Blow Gill Waterfall is a modest yet mesmerising cascade waterfall tucked away in the North York Moors. The waterfall is barely known, and so information about visiting it is fairly sparse online.
Beck and I had the pleasure of exploring Blow Gill Waterfall, so we have first-hand experience with finding this well-concealed waterfall. By reading this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about reaching this hidden gem.
Table of Contents
About Blow Gill Waterfall, North York Moors
Blow Gill Waterfall (AKA Blow Gill) is a small and lesser-known roadside waterfall in the North York Moors. Sure, it isn’t the biggest or best waterfall in the North York Moors. But the waterfall is not very well-known. We can just about guarantee that you’ll have this waterfall all to yourself (or yourselves) if you decide to visit it.
The waterfall is part of Blow Gill Beck, a smaller stream stemming from the River Rye. It flows underneath and also near the road that connects Hawnby and Osmotherley.
Despite being roadside, the waterfall is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Once you’re near the base of the waterfall, the road will feel miles away, as you’ll be immersed in a beautiful woodland.
So, where exactly is the waterfall located?
Where Is Blow Gill Waterfall?
Blow Gill Waterfall is located in the North York Moors National Park. It’s near the small township of Snilesworth, which is situated between Osmotherley and Hawnby.
Blow Gill Waterfall Map
Because this waterfall is barely known, it isn’t labelled on many maps. For your convenience, we’ve created a map below illustrating exactly where the waterfall is located. Click here or on the image below to access the location on Google Maps.
How to Find It
You’ll need to drive to the waterfall as there are no public transport options to access it. You’ll simply drive to the location, park the car, and scramble down the roadside woodlands to get to the waterfall.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
Where to Park
Next to the waterfall is a small lay-by with space for one or two vehicles. As mentioned, this waterfall isn’t well-known, so the space will likely be free when you visit. But, to ensure parking availability, it’s best to visit earlier or later in the day.
Parking location: Google Maps
Blow Gill Waterfall Walk
You can see some of the waterfall from the roadside, but tree branches will obstruct your view. If you want undisturbed views of the waterfall and its small cascades, you’ll have to walk down to its base.
There isn’t a Blow Gill Waterfall Hike, as such. It’s only a short walk from the lay-by to the waterfall’s base. But, the waterfall is located within a small valley. So, you’ll need to scramble down the slope of the wooded valley to get to the base of the falls. Beck and I chose to go down and back up the valley’s eastern slope.
Take caution as you clamber down the slope, as it can be slippery and difficult to navigate. We took it slow and steady, which did the trick. Of course, risk is involved, so be honest with yourself about your ability and only proceed if you have the capability.
Once Beck and I were safely down the slope, we briefly walked upstream of the brook to reach the waterfall. Visiting early in the morning added to the peaceful ambience of our visit. It was just us, listening to the gentle cascades and birds chirping in the woodlands.
Beck snapped some gorgeous photos, and before we knew it, we were scrambling our way back out of the small valley. After just a short time at the waterfall, we were satisfied with our visit. We then headed north to Lord Stones Country Park, which was the starting point of our next adventure of the day – hiking to The Wainstones (guide coming soon).
Anyway, we highly recommend visiting this small yet serene waterfall in the North York Moors.
Other North York Moors Waterfalls to Chase
Of course, other than Blow Gill Waterfall, there are plenty of other fantastic waterfalls to chase. Feel free to read our North York Moors Waterfall Guide (coming soon) to learn about all of the best waterfalls in the area.
The Best Walks in the North York Moors
Other than waterfall chasing, there are plenty of non-waterfall-chasing hikes in the North York Moors National Park that are just as enjoyable.
Of course, there are your classic North York Moor walks, such as the Hole of Horcum Circular Walk, the Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby Walk and the Roseberry Topping Walk.
But, the area has plenty of lesser-known yet equally impressive walks. These include the Goathland Waterfall Walk, Hawnby Hill and the Lord Stones to Wainstones Walk (all guides are coming soon).
Read our North York Moors Walks Guide (coming soon) for details about the area’s best walks.
Where We Stayed in the North York Moors
Beck and I have stayed in the North York Moors several times. We have camped in Fylingthorpe, just outside of Robin Hood’s Bay, at Middlewood Farm Holiday Park.
More recently, we stayed at The George & Dragon Hotel in Kirkbymoorside, near Helmsley. If you’re looking for one of the best value stays in the North York Moors, we highly recommend it.
Best Budget Stay in the North York Moors
- One of the best budget stays in the North York Moors
- The pub and accommodation are in separate buildings, so it’s nice and quiet
- Fantastic food and local ales at the pub
Leave a comment