Tucked away in the craggy landscape surrounding Hebden Bridge lies a hidden waterfall only few folks know about…
Lumb Hole Falls
Also nicknamed ‘Lumb Falls’ or simply the ‘Hebden Bridge Waterfall’, this Yorkshire gem has been enjoyed by those in the know as a favourite hiking, picnic and wild swimming location for years.
Offering picture perfect views, you may even discover the moss-covered falls abundant with wild plant life such as blue bells and wild garlic during season.
Ramping up in popularity after the Covid pandemic however, the spot unfortunately isn’t as much of a secret anymore and can attract droves of visitors during holidays and sunny weekends.
Unruly behaviour around Lumb Falls in the past has even led to the farmer who owns the land temporarily closing the spot off to the public – so if you do plan on visiting, please be respectful and considerate during your stay.
Interested in finding this stunning location for yourself? Then be sure to check out our comprehensive guide below 👇👇
How Do I Get To Lumb Falls?
Lumb Hole Falls is situated 3 miles north of Hebden Bridge at the end of a country lane named Old Road.
Only a 10-minute drive from the centre of the village, there is limited parking available by the falls for those who’d simply like to drive directly to the location.
Nevertheless, the surrounding countryside of Hebden Bridge provides some of the finest walking trails in the whole county. It’d be a shame to only visit the waterfall and miss what the rest of the breathtaking landscape has to offer!
Without doubt, the very best way to visit the waterfall is via the Lumb Hole Falls Circular Trail – a 9-mile loop which also guides you through the wooded Pennine valley of Hardcastle Crags and over the surrounding open moorlands.
Offering unrivalled vistas of the Yorkshire countryside throughout, venturing on this trail feels so much more rewarding than simply driving to Lumb Falls and just generally provides a much better adventure.
Make a day of it and we promise you won’t regret it!
Starting from the town centre of Hebden Bridge, the village is easy to reach either by car or public transport.
For those wanting a less strenuous hike than the Lumb Hole Falls Trail, you can always park in Hebden Bridge centre and instead head straight towards the falls from one of several country roads and footpaths on offer.
Simply head north towards Old Road and you should reach the falls in around one hour.
Lumb Hole Falls Walk Route Info
Distance: 15km (9 miles)
Time: 3 hour 30 minutes – 4 hours
Starting Point: Hebden Bridge, HX7 6JE
Lumb Hole Falls Trail (Step-by-step Walk Guide)
- Starting from the centre of Hebden Bridge, make your way along Midgehole Road which takes you to the entrance of Hardcastle Crags.
- Keep heading straight, following the path through the ancient woodlands until you reach Gibson Mill.
- Pass Gibson Mill situated on your left and continue straight along the trail until you come out of the woodland.
- Follow the countryside path until you pass a farm and see the signpost pictured below. Take the right turning up towards Crimsworth Dean.
- Head through the farmland for a good while, sticking to the trail until you come to a large gate on your right.
- Pass through the gate (remembering to close it afterwards) and head downwards where you’ll come across several derelict farmhouses.
- Pass through a second gate and continue downwards into the woodlands.
- Keep to the footpath and you’ll soon see Lumb Hole Falls!
- Cross the bridge and follow the trail until you reach Old Road.
- Take a right and follow Old Road which leads you on to the A6033. Head down the A603 until you reach Pecket Well, where you’ll spot this public footpath to your right.
- Head down this and through the woodlands which will lead you back on Midgehole Road. From here you can easily navigate back to the town centre.
Caution – Much of the A6033 doesn’t have any pavement, so be sure to keep safe and remain alert for any oncoming traffic.
Lumb Hole Falls Poem – Six Young Men
During your visit to the falls, you’ll likely come across the following plaque:
The poem ‘Six Young Men’ was inspired by a family photograph taken in the valley of six young men who all tragically died in the First World War.
The practice at the time was to deploy new recruits from one location in the same regiments during the war, hoping to increase comradery within the battalion.
However, with the war amounting to deaths at a scale never seen before, this tactic unintentionally led to towns, counties and families losing a whole generation of men; often times in the same battle.
This picture and poem sheds light on but one of the countless families who tragically suffered this fate during the ‘Great’ War.
The moving poem can be read in its entirety here.
“Lest we forget.”
Lumb Falls FAQs
When To Visit Lumb Hole Falls?
For those eager to swerve the crowds, my personal recommendation would be to visit the waterfall out of peak season and times. Early mornings and nippier weather conveniently seems to repel the yobs!
Top tip – To get the very best views, try to visit after heavy rainfall (a common occurrence in Yorkshire!) since the dramatic cascading waterfall looks even more incredible.
The site is absolutely stunning no matter what time of year you venture here however – although you will admittedly need to be brave (or nutty enough) to try your hand at wild swimming during the colder months!
Is Lumb Falls On Private Land?
Yes, Lumb Falls is on private land. Boorish behaviour during the last few years has even caused the farmer who owns the location to close it off to the public at times.
Some of the states this beautiful spot has been left in by summer parties is disgustingly shameful.
Beer cans, smashed bottles and dumped litter…not what you want to see.
If you are visiting here – PLEASE be respectful. Let’s show our appreciation to the farmer who owns the waterfall by leaving it as pristine as we find it.
During particularly busy periods, there’s also been instances of inconsiderate parking, so be conscious of where you’re leaving your vehicle too if driving here. Just another reason as to why we recommend hiking to the spot instead.
Can You Swim In Lumb Falls?
While Lumb Falls has historically been an amazing place to go for a dip, reported anti social behaviour in recent years has started to make swimming at the location quite hazardous.
Inconsiderate visitors leaving behind empty beer cans, smashed glass bottles and cigarette ends may make you think twice before stepping foot in the water these days.
If you decide to swim here however, PLEASE be sure to check the area for rubbish before entering the plunge pool and always keep mindful of your footing. The last thing you want is cutting open your foot on some glass.
Lumb Hole Falls Parking
Personally, we always prefer to get the train to Hebden Bridge since it means we can enjoy a meal and pint or two after our ramble!
However, this isn’t always going to be the best option for everyone. For those driving, there are plenty of car parks around Hebden Bridge so you’ll have no issues finding a spot.
The best parking locations for visiting Lumb Hole Falls would be either Midgehole Rd Car Park at Hardcastle Crags or one of several car parks situated in the centre of Hebden Bridge.
Car Park |
Address |
| St. Pol Square Car Park | St. Pol Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EX |
| Garden Street Car Park | Garden St, Hebden Bridge HX7 8AQ |
| Station Rd Car Park | Station Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 8AU |
| National Trust – Hardcastle Crags Car Park | Gibson Mill, Midgehole Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AW |
More Resources
For more waterfall inspiration, also be sure to check out our comprehensive post listing the 10 BEST Waterfalls In Yorkshire.
From cascading falls big and small, we’ve even thrown a few hidden gems in there for good measure.
Likewise, Lumb Hole Falls is but one of many great walking spots around Hebden Bridge – why not trawl through our posts of other cracking rambles in Yorkshire?
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Happy walking 🚶🚶