If you’re looking for a better way to get your 10,000 a-day step count smashed, we’ve got you covered with some of the best North York Moors waterfalls to visit.
Situated in North Yorkshire, it contains one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK along with seaside spots, beautiful woodland and rolling hills that are waiting to be explored.
So don’t be surprised if you see a woman calling out “Heathcliffe, Heathcliffe” on your travels. As well as having beautiful moorland, the park has some amazing waterfalls for you to enjoy – and, us being so nice to you have hunted down some spectacular sights for you to enjoy.
Most of the waterfalls can all be found around the Goathland area of the North York Moors, and were all carved out during the last ice age. Whilst on the western side of the moors, in contrast, you’ll find no waterfalls.
1. Hayburn Wyke
Found between Scarborough and Whitby, Hayburn Wyke is a unique spot as it has both woodland and a beach for you to enjoy. It’s definitely off the beaten track and can be found near Cleveland way just follow the signs for Ravenscar.
Like something out of a fairy tale, it’s the perfect opportunity for a family day out. The Hayburn Wyke waterfall is directly onto the beach and makes a spectacular backdrop for some great photography opportunities.
Get your socks off and have a paddle in the river as you take in the view of all the different coloured rocks that make up the waterfall. Hayburn Wyke is a natural cove and is also part of a National Trust nature reserve.
2. Thomason Foss
This couple of waterfalls are situated near Goathland and Beck Hole, which is home to Yorkshire’s smallest pub, in the centre of the North York Moors, this waterfall is in the heart of the woodland and is just south of the North York Moors heritage railway.
Just further up the river from Thomason Foss waterfall you can find Upper Thomason Foss, which is one of the more equally exquisite waterfalls in the North York Moors.
Best approached from down river coming from Beck Hole as from Goathland is can be quite the scramble down the narrow paths. Once you reach it, it’s a fantastic place for a swim if you’re in the need of being invigorated.
3. Blow Gill
Blow Gill waterfall is located on the roadside between Osmotherly and Hawnby. And, although it is one of the smaller North York Moors waterfalls, it is no less attractive.
Covered by foliage and framed by the low-hanging trees, it’s a photographer’s paradise and also a peaceful scene that you don’t have to trek for miles to see.
The waterfall near Goathland aka Heartbeat country is well worth a visit, and the area surrounding is great for a lovely walk so you can make a day of it.
4. Mallyan Spout
Another waterfall near Whitby which is perfectly situated as you can park up at Mallyan Spout Hotel and take in the Goathland train station made famous by Harry Potter before heading towards one of North York Moor’s most impressive waterfalls.
Before Heartbeat was bringing in all the tourists, people were heading to this area of the North York Moors for more altruistic reasons – to see a bloody great big waterfall – and it’s still impressive today.
The tallest and most grand waterfall, Mallyan Spout can be found near the village of Goathland. Its drop is a massive 60-foot high and is a spectacular sight – especially after rain it is a magnificent sight within lush woodland.
5. Nelly Ayre Foss, Waterfalls in North York Moors
Found just over 1 mile to the west of the village of Goathland, Nelly Ayre is one of our favourite North York Moors waterfalls. It has such a fantastic shape to it, and when in full flow it can be a really wondrous sight.
On a sunny day, the water glistens and looks magical in the glowing sunlight. Mallyan Spout and Thomason Fos aren’t too far away either.
So if you’re up for it, why not head out and aim to see all three of the waterfalls in the Goathland area of the North York Moors?
6. Old Meggison, North York Moors Waterfalls
Yep, there are still some more impressive waterfalls in the North York Moors to seek out! This little gem can be found a few miles from Great Ayton outside of Kildale village and is known either as Kildale Falls or Old Meggison Falls.
The surprising little beauty spot only made it onto people’s radar relatively recently, so you can enjoy a nice quiet setting to ponder life’s big questions, like ‘What is the meaning of life? ‘If a tree falls with no one around to hear it, does it still make a sound?’ and ‘Where’s the nearest pub?’.
The River Leven flows over the natural wonder the is one of the lesser-known Yorkshire waterfalls, but no less of a treat for the eyes – especially after a rain.
7. Falling Foss
Set out on a magical woodland walk that ends in a wonderfully idyllic tearoom and garden that sits below a 30ft waterfall named Falling Foss. You can either take a two-mile walk to the waterfall or just park up at the Falling Foss car park.
Yes, there is not a place quite like it in all of Yorkshire. Found deep in the Little Beck Wood, the North York Moors waterfall is most impressive after a rainy day where you’ll see a torrent of water thrust over the edge.
Why not, go for a paddle in its plunge pool below? Perfect all year round, but best during the autumn months Falling Foss is one of North York Moors’ many gems.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Stunning Waterfalls In The Yorkshire Dales
Feature Image Credit: Richard Spencer / Nelly Ayre Foss / CC BY-SA 2.0
