skelwith Bridge, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA22 9NJ
Grid Reference: NY 341034
Despite being one of the easiest waterfalls to reach, Skelwith largely remains a hidden gem of the Lake District.
Ideal for ramblers wanting to avoid the crowds, Skelwith may be one of the smallest falls on our list at just 16 feet, but it’s certainly one of the most tranquil.
Plus, for those who wish to see more of the gorgeous neighbouring area, the ramble to Skelwith Force can easily be combined with the popular trail from Skelwith to Elter Water.
Stanley Ghyll Force
Location: Eskdale, Holmrook CA19 1TF
Grid Reference: SD 174995
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An impressive 60-foot high waterfall nestled within a deep and dramatic gorge, Stanley Gyhll Force has been labelled on the official Lake District Gov site as ‘one of the finest waterfall ravines’ in the National Park.
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Stanley Gyhll is home to mosses, lichen and various other rare plantlife, with the waterfall and surrounding woodlands forming the principal habitat for all these plants in the whole of southwest Lakeland.
For those with a head for heights, why not step onto the viewing station? Providing visitors with an unrivalled vantage point for admiring Eskdale Valley, we promise its well worth it.
Ritsons Force
Location: Seascale CA20 1EX
Grid Reference: NY 185093
Nestled in the remote Mosedale Valley, Ritsons Force consists of a series of waterfalls on the river which leads past the Wasdale Head and Great Gable Brewing Company.
Fun fact – The waterfall is supposedly named after Will Ritson, landlord of the Wasdale Inn back in the 19th Century!
Providing visitors with plenty of photographic opportunity, Ritsons Force is one of the more unique falls on our list since it consists of various smaller falls connecting to one large and striking fall at the bottom.
Ritsons Force is also situated closely to both Sca Fell and Scafell Pike; the two largest peaks in England which are well worth a climb in their own right.
Scale Force
Location: 0RU, Cockermouth
Grid Reference: NY 150171
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Coming in at a whopping height of 170 feet, Scale Force is officially the largest waterfall in the Lakes.
Consisting of three falls in total (the two smaller falls are around 20 feet high), Scale Force is located near Buttermere; tucked away in a gorge on the northern side of Red Pike.
The imposing size of the waterfall is quite a sight to behold and has left a lasting impression on many who’ve visited here over the years – including celebrated English poet Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L.E.L.).
In one of her poems she writes;
“It sweeps, as sweeps an army Adown the mountain side, With the voice of many thunders, Like the battle’s sounding tide”.
Moss Force
Location: Cockermouth CA13 9XA
Grid Reference: NY 192173
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Sticking in Buttermere, Moss Force is another nearby waterfall found on the crest between Newlands Valley and Buttermere Valley.
Visited by droves of both tourists and locals each year due to its easy accessibility, Moss Force waterfall is only around a 200 metre walk from the roadside making it a popular pit stop for Lake District tour buses.
The waterfall is also part of Alfred Wainwright’s famous ‘Wainwright Memorial Walk’, a legendary 102-mile fell route through the very best countryside in the Lake District. Not for the feint of heart!
Rydal Falls
Location: Rydal, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grid Reference: NY 365068
Nestled between the idyllic towns of Grasmere and Ambleside, Rydal Falls is located near Rydal Mount; the famous home of William Wordsworth who lived here for the final 37 years of his life.
Offering striking views of the falls and rugged surrounding landscape, close to the Falls you can also check out Rydal Water and Rydal Caves; an old slate mine quarry which was recently used as a filming location for Netflix’s fantasy hit ‘The Witcher’.
Sour Milk Gill Falls
Location: Seathwaite, Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5XJ
Grid Reference: NY 235122
Tucked away just outside of Grasmere, it’s said the white curdling waters (pictured above) caused by the tumbling water is how Sour Milk Gill Falls derived its name.
With the water crashing down from the tarn above, in dry conditions you may see people attempting to boulder hop up the rock face. Also a popular wild swimming spot, the tranquillity on offer also makes it a superb picnic location – so best bring some sandwiches along for the ramble!
Rutter Force
Location: Great Ormside, Cumbria, England, CA16 6ES
Grid Reference: NY 683159
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One of the trickier falls to find on our list, but undoubtedly one of the most impressive.
Situated near to Appleby-in-Westmorland in the breath-taking Eden Valley, next to the waterfall proudly stands an old mill; once used long ago to grind corn but now renovated as a holiday home.
With the best views of Rutter Force being from a narrow footbridge over Hoff beck, the horseshoe shaped waterfall surrounded by the tranquil woodlands truly creates a sight to behold.
Lodore Falls
Location: Grange, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grid Reference: NY 265188
Hiding just behind Lodore Falls Hotel on the cusp of Derwentwater, this waterfall has been a renowned visiting spot since Victorian times.
Surging over the huge boulders above and crashing down from a distance of over 100 feet, you’ll find this waterfall at its most dramatic in periods of heavy rain. Often used as a backdrop for wedding photos, there’s also a bench available which provides the opportunity to simply stay for a while and take in the magnificent setting.
Holme Force
Location: Cockermouth CA13 0SU
Grid Reference: NY 138211
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One of the least well-known waterfalls within Buttermere Valley, Holme Force Falls is also unedeniably one of the most remote and beautiful.
Shrouded from view by the magical woodlands near Loweswater, the area is host to a variety of rare wildlife – keep you’re your eyes peeled and you may even spot the elusive Red Squirrel!
Dramatically tumbling over the moss-covered rocks, the magical falls at Holme Force are also known by the locals as ‘Grey Mare’s Tail’.
Colwith Force
Location: Neaum Crag, Loughrigg, Ambleside LA22 9HG
Grid Reference: NY 327031
Found near the popular town of Ambleside, Colwith Force is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the Lakes. Located on the River Brathay and shrouded by thick oak woodland, a little further downstream you’ll also uncover Skelwith Force.
Falling in several stages at an impressive height of around 40 feet, the most unique feature is the spectacular double sprout of the fall, marvelously splitting in two as it clatters into the clear mountain pool below.
The Howk
Location: Caldbeck, Cumbria, CA7 8EA
Grid Reference: NY 318397
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Nestled in a scenic limestone ravine, The Howk is a relaxing 10-minute riverside stroll from the village of Caldbeck. Small yet striking, along the way to the fall you’ll also pass the an old 19th century bobbin mill which had at one time was said to have had the largest overshot wheel in the country.
Closing in 1924, checking out the remains of this historic mill is surely going to be a favourite amongst history nerds (myself included) 💪
Spout Force
Location: Whinlatter Pass, High Lorton, Lake District
Grid Reference: NY 179259
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Heavily shrouded by thicket, Spout Force is a small & charming waterfall hiding on the Lorten edge of Whinlatter Forest Park.
Despite its small stature, visiting Spout Force after heavy rainfall still makes for spectacular viewing – although to get a clear view we’d recommend coming in winter when trees and plantlife aren’t in bloom.
Opposite the falls you’ll find a conveniently placed viewing platform, and if you’re fortunate to visit after heavy rain the cascading display from here is quite something!
Tom Gill Waterfalls
Location: Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria, England, LA21 8DN
Grid Reference: SD 321999
Tumbling down from the impressive man-made lake of Tarn Hows, many visitors are completely unaware that this fantastic waterfall even exists.
A great option for those looking to avoid the crowds, the scenic spot actually consists of two sets of falls with views which more than hold their own against the more popular falls in the Lakes.
For those wanting to explore further, the short circular walk around Tarn Hows is suitable for all walking abilities and provides some glorious views of the surrounding mountain tops.
Stickle Ghyll
Location: Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JU
Grid Reference: NY 290070
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One of the most popular Becks in the National Park, the waterfalls at Stickle Ghyll are dramatically engraved into the mountainside along the trail winding up the craggy valley.
While the summit up the stone-pitched path tarn is a killer, the scenic views across towards Lingmoor are more than enough to take your mind off those burning legs!
Likewise, the remarkable waterfalls and rock pools during the ascent provide plenty of opportunity to pause, take a breather and admire the beautifully rugged landscape.
Whitewater Dash
Location: The Dash, Nr Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QX
Grid Reference: NY 273312
Found on Dash Beck just east of Bassenthwaite, Wainright went as far to say that Whitewater Dash ‘was the finest succession of falls in Lakeland’.
Also dubbed as ‘Dash Falls’, the swelling beck gives the uniquely striking appearance of a white ribbon as the water dramatically crashes down into Bassenthwaite Lake below.
Much quieter than many Lake District waterfalls, the remote location of Whitewater Dash really helps it maintain its beauty and tranquillity – offering visitors a well needed respite from the hustle-and-bustle of modern life. Sit back, relax and let the cascading splendour immerse you.
Whorneyside Force
Location: Oxendale
Grid Reference: NY 261053
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Situated just north of Great Knott, Whorneyside Force is still relatively unknown, hiding in the looming shadow of Crinkle Crags.
Dramatically beautiful and unspoilt by the busy crowds, the secluded 12m fall dramatically cascades below into a bowl-shaped pool of pristine mountain water.
Providing visitors with unrivalled views of the Great Langdale landscape, the water flows down from Crinkle Crags into Oxendale Beck and makes for the perfect spot to simply linger and unwind.
Cautley Spout
Location: A683, Sedbergh LA10 5NE
Grid Reference: SD 697967
Last but certainly not least, Cautley Spout is classed as England’s highest (cascade) waterfall above ground.
Plummeting a whopping total of 650 feet, Cautley Spout is burrowed on the eastern side of the Howgill Fells at the head of a picturesqueglacial valley.
On the cusp between Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the views of the surrounding fell land are unsurprisingly magnificent.
Further resources: Lake District waterfall walks
For those eager to explore these falls for themselves, be sure to check out our list of the very best Lake District waterfall rambles below!
Lake District waterfall walks |
Distance |
|---|---|
| Aira Force Waterfall Walk | 2.1km (1.3 miles) |
| Skelwith Force, Colwith Force and Cathedral Quarry Circular | 7.2km (4.5 miles) |
| Stanley Force, Eskdale & Boot | 6.6km (4.1 miles) |
| Ritson’s Force Walk (Pillar, Scoat Fell, Red Pike and Yewbarrow Hike) | 16.3 km (10.2 miles) |
| Buttermere and Scale Force | 7 km (4.3 miles) |
| Moss Force Walk | <1 km |
| Rydal Water Walk | 7.1 km (4.4 miles) |
| Sour Milk Gill Falls | 7.1 km (4.4 miles) |
| Rutter Force & Hoff Beck | 12.5 km (7.8 miles) |
| Lodore Falls Walk | 1.7 km (1 mile) |
| Holme Force Walk | 6.4 km (4 miles) |
| Colwith Force (and Skelwith Force) Walk | 7.8 km (4.8 miles) |
| The Howk, Caldbeck | 1.7 km (1 mile) |
| Spout Force Walk | 1.1 km (0.7 miles) |
| Tom Gill to Tarn Hows Walk | 2.6 km (1.6 miles) |
| Stickle Tarn Trail | 3 km (1.9 miles) |
| Whitewater Dash – Dash Falls | 6.5 km (4 miles) |
| Bowfell via Whorneyside Force | 13.6 km (8.4 miles) |
| The Calf via Cautley Spout from Cautley | 9.2 km (5.7 miles) |
Likewise, for fellow campers, we’d certainly recommend merging your visit to these waterfalls with a camping trip in Lakeland.
For all you need to know, be sure to check out our recent post listing the 5 Best Campsites In The Lake District. You won’t be disappointed with them gems you’ll find in there!
Happy walking 🚶🚶