There is nothing like getting out into nature, and one thing that has always mesmerised people is the hypnotic flow of a waterfall. For centuries, people have flocked to these waterfall walks in Yorkshire—long before the days of Instagram—to write poetry, paint, or simply be in awe of their natural beauty.
The waterfalls in Yorkshire are perfect for cooling down, having a picnic, swimming, or taking photos. Yorkshire boasts some brilliant waterfall walks, and we’ve handpicked a selection of our favourites.
Waterfall hunting is one of our favourite activities, and each season brings something new, so no two visits are ever the same. Whether you visit in the wet season when the waterfalls are roaring, or when they’re flowing more gently and the sun is shining, surrounded by lush greenery with the chance for a wild swim, you’re sure to enjoy the experience. Enjoy our list of Yorkshire’s best waterfalls.
Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls
1. Malham Waterfall Walk, Yorkshire Dales
Malham’s waterfall walk features two beautiful Yorkshire waterfalls: the unique Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar. Just a stone’s throw from Skipton, which is known as the Gateway to the Dales, this walk is suitable for all levels of ability.
Janet’s Foss is a hidden gem, reminiscent of a fairy tale, where you can even paddle in the water. Gordale Scar is majestic in both size and form.
The walk starts in Malham and is approximately 4 miles long. Afterward, you can enjoy a pint at the Lister Arms, or relax with Yorkshire tapas or afternoon tea at Beck Hall Inn next to a babbling brook. Address: Malham Cove, Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DJ.
2. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales trail is a firm favourite among walkers, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning route allows you to experience five main waterfalls and eight water spouts, as you follow the winding paths of the River Twiss and the River Doe.
Ingleton Waterfall Trail, one of the best waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales, straddles the borders of two counties and offers a captivating blend of dense woodlands, challenging climbs, and sweeping panoramic views. Each step on this trail reveals a new facet of the landscape, from cascading waters to verdant forests, providing a taste of every kind of terrain the UK has to offer.
As you make your way along the four-mile route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, adding an extra layer of drama to your adventure. The trail, starting at the impressive Thornton Force, typically takes two to four hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the beauty around you. Address: Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3ET.
3. Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls, one of the most famous waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales, is a stunning trio of small waterfalls on the River Ure.
This incredible circular walk through Wensleydale takes you past the three-tiered waterfall, offering picturesque views at every turn. Aysgarth Falls has earned its place in pop culture history, having featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and inspired the works of William Wordsworth, as well as the paintings of Turner and Ruskin.
The beauty of this spot makes it a photographer’s paradise, which is why it attracts thousands of visitors each year, more than any other waterfall in Yorkshire. Whether you’re capturing the cascading waters or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, Aysgarth Falls offers an experience that’s both visually stunning and steeped in cultural significance. Address: Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn, DL8 3TH.
4. Hardraw Force – waterfalls walks in Yorkshire
Just north of the town of Hawes in the Wensleydale area of the Yorkshire Dales lies Hardraw Force, the highest single-drop waterfall in England.
Hardraw Force brings together all the elements that make a waterfall truly memorable: it has great character, a sense of drama, and an awe-inspiring presence that invites you to sit and gaze at its majesty as time slips by. Plunging a remarkable 100 feet, this waterfall is nothing short of epic.
Situated near the Pennine Way long-distance path, Hardraw Force is perfectly placed for an extended adventure or a brief, awe-inspiring visit. And the cherry on top? To reach the falls, you’ll pass by a charming pub—an ideal excuse to reward yourself with a well-earned pint after taking in one of nature’s finest spectacles. Address: Hardraw, Leyburn DL8 3LZ
5. Cautley Spout
One of the more challenging walks in our roundup, Cautley Spout is England’s highest cascade waterfall, dramatically tumbling down an impressive 650 feet. This circular walk begins at the historic Cross Keys public house, making it one of the best waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
The trail offers a stunning journey through the rugged landscape, leading you to the summit of Calders and offering sweeping views of the Lakeland Fells. As you amble along, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, with the picturesque countryside unfolding around every bend.
Cautley Spout is not just a walk; it’s an adventure through one of England’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Address: Cautley Spout, A683, Sedbergh, LA10 5NE.
6. Stainforth Force
Stainforth is a popular place to visit in the summer month, so plan your trip. Situated in the Settle area this Yorkshire waterfall is a stone’s throw where 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 Catrick 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
7. Hull Pot – Waterfall walks Yorkshire
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 to the North Yorkshire waterfall. Hull Pot, Horton in Ribblesdale, Settle BD24 0EU
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. Catrake Force, Keld – Waterfall walks in Yorkshire
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.
North York Moors Waterfalls
12. 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
13. 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.
14. Mallayan Spout, North York Moors – Waterfall walks in Yorkshire
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
15. 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.
South Yorkshire Waterfalls
16. 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
West Yorkshire Waterfalls
17. 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
Read More: 8 Of The Most Stunning Waterfalls In The Yorkshire Dales
