There is nothing like getting out into nature and one thing that has always mesmerised man is the hypnotic flow of a waterfall. People have flocked to these waterfall walks in Yorkshire for centuries, even before you could take photos for Instagram to write poetry, paint or just be in awe of their natural beauty of them.
The waterfalls in Yorkshire are perfect to cool down, have a picnic, and having some swimming or photo opportunities, Yorkshire has some brilliant waterfall walks and we’ve handpicked a selection of some of our favourite waterfall walks In Yorkshire.
1. Malham Waterfall Walk, Yorkshire Dales
Malham’s waterfall walk takes in two beautiful and unique waterfalls Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar. It’s a stone’s throw from Skipton, which is seen as the Gateway to the Dales and is a great walk for all levels of abilities.
Janet’s Foss is a hidden gem like something out of a fairy tale that you can actually get in and have a paddle. Gordale Scar is majestic in its size and form.
The walk starts in Malham and is around 4 miles long. You can enjoy a nice pint at the Lister Arms, or sit and enjoy Yorkshire tapas or afternoon tea at Beck Hall Inn next to a babbling brook once you’re done. Malham Cove, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ
2. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales trail is a favourite with many walkers with good reason. You can witness five main waterfalls and eight water spouts in total on the trail that follows the River Twiss and the River Doe.
One of the best waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales, Ingleton Waterfall Trail straddles two counties and offers brilliant woodlands, steep climbs and panoramic views giving you a little taste of every kind of terrain.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to sights of the Yorkshire Three Peaks while you take on the four-mile route, which should take two to four hours to complete starting at Thorton Force. Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3ET
3. Falling Foss, North York Moors
Just South of Whitby in North Yorkshire, Falling Foss waterfall is a huge 30ft waterfall that is the perfect place to enjoy a little dip. You can park up at May Beck and do a circular walk of around 3 miles before heading to the beautiful Falling Foss Tea Room for refreshments and something to eat after a beautiful walk in North Yorkshire.
It’s the perfect place to cool down after a hard walk. Take a paddle or a dip in its plunge pool and relax away from the summer sun. It’s like stumbling across something out of a children’s story when you first see the huge North York Moor waterfall.
Falling Foss Tea Garden, Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD
4. Aysgarth Falls
One of the most famous waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales, Aysgarth Falls is a trio of small waterfalls found on the River Ure.
You can enjoy an incredible circular walk through Wensleydale taking in the three-flight waterfall. It has lots of pop culture accolades such as featuring in Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, Williams Wordsworth visits and Turner and Ruskin paintings.
The pretty spot makes for some beautiful photographs – which is why thousands of people flock every single year. Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, National Park Centre, Aysgarth Falls, Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn DL8 3TH
5. Hardraw Force
Just north of the town of Hawes in the Wensleydale area of the Yorkshire Dales is Hardraw Force waterfall, which is the highest single-fall waterfall in England.
It brings together some of the greatest elements that a waterfall needs great character, and, for me, the falls has to be epic with a view that you could sit and stare at while letting time pass. It is a massive 100ft tall.
It is close to The Pennine Way long-distance path, so you can make the trip what you want it to be. The best thing is you have to pass by a pub to get there – an ideal excuse for a pint.
6. Cautley Spout
One of the bigger walks in our roundup, Cautley Spout is England’s highest cascade waterfall tumbling down 650ft. You can enjoy a circular walk starting out at Cross Keys public house. it’s one of the best waterfall walks in Yorkshire Dales area via Cautley Spout. It’s a beautiful walk that takes in the summit of Calsders and the Lakeland Fells.
You get to see some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most beautiful views of the countryside whilst you amble along. Cautley Spout, A683, Sedbergh LA10 5NE
7. Mallyan Spout, North York Moors
A huge tourist attraction for Goathland, the amazing waterfall Mallyan Spout has been pulling in tourists for the 19th century. The short 3-mile walk takes in the idyllic village of Goathland, the impressive Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole a small valley village before heading back to Goathland.
It’s a great introduction to Yorkshire waterfalls and will have to want to come back for more. Mallyan Spout Waterfall, Goathland, Whitby YO22 5AW
Read More: 9 Of The Best And Most Scenic River Walks In Yorkshire
8. Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
In the Sheffield area, The Rivelin Valley walk is a nice short 3-mile walk, so 6 miles end to end, but you can walk as far as you’d like and turn around.
There is a cafe where you can enjoy ice cream and some refreshments. You’ll get to experience all sorts of waterfalls on your excursion – there are various places to cross over via stepping stones which is always fun. Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, Free Parking at Rivelin Valley Nature Trail, S6 6GF
9. Goit Stock Waterfall
Situated near Bingley the area is beautiful and you can make the walk as long and short as you want. If you park up in Harden then it is around 1 mile to the amazing Goit Waterfall, otherwise, you can trek through the Harden Valley and enjoy woodland moors and more in the beautiful Bronte country.
The waterfall itself is a beautiful spot hidden in woodlands, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfall walks in Yorkshire to make sure you take any rubbish with you and respect the area as nature can be unpredictable. Goit Stock Waterfall, Penny Cote, Leech Ln, Goit Stock Ln, Harden, Wilsden, Bingley BD16 1DF
10. Stainforth Force
Stainforth is a popular place to visit in the summer month, so plan your trip. Situated in the Settle area you can get parked up at the edge of Stainforth village and head over the ancient packhorse bridge before being greeted by one of the most beautiful sights in the Yorkshire Dales, and that’s saying something.
Head towards the amazing Catriff Force waterfall. It’s a nice short walk of around 3 miles where you are greeted with various surprises such as the Stainforth beck and the magical Catrigg Force which is a sight you can’t just visit once. Stainforth Force, Settle BD24 9LS
11. Hull Pot
Hull Pot is the biggest hole in England and in itself is a pretty epic sight. Just on the western side of Pen-y-ghen in the Yorkshire Dales, it’s the perfect summer day out.
Weather depending whether the waterfall is as impressive as it can be, but it is still an impressive sight and a nice walk regardless. Hull Pot, Horton in Ribblesdale, Settle BD24 0EU
12. Kisdon Force
Kisdon Force is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Yorkshire, located in the heart of the Dales. And we’re not the only ones that believe this. It’s a succession of waterfalls on the River Swale, which is also one of our favourite treks in Yorkshire, hidden deep in the emerald-green countryside.
It’s a calm location to get back to nature, and what better way to do it than by taking a swim in its pleasantly cold waters while taking in the sights?
It goes without saying, but be especially cautious when wild swimming because currents can be powerful – even in small rivers and gorges – so check the depth and stay away from fast-flowing waterways. Kidson Force, River Swale, Keld, Richmond DL11 6LJ
13. Scaleber Force
Scaleber Force circle walk is located on the outskirts of the market town of Settle. The lovely waterfall hike in Yorkshire, hidden in the green Scaleber woodlands Nature Reserve, is one of the most attractive you will experience and one to put on your bucket list – for sure.
Scaleber Force, which is 40 feet tall, may be located in North Yorkshire alongside Stockdale Beck. Only 1.6 miles from Settle is this magnificent site. It cascades down from limestone cliffs into a deep pool of water. Scaleber Force, High Hill Ln, Skipton BD24 9LA
14. Cray Waterfalls
Cray Gills Falls in upper Wharfedale, one of our favourite treks in the Yorkshire Dales, is a stunning walk where you can enjoy a waterfalls route that rivals Ingleton Falls.
Buckden to Cray Gill Falls is a 5-mile trek that takes you through Hubbleholme. Along this lesser-known Dales hike, you will come across some stunning waterfalls that you will adore.
The most impressive waterfalls along the trip are Cray Gill Falls and Crook Gill Falls, which have a couple of taverns along the way — even better! Cray Gill B6160, Skipton BD23 5JB
15. Catrake Force, Keld
Catrake Force is a four-step waterfall located right downstream from Wain Wath Force, another Keld beauty.
This one, on the River Swale, isn’t totally accessible, but it can be reached via Keld’s Rukin’s campsite. On the River Swale, this is the lowest of the Catrake Force levels. Hogget’s Leap is another name for it.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Stunning Waterfalls In The Yorkshire Dales
