Yorkshire Dales Waterfall Road Trip

Aysgarth Falls

Begin at Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre, where the River Ure breaks across a series of broad limestone shelves. Upper, Middle and Lower Falls are spread along the river rather than gathered at one viewpoint, so allow time to follow the woodland paths and see how the character of the water changes at each section.

The National Park car park has toilets, visitor information, a café and blue-badge spaces. Parking charges apply and the machines are card only. A Tramper can be booked in advance for access towards the Upper and Middle Falls, while the complete Days Out Now family loop includes steps, field paths and rougher ground.

• Postcode: DL8 3TH for the National Park Visitor Centre
• Allow: 1.5–2 hours for all three falls; less for one viewpoint
• Do not miss: The contrast between the wide Upper Falls and the more wooded lower sections
• Full walk: Follow the Days Out Now Aysgarth Falls Family Loop

Hardraw Force

Continue to Hardraw, just outside Hawes, for the route’s most immediate big-waterfall moment. Hardraw Force plunges roughly 100 feet into a natural amphitheatre and is promoted as England’s highest single-drop waterfall above ground.

Entrance is through the Hardraw Force Heritage Centre beside the Green Dragon. The waterfall and inn are separate businesses. A modest admission charge applies; the official visitor information listed £4 per person when this guide was checked. The main gravel path is comparatively straightforward and may suit some wheelchair users with care, while the upper paths are uneven. Follow current signs and never walk beneath the fall.

• Postcode: DL8 3LZ
• Allow: 45–75 minutes
• Access: Paid entry; main path easier than the upper paths
• Dogs: Well-controlled dogs are normally welcome; check current rules

Cotter Force

Head west from Hawes on the A684 for a gentler waterfall visit. Cotter Force is a secluded six-tier cascade on Cotterdale Beck. The approach is roughly 490 metres along a stile-free, compact-stone path that is generally around 100cm wide, with a bench near the falls.

This is the most useful accessible stop on the route, but visitors should still judge the surface, width and current conditions against their own requirements. The small lay-by beside the A684 can fill quickly. If there is no legal space, do not squeeze onto a verge or obstruct the road; return later or continue to the next stop.

• Postcode: DL8 3LR identifies the Cotterdale area; follow the official directions from Hawes
• Allow: 30–45 minutes
• Path: Approximately 490 metres each way, stile-free and compact stone
• Important: Keep to the public footpath and out of the neighbouring hay meadows

Cautley Spout

Cross into the Howgills for one of England’s tallest cascades. Cautley Spout tumbles in a broken drop of roughly 180 metres beneath the steep slopes of Cautley Crag. From the Cross Keys area, the lower approach follows the valley towards an increasingly dramatic view of the fall.

The walk becomes more serious if you climb beside the cascade or continue onto the Howgill tops. For this road trip, an out-and-back valley walk gives the clearest view without committing everyone to a mountain circuit. Expect fields, livestock, rougher sections and little shelter. Do not use the inn’s private spaces without permission, and park only where current signs allow.

• Postcode: LA10 5NE for the Cross Keys area
• Allow: Around 2–3 hours for a worthwhile out-and-back visit
• Terrain: Valley paths and fields, becoming steeper and rougher near the fall
• Best conditions: Clear weather after rain, but not during flooding or severe wind

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Ingleton is not a quick fifth pin. It is a complete 4.5-mile clockwise trail through woodland and open ground, following the River Twiss past Pecca Falls and Thornton Force before returning beside Beezley Falls, Baxenghyll Gorge and the River Doe.

The official trail contains many steps and uneven, sometimes slippery sections. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Allow between 2.5 and 4 hours, wear walking boots and download the trail information before starting because mobile data is unreliable around the route.

Admission and last-entry times vary by season. When checked in August 2026, the official prices were £11 for adults and £5.50 for children under 16. Card payment was required, pre-booking was not needed and limited free parking was available to ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Recheck all details before travelling.

• Postcode: LA6 3ET, Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton
• Allow: 2.5–4 hours
• Facilities: Toilets and refreshments at the car park, with seasonal facilities around the trail
• Full walk: Read the complete Days Out Now Ingleton Waterfalls Trail guide

Scaleber Force

Scaleber Force feels very different from busy Ingleton. Water drops through a narrow woodland ravine over moss-covered limestone, creating a quieter, hidden atmosphere near Settle. The final path can be steep, rocky and extremely slippery after rain.

There is no large managed attraction car park beside the waterfall. Roadside space around Scaleber Bridge and High Hill Lane is very limited. Arrive early, park only where it is unquestionably legal and move on if the available space is full. Do not damage verges, block gateways or leave the car where another vehicle cannot pass.

• Postcode: BD24 9HW identifies the wider area, not a guaranteed parking bay
• Allow: 45–75 minutes
• Terrain: Short but steep, uneven and slippery woodland approach
• Facilities: None at the waterfall; use Settle for toilets, food and fuel

Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove

Finish by leaving the car once in Malham and joining three map pins on foot. The official Malham Landscape Trail links Janet’s Foss and Malham Cove, with a short side trip to Gordale Scar. The published circuit is roughly 4.5 miles and takes around 2.5–3 hours, although photography, crowds and wet ground can easily extend that.

Start at Malham National Park Visitor Centre and walk through the village towards Janet’s Foss. The woodland waterfall takes its name from the legendary fairy queen said to live behind the fall. Continue to Gordale Scar, where limestone walls close around a narrow gorge and water drops over the rock at its head.

Do not treat the scramble through the waterfall as compulsory. It can be wet, polished and dangerous, and is unsuitable for many visitors. Use the recognised alternative path when conditions or confidence make the scramble unwise.

Complete the route at Malham Cove, a vast limestone amphitheatre with more than 400 stone steps leading to the pavement above. The cliff is normally dry. A waterfall appears only after exceptional or prolonged rain, so visit for the scale, geology and views rather than expecting water over the lip.

• Parking postcode: BD23 4DA for Malham National Park Visitor Centre
• Allow: 2.5–3.5 hours for the combined circuit
• Facilities: National Park parking, toilets, visitor information and food options in Malham
• Full walk: Follow the complete Days Out Now Malham Cove walk