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Cray Gill Waterfall and the Epic Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk

Cray Gill Waterfall and the Epic Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk

Cray Gill Waterfall is the name given to the small but picturesque waterfall located in Cray in the Yorkshire Dales. But, Cray Gill is home to many even more spectacular waterfalls. By doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, you can explore all of the waterfalls found along Cray Gill. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the walk, which starts from Buckden.

Cray Gill Waterfall

Technically speaking, there is no waterfall specifically named the ‘Cray Gill Waterfall’ according to Ordnance Survey maps. But, according to Google Maps, Cray Gill Waterfall refers to a little waterfall found right next to the hamlet of Cray.

Because this waterfall is located on private property, you shouldn’t try and reach the base of the waterfall. Beck and I personally spoke to the owner of the land, who confirmed there isn’t public access to it. Thankfully, you can simply see it from the roadside.

The thing is though, Cray Gill is home to numerous other awesome cascades and waterfalls.

Read our Buckden Visitor’s Guide

Cray Gill Waterfall
Cray Gill Waterfall according to Google Maps

Other Cray Gill Waterfalls

Eventually feeding into the River Wharfe, Cray Gill is a splendid ravine with a stream that has many epic waterfalls. So, if you want to see the best of Cray Gill and its waterfalls, we recommend doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, which is an underrated waterfalls trail in the Yorkshire Dales. By doing so, you’ll explore nearly half a dozen waterfalls along the walk. In addition, you can also visit ‘Cray Gill Waterfall’ next to Cray.

Another waterfall along Cray Gill found on the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk
Another waterfall along Cray Gill

Where Is Cray Gill Waterfall?

Cray Gill Waterfall and all of the sublime Cray Gill Waterfalls are located in Cray in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. To help get your bearings, please click on this link to access an interactive map of the area.

As you can see from the map below, there are many waterfalls in this area. With this in mind, we’ll talk about all of these waterfalls in this guide.

A map showing the location of Cray Gill Waterfalls and other waterfalls
Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk map

Cray Gill Waterfall postcode: BD23 5JB

How to Get to Cray Gill Waterfall

Other than doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, you can easily visit the Cray Gill Waterfall from Cray. We’ll look at this quick option first and then we’ll detail the entire Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk.

The Quickest Way From Cray

It’s possible to reach Cray Gill Waterfall by parking in Cray. You’ll then walk around 50 metres to reach a point on the road where you can see the waterfall from a distance. Sounds simple enough, right? But, there is no Cray Gill Waterfall parking or official Cray Gill Waterfall Car Park. Bear in mind, that there is really only legitimate parking for one or two spots on a layby on Buckden Wood Lane (located here).

Cray is only a small hamlet and, essentially, all of the parking is private parking reserved for guests or patrons at The White Lion Inn. So, unless you’re staying at The White Lion Inn or are visiting the pub beforehand, the only parking available in Cray is at the small layby.

A map showing how to get to Cray Gill Waterfall

Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk

It’s also possible to see Cray Gill Waterfall by doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk. But, in reality, the best part of doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk isn’t seeing Cray Gill Waterfall – it’s seeing all of the other more stunning waterfalls along Cray Gill.

Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk: Details

Here are the trail specs for the circular walk.

  • Type: Loop
  • Distance: 8.4km (5.2 miles)
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 185m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead: Buckden Car Park
  • Map: Wikiloc

Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk: Directions & Description

In this trail description, we’re going to tell you all about the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk that Beck and I did. As is usually the case in the UK, there are multiple route variations given the considerable amount of trails and public rights of way. But, we think this Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, from Buckden and via Hubberholme and Cow Close Gill Waterfall, is an excellent option for seeing the mindblowing Cray Gill Waterfalls.

Dan walks along a bridge during the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk
Hubberholme

Cray Gill Waterfalls

From Buckden, you’ll head to and briefly follow Dubb’s Lane. You’ll then follow a quaint countryside trail, alongside the River Wharfe, to Hubberholme, which is a tiny charming hamlet. After passing The George Inn, you’ll then cross a bridge and briefly follow Stubbing Lane. You’ll soon reach a sign directing you towards Cray – this is where you meet Cray Gill and all its wondrous waterfalls. Turn left, and you’ll walk alongside Cray Gill to your right.

We don’t intend to describe and point out all of the breathtaking waterfalls along Cray Gill – there are just too many! But, rest assured, if you listen carefully and keep an eye out, you’ll hear or see the waterfalls along the gill. Beck and I stopped at around four different waterfalls as we followed the stream. Some are easy to access by taking a short side trail. Others are hidden deep in the woodlands and are totally inaccessible.

Cray Gill Waterfalls found on the walk

Crook Gill Waterfalls

After exploring the magnificent Cray Gill Waterfalls, there is an option to see more waterfalls along Crook Gill. Personally, we don’t recommend extending your walk to the Crook Gill Waterfalls as the waterfalls aren’t as spectacular. But, if you’re a waterfall junkie, you’ll likely follow in our footsteps and explore Crook Gill.

Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk map showing how to get to Crook Gill Waterfalls

To visit Crook Gill, before reaching the hamlet of Cray, you’ll turn left, taking a trail heading away from the hamlet (map here). You’ll then walk around 750 metres to reach Crook Gill. Cross the bridge and follow upstream to find numerous waterfalls along Crook Gill. Personally, Beck and I reached one waterfall and then decided to head back to Cray. Feel free to head further upstream than we did to explore more waterfalls!

Crook Gill Warerfalls
Crook Gill Waterfalls

Cray Gill Waterfall

Once you arrive in Cray, we recommend walking down Buckden Wood Lane to see Cray Gill Waterfall, as named by Google Maps. You’ll then simply retrace your steps, passing the delightful White Lion Inn and continuing north along Park Lane. Along the way, you’ll pass more waterfalls to your right.

Other waterfalls near Cray
Other waterfalls near Cray

Cow Close Gill Waterfall (Cow Close Falls)

Whilst you’re walking along Park Lane, you’ll see the stunning Cow Close Gill Waterfall to your right. As part of the walk, we highly recommend visiting Cow Close Gill Waterfall.

From a gate along Park Lane, you’ll follow a faint trail heading south, cross a stream, and follow alongside a stone wall, before turning left and heading to the base of the falls. Certainly, Cow Close Gill Waterfall is a highlight of the entire walk.

Read more: Cow Close Gill Waterfall – How to Find This Underrated Waterfall

Dan and Beck at Cow Close Gill Waterfall (Cow Close Gill Falls)

Once you’ve explored Cow Close Gill Waterfall, you’ll retrace your steps to rejoin the trail heading south to Buckden. Eventually, you’ll join Buckden Rake, which is the popular route taken to access Buckden Pike – one of the highest fells in the Yorkshire Dales. Buckden Rake is part of an old Roman Road that used to link nearby villages. Along Buckden Rake, you’ll enjoy splendid views over Upper Wharfedale.

Buckden Rake will lead you back to Buckden, where the walk finishes. But, it’s possible to see a few more waterfalls, if you like!

Buckden Beck Waterfalls (Bonus Waterfalls)

From Buckden, you can easily access numerous gorgeous waterfalls along Buckden Beck during the Buckden Pike Waterfall Walk. This walk also starts from Buckden! Before entering the Buckden Car Park, turn left, following a trail directing you to Buckden Lead Mines and Starbotton. Soon, you’ll arrive at Buckden Beck. Turn left and you’ll start to explore many splendid cascades, eventually reaching the main Buckden Beck Waterfall.

Read more: Buckden Beck Waterfalls – The Epic Buckden Pike Waterfall Walk

Buckden Beck Waterfalls
Buckden Beck Waterfalls

Useful Information About Visiting Cray Gill

Now you know all about doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, let’s look at some useful information to help plan your visit.

How to Get to Buckden

To do this walk, you’ll want to get yourself to Buckden. The easiest and quickest way to get to Buckden is to drive there yourself. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, then we recommend hiring a car using DiscoverCars.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Discover Cars for very reasonable prices. Also, the website is user-friendly and booking online is super easy. Have a look at car hire from Manchester.

Car Hire

DiscoverCars.com

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.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Currently, the parking fees at Buckden Car Park are £3.50 for two hours or £5.50 for over two hours. Other than parking at Buckden Car Park, there is some free parking in Buckden itself. But, street-side parking is extremely limited. If you arrive early enough, you may be able to find free parking in Buckden, opposite The Buck Inn.

Beck at Buckden Car Park
Buckden Car Park

Public Transport

It’s also possible to use public transport to get to Buckden. From Skipton, you can get a bus to Buckden. Generally speaking, buses alight in Buckden at The Buck Inn and also at Buckden Car Park. We recommend using Google Maps, Traveline or Dales Bus to plan your journey.

Although public transport is an option, we don’t recommend it. Depending on where you’re travelling from in the UK, you’ll likely have a slow and tedious journey to get to Buckden. Whilst, buses are often very infrequent. Certainly, it’s best to drive to Buckden yourself.

Where to Stay

During the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, you’ll essentially pass by two pubs (The George Inn in Hubberholme and The White Lion Inn in Cray). Whilst, The Buck Inn is just a stone’s throw away from Buckden Car Park. All of these inns offer fantastic accommodation. So, you could easily stay at any of these inns before and/or after the walk.

In particular, The Buck Inn is an outstanding choice for accommodation. Beck and I actually rate The Buck Inn as one of our favourite pubs in the Yorkshire Dales. Even if you’re not staying there, we highly recommend visiting The Buck Inn after doing the walk. The inn is known for monthly folk music events!

The Buck Inn

In terms of accommodation, the rooms at The Buck Inn in Buckden are very comfortable and cosy. Guests always rave about the breakfast at this highly-rated country inn.

Otherwise, you could stay at The George Inn in Hubberholme. It’s a traditional and historic inn in the Yorkshire Dales. The inn is beautifully located on the River Wharfe, whilst guests rave about the comfort, staff and value for money.

Alternatively, you could stay at the highly-rated White Lion Inn in Cray. It’s another cosy country inn and perhaps one of the best places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales!

The White Lion Inn

Other Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales

Certainly, the Yorkshire Dales have plenty of awesome waterfalls to chase other than just the Cray Gill Waterfalls. Below, we’ve listed other waterfalls worth visiting in the Dales.

Other lesser-known but equally impressive waterfalls worth visiting in the Yorkshire Dales include Aysgill Force, the Askrigg Waterfalls, Buckden Beck Waterfalls, Cow Close Gill Waterfall and Gastack Beck Waterfall.

Read more: The Top 48 Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales

Rat Hole Waterfall, Gaping Gill
Rat Hole Waterfall, Gaping Gill

Other Nearby Walks in the Yorkshire Dales

Other than waterfalls walks, there are other excellent nearby walks in the Yorkshire Dales. We won’t exhaustively list all of them. Instead, we’ve handpicked the best walks that are in Buckden or not too far away from Buckden.

  • Buckden Pike: if you’re in Buckden, you’ll have to do the most famous walk in the area – the Buckden Pike Walk.
  • Conistone Pie and Dib: explore some of the most impressive yet underrated limestone landforms near Conistone.
  • Flasby Fell: walk one of the best sections of the Dales High Way.
  • Troller’s Gill: an epic limestone ravine with hidden caves.
  • Walks in Grassington: learn about the best walks in and around Grassington – one of the Dales’ most famous villages.

Read more: The 42 Best Walks in the Yorkshire Dales

Dan on the Buckden Pike Walk
Buckden Pike

What to Wear and Take

These are our walking gear essentials for walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Osprey Skarab 30
Osprey Skarab 30

The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.

Osprey Ultralight Raincover
Osprey Ultralight Raincover

A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.

GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.

BUFF Original Ecostretch
BUFF Original Ecostretch

The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.

Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII

Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the Cray Gill Waterfalls.

Is Cray Gill Waterfall Kid-Friendly?

Yes, with supervision, it’s safe to do the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk with kids.

Is it Possible to Swim at Cray Gill Waterfall?

No, Cray Gill Waterfall, defined on Google Maps, is on private property, so it’s inaccessible to the public.

How Many Waterfalls Are There in the Yorkshire Dales?

There are hundreds of waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales!

Best Villages to See in the Yorkshire Dales

Bonus Tips

  • Plan your visit around the weather: the waterfalls look much better after heavy rainfall.
  • Park safely: yes, it’s possible to park at the layby in Cray to access the waterfall. But, if the parking is full, don’t park unsafely on the road to squeeze in as this is really dangerous.
  • Explore other nearby national parks in the northwest of England: don’t just stop at the Yorkshire Dales. Head to the beautiful Lake District (guides coming soon), Peak District, Forest of Bowland and North York Moors National Park.

Please leave us a comment below, we’d love to hear from you.

Daniel Piggott

Dan is a travel blogger, physiotherapist, hiker, natural wonder seeker and world traveller. He loves writing travel guides to help his readers explore the most beautiful destinations in the world.

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