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by Emily Crane / Things to do
The Lake District isn’t just about lakes — it’s also home to some of the most breath taking waterfalls in the Lake District. Hidden in mossy gorges, tumbling down rugged fells, or nestled beside peaceful woodland trails, these natural wonders are a must-see for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
From mossy gorges and rugged fells to peaceful woodland trails, these walks in the Lake District with waterfalls are ideal for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Some are perfect for a refreshing wild swim, while others are best admired from a scenic viewpoint with a flask of tea in hand.
In this guide, we’ll take you through 9 of the most stunning waterfalls walks in the Lake District and Cumbria — including iconic spots like National Trust’s Aira Force and lesser-known gems like Colwith Force.
So lace up your boots, pack your camera, and get ready to explore the best waterfalls in the Lake District, one of the most beautiful corners of the UK.
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One of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force is a must-visit spot for anyone staying near Ullswater. Tucked away in ancient woodland and managed by the National Trust, this dramatic 65-foot waterfall is best viewed from the iconic stone footbridge that crosses just above it.
There’s a well-maintained circular walk leading from the main National Trust car park, which is pay-and-display and has toilets and a tearoom nearby. The walk is around 1.5 miles long and includes some steep stone steps and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is recommended. It’s dog-friendly too, but dogs should be kept on a lead due to cliff edges and nearby livestock.
Aira Force is popular throughout the year, especially in summer, but it’s equally stunning after rainfall or in autumn when the surrounding trees change colour. It’s a great spot for photography, a peaceful picnic or just soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.
For more information on the walking route, please take a look at the National Trust Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail.
Postcode (Nearest car park): CA11 0JY
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Tucked away just outside the village of Skelwith Bridge, Skelwith Force is a compact but powerful waterfall that makes for a fantastic short walk, especially if you’re staying near Ambleside or Elterwater. Though only around 16 feet high, the force of the water after heavy rain can be seriously impressive, as the River Brathay narrows and surges through a rocky gap.
One of the biggest draws here is the easy accessibility. There’s a small car park at Skelwith Bridge (LA22 9NJ), and from there it’s a gentle 10-minute stroll along a well-maintained path, making it a great option for families, less confident walkers and those with dogs. The route is pushchair-friendly for the most part, though care is needed near the rocks at the falls.
Whilst here, be sure not to miss out on a stop at Chesters by the River, a popular café nearby serving up freshly baked cakes, lunches and coffee – perfect after a bracing walk. From here, keen walkers can extend their route along the river towards Elterwater, which offers even more picturesque scenery.
Skelwith Force is ideal for a short outing, especially if you’re not looking to scale any fells but still want to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Explore the circular route taking in Elterwater and Colwith Force »
Postcode (Nearest car park): LA22 9NJ
Stanley Ghyll Force Image credit Lorena Tempera
Tucked away in a deep gorge near the Eskdale Valley, Stanley Ghyll Force is one of the Lake District’s more dramatic hidden gems. The waterfall itself drops around 60 feet down a moss-covered cliff into a narrow ravine, surrounded by dense woodland and towering crags, creating a distinctly atmospheric setting.
It’s accessed via the grounds of the historic Eskdale Estate, and walkers can follow a scenic route from the small car park at Dalegarth for Boot station (CA19 1TF). The walk is around 2 miles round-trip and can be muddy in places, with some steep sections, so walking boots are a must. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control, especially near the steeper drops and narrow paths.
In recent years, the National Trust has installed new viewing platforms that allow for a safer and more dramatic vantage point over the waterfall. While Stanley Ghyll is quieter than more central spots like Aira Force, it’s steadily growing in popularity thanks to its unique setting and the surrounding walks in Eskdale, one of the quieter Lake District valleys.
A great option if you’re looking to get off the beaten track, enjoy a peaceful walk and soak in some of the area’s raw natural beauty.
Take in the waterfall on the 4 mile route taking in Boot, Eskdale and Stanley Force »
(Care must be taken as it can be slippery when wet or after heavy rainfall).
Postcode (Nearest car park): CA19 1TG
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Hidden just behind the Wasdale Head Inn, Ritson’s Force is a lesser-known but truly charming waterfall in the western Lakes. Made up of a series of smaller cascades tumbling through a narrow, wooded ravine, it’s named after Will Ritson, a legendary 19th-century landlord of the inn and the so-called “biggest liar in England”.
This is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit, with access via a short, signposted path behind the pub (postcode CA20 1EX), which also has a small car park and offers refreshments… ideal for a post-walk drink or bite to eat. The route is just a few minutes’ walk and relatively flat, though it can be a little slippery after rainfall, so suitable footwear is advised.
While not the tallest or most dramatic waterfall in the Lakes, Ritson’s Force is a lovely, peaceful spot and makes a great add-on if you’re exploring the Wasdale Valley or climbing Scafell Pike. It’s also ideal for dog walkers and those looking for a gentle outing in beautiful surroundings.
Postcode (Nearest car park): CA20 1EX
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Often described as the Lake District’s tallest waterfall, Scale Force tumbles an impressive 170 feet down a narrow gorge near the shores of Crummock Water, hidden away in a deep, tree-lined cleft that gives it a real air of mystery. Despite its height, the falls are surprisingly easy to miss unless you know exactly where to look, making them a rewarding discovery for walkers in the area.
The most popular access route is from Buttermere village, with a well-trodden path leading past the lake and up through Scale Beck Wood. The walk is around 2.5 miles there and back, with some uneven and often boggy terrain – walking boots are essential, especially after rainfall when the falls are at their most impressive.
There’s a small pay-and-display car park in Buttermere (CA13 9XA), and dogs are welcome, though be mindful of livestock in the surrounding fields. While it’s not the busiest of waterfalls, it’s reasonably well-known among keen walkers, so don’t be surprised if you’re sharing the view during peak months.
Bring waterproofs if the weather’s changeable, as the narrow gorge can trap mist and spray, and enjoy the sight of this towering, thundering force of nature in one of the Lake District’s quieter corners.
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 »
Postcode (Nearest car park): CA13 9XA
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Tucked away in the woods behind Rydal Mount, the former home of William Wordsworth, Rydal Falls is a compact but enchanting waterfall that feels steeped in poetry and tranquillity. Surrounded by lush greenery and flowing over a mossy rock face, it offers a picture-perfect spot that feels far removed from the busier trails nearby.
To reach it, park at Pelter Bridge car park (LA22 9LR) and follow the footpath up past Rydal Hall. The falls are just a short 10-minute walk away and are easy to reach for most, although there are some stone steps involved. Dogs are welcome and the walk is ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll.
One of the unique highlights here is the small viewing “grot”, a restored stone summerhouse built specifically to enjoy the falls. It’s said that Wordsworth himself used to sit and reflect here, and it still offers a peaceful place to take in the sound of the water tumbling below.
Rydal Falls is best visited after rainfall when the water is flowing more freely, though it’s worth a visit year-round, particularly if you’re combining it with a walk around Rydal Water or a visit to nearby Ambleside.
Postcode (Nearest car park): LA22 9LW
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Found high up on the Honister Pass, Moss Force is a striking, multi-tiered waterfall that plunges down the slopes of Fleetwith Pike in a dramatic series of drops. With a stunning backdrop of rugged fells and sweeping views across the valley, this is one of the most scenic and easily accessible waterfalls in the Lake District.
There’s a small layby car park right at the top of the pass (CA12 5XN), just beside Honister Slate Mine, making Moss Force an ideal stop for those exploring by car. From the roadside, it’s just a short but steep walk up the grassy bank to reach the best views. The path can be slippery after rain and isn’t clearly defined, so walking boots and decent balance are recommended.
Due to its exposed location, Moss Force is often windswept, and weather conditions can change quickly, so bring a waterproof and warm layers (even in summer!). It’s suitable for dogs, but they should be kept on leads as there are sheer drops and sheep grazing nearby.
This is a quieter spot compared to waterfalls like Aira Force, and you’ll often have it all to yourself outside peak times. Pair your visit with a trip to Buttermere or a tour of the nearby slate mine for a full day of highland adventure.
Postcode (Nearest car park): CA13 9XA
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Nestled in the woodland near Little Langdale, Colwith Force is a picturesque, stepped waterfall that tumbles around 40 feet into a wooded gorge. Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and ancient trees, it’s a lovely, peaceful spot that feels a world away from the busier parts of the Lakes.
The most popular route starts from Skelwith Bridge, with a scenic woodland walk of about 1.5 miles each way. Alternatively, there’s limited parking near the hamlet of High Park (LA22 9NJ), which shortens the walk to around 10–15 minutes. The path is generally well-marked but can be muddy after rainfall, so walking boots are a good idea.
This is a dog-friendly walk, and the woodland trail is especially lovely in autumn when the leaves begin to turn. The falls themselves are not as tall as some others, but their setting and the sound of water rushing over the rocks make it a wonderfully serene spot for a quiet walk or picnic.
Colwith Force is relatively unknown compared to nearby Skelwith Force, so you’re more likely to find a bit of peace and quiet here – especially if you visit early in the day or outside of the school holidays.
Park at the bottom of the hill, a short half a mile walk from the force, or enjoy the circular route from Elterwater.
Postcode (Nearest car park): LA22 9NU
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A favourite among walkers heading up to Scale Force or Haystacks, Sour Milk Gill is a cascading stream that runs dramatically down the hillside from Bleaberry Tarn to the shores of Buttermere. Its name comes from the frothy, white appearance of the water tumbling over the rocks… especially after rainfall.
The most common access point is from the Buttermere village car park (CA13 9XA). From here, follow the footpath along the eastern edge of the lake before ascending towards the falls, a moderate walk with some steep and rocky sections, so walking boots are essential. The full circular route around Buttermere is also a popular choice and offers excellent views of the gill from various points.
This is a dog-friendly walk, though leads are advised in places due to sheep and some steeper drops. While the falls aren’t as high as Scale Force, the setting is arguably even more impressive, with panoramic views across Buttermere and the surrounding fells.
It’s a brilliant spot for walkers, nature lovers and photographers, particularly in spring and early summer when the surrounding hills are at their greenest. Just be prepared for changing weather conditions, and bring a waterproof if you’re walking higher up towards the tarn.
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!
Postcode (Nearest car park): LA22 9TA
These Lake District waterfalls can be visited year-round, but they’re often at their most impressive after periods of rainfall, typically in autumn or early spring. However, summer brings better walking conditions and clearer paths. It’s also worth noting that popular spots like Aira Force and Rydal Falls can get busy during school holidays.
Yes, many of the waterfalls in the Lake District have family-friendly access routes. For example, Skelwith Force and Ritson’s Force offer short, gentle walks ideal for children. Others, like Scale Force or Moss Force, may require more effort and careful footing, so be sure to check the walk’s difficulty before setting out.
Most Lake District waterfalls are dog-friendly and offer fantastic routes for dog walkers. However, dogs should be kept on a lead in areas with steep drops, grazing livestock or narrow paths, particularly at locations like Moss Force, Stanley Ghyll and Scale Force.
Yes – places like Aira Force have a tearoom, toilets and a well-maintained car park. Skelwith Force is near Chesters by the River, a popular café with indoor and outdoor seating. Rydal Falls is just a short walk from Rydal Hall, which also has a small café and gardens open to the public.
Parking varies by location. Waterfalls such as Aira Force and Rydal Falls have designated car parks nearby, often with pay-and-display machines. Others, like Colwith Force or Moss Force, require using small laybys or roadside spaces, so arriving early is advised during peak times.
Photographs courtesy of: claire rowland (CC BY 2.0); Steve Bayley (CC BY 2.0).
Feeling inspired to explore this beautiful landscape? Take a look at this amazing selection of Lake District cottages or grab a cuppa and delve into The History of the Lakes or our guide on the top things to do in the Lakes.
by Emily Crane / Things to do
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