The Top 48 Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales (2024)

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has some of the highest concentration of waterfalls in the UK. After countless trips to the Yorkshire Dales, Beck and I have seen our fair share of waterfalls in the area. In this guide, we’re going to talk about no less than 48 awesome waterfalls that you can chase in the Yorkshire Dales!

Read our Yorkshire Dales National Park Walks guide

The Ultimate Guide to Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

Needless to say, this Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls guide is the most comprehensive guide you’ll find online about exploring waterfalls in the Dales. Personally, Beck and I have visited every single waterfall on this list. For many of these waterfalls, we’ve written individual blog posts about them. If so, we’ll link to those posts, so you can easily access them if you need any more information.

Please note a large concentration of waterfalls are found in Ingleton (Ingleton Waterfalls Trail) and Keld (Keld Waterfalls Walk). In fact, both of these walks have seven waterfalls en route. So, by doing these two walks alone, you’ll see 14 Yorkshire Dales waterfalls. For your convenience, we’ve noted which waterfalls are found on these two respective routes. Also, to keep things simple, we’ve listed all 48 Yorkshire Dales waterfalls in alphabetical order.

Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls Map

To help you plan your waterfall adventures, we’ve made a Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls interactive map. This map will show you the exact location of all 48 Yorkshire Dales waterfalls.

The Top 48 Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

Without further ado, let’s look at the 48 best waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

1. Aysgarth Falls

Located in the town of Aysgarth, you’ll find three famous falls, collectively known as Aysgarth Falls. These include the most popular Middle Falls and also the nearby Lower Falls and Upper Falls. By doing a fairly short walk (Aysgarth Falls Walk), you’ll get to explore all three of these gorgeous waterfalls.

Read more: Aysgarth Falls Walk – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

2. Aysgill Force

Aysgill Force is a dazzling yet lesser-known waterfall located near the charming market town of Hawes. The cascade waterfall drops around 12 metres (40 feet) and is found along Gayle Beck. Certainly, Aysgill Force is one of the most hidden waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. To find it, you’ll need to follow one of several routes from Hawes.

Read more: Aysgill Force – A Guide to Walking From Hawes to Aysgill Force

3. Baxenghyll Gorge (Ingleton Falls)

Found along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail (AKA the Yorkshire Dales Waterfall Walk), Baxenghyll Gorge refers to the wonderful series of waterfalls, plummeting over several rock platforms and ledges carved out by the River Doe.

Read more: Ingleton Falls (Ingleton Waterfalls Trail) – The Ultimate Guide

4. Beezley Falls and Triple Spout (Ingleton Falls)

Also found on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail (the most famous waterfalls walk in the Yorkshire Dales), Beezley Falls and Triple Spout are a little further upstream from Baxenghyll Gorge. Technically, Beezley Falls and Triple Spout are two distinct waterfalls. But, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll count this as one waterfall as, often, both waterfalls are referred to as Beezley Falls.

5. Bolton Abbey Waterfall AKA Posforth Gill Waterfall

Tucked away in the Valley of Desolation on the Bolton Abbey Estate, you’ll find Bolton Abbey Waterfall (AKA Posforth Gill Waterfall and Valley of Desolation Waterfall). It’s possible to reach Bolton Abbey Waterfall by doing a short out and back walk from the Cavendish Pavilion. Personally, Beck and I explored Bolton Abbey Waterfall during the Simon’s Seat and Valley of Desolation Walk.

Read more: Bolton Abbey Waterfall – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

6. Buckden Beck Waterfalls

Buckden Beck is a hidden oasis of waterfalls located near the village of Buckden in the Yorkshire Dales. By doing a short Buckden Pike Waterfall Walk, you can reach numerous spectacular cascades and reach the main Buckden Beck Waterfall.

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

7. Buttertubs Falls

Technically speaking, Buttertubs Falls itself isn’t an official waterfall. The Buttertubs is a group of deep limestone potholes with unique vertical shafts found on Buttertubs Pass. This is the beautiful scenic road connecting Wensleydale and Swaledale. After heavy rainfall, a temporary waterfall is formed at the Buttertubs. So, ipso facto, Buttertubs Falls!

Read more: Buttertubs Pass – 8 Best Things to Do on England’s Most Epic Road

8. Catrake Force (Keld Waterfalls)

Catrake Force is one of seven waterfalls that can be found on the Keld Waterfalls Walk. Along this walk, you’ll see many of the best North Yorkshire Dales waterfalls. Specifically, Catrake Force is located along the River Swale near Park Lodge Campsite (AKA Rukin’s Campsite) in Keld.

Read more: Keld Waterfalls Walk – Discover 7 Epic Keld Waterfalls

9. Catrigg Force

Catrigg Force is a splendid double-tier waterfall flowing along Stainforth Beck that’s popular for wild swimming. Other than exploring the base of Catrigg Force, we recommend heading to the top of the falls to enjoy awesome views of the waterfall.

Read more: Settle Walk (Settle Caves and Waterfalls Walk) – Ultimate Guide

10. Cautley Spout

Dubbed the highest waterfall in England, Cautley Spout, at 200 metres (650 feet), is in fact the highest broken waterfall above ground in England. At 30 metres (100 feet), the honour of the highest unbroken single drop waterfall actually goes to Hardraw Force. Nevertheless, Cautley Spout is a magnificent waterfall found in the underrated Howgill Fells.

Fun fact: the highest waterfall in the UK is Scotland’s Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, which is considered a similar height to Cautley Spout.

Read more: Cautley Spout – How to Visit England’s Highest Waterfall

11. Clapham Falls AKA Clapham Beck Falls

Clapham Falls AKA Clapham Beck Falls is a pleasant cascade found in the village of Clapham. If you’re walking to Ingleborough, Ingleborough Cave or Gaping Gill, you’ll start from Clapham, where you’ll pass this quaint cascade.

12. Cotter Force

Cotter Force is one of the most accessible waterfalls to visit in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Located near the village of Hawes, this waterfall has a series of six steps, so there are quite a few cascades and tiers. The most prominent single drop is around 1.5 metres high.

Read more: Cotter Force – Everything You Need to Know About Visiting

13. Cray Gill Waterfall and Cray Gill Waterfalls

Cray Gill Waterfall is the name given to a small but picturesque waterfall located in Cray. But, Cray Gill is actually home to many even more sensational waterfalls. By doing the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, you can explore all of the waterfalls found along Cray Gill. Certainly, the Cray Gills Waterfall Walk is one of the most underrated waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales.

Read more: Cray Gill Waterfall and the Epic Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk

14. Crook Gill Waterfalls

During the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk, there is an option to see more waterfalls along Crook Gill. So, if you’re a waterfall junkie, you’ll likely go off the beaten track and follow in our footsteps to explore Crook Gill. Along Crook Gill, you’ll find numerous cascades.

15. Cow Close Gill Waterfall

Cow Close Gill Waterfall (AKA Cow Close Falls, Cow Close Waterfalls and Middle Falls) is a magnificent waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales. By driving along B6160 (Park Lane), you’ll actually see the waterfall from the roadside. But, not many people actually go and explore the waterfall on foot. It’s possible to see Cow Close Gill Waterfall by doing an out and back walk from Buckden. Or, you can see the waterfall during the Cray Gills Waterfall Walk.

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

16. Currack Force (Keld Waterfalls)

Found along Crackpot Hall Road during the Keld Waterfalls Walk, Currack Force is hidden away in the woods and so is easily missed. With a little bit of extra exploration, you can quite easily find this nice waterfall along the River Swale.

17. East Gill Force

Personally, Beck and I think the falls at East Gill Force are some of the best along the Keld Waterfalls Walk. There are several cascades at East Gill Force, which are all worth exploring and photographing.

18. First Waterfall (White Scar Cave)

You won’t find this waterfall on many Yorkshire Dales waterfalls lists. But, First Waterfall, is a genuine and officially named waterfall in White Scar Cave. Definitely, this underground waterfall is one of the highlights of exploring White Scar Cave.

Read more: White Scar Cave – An Honest Review About the Tour

19. Force Gill AKA Force Gill Waterfall

During the Whernside Walk (and also the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for that matter), you’ll pass Force Gill (AKA Force Gill Waterfall). This waterfall is actually one of two main waterfalls formed by Force Gill and it’s officially known as Low Force. Basically, higher up the stream, you’ll find High Force.

Read more: Whernside Walk From Ribblehead Viaduct – The Ultimate Guide

20. Forty Foot Fall (Hackfall Woods)

The multi-levelled Forty Foot Fall is a lesser-known waterfall in Hackfall Woods near Masham. During the Hackfall Explorer Walk, you can follow a vague side trail to climb up towards the Forty Foot Fall. Sure, it’s not the best waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales; but, it’s still a captivating series of cascades.

Read more: Hackfall Woods – Everything You Need to Know About Visiting

21. Gaping Gill AKA Rat Hole Waterfall

At 40 metres (130 feet), Gaping Gill Waterfall (AKA Rat Hole Waterfall) is the highest unbroken underground waterfall in England. Gaping Gill is also home to the largest cave chamber in the UK. Undoubtedly, visiting Gaping Gill during a pothole club winch meet is one of the most exhilarating experiences on offer in the UK.

Read more: Gaping Gill – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide (How to Visit)

22. Gastack Beck Waterfall

When it comes to waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales, Gastack Beck Waterfall is one of the lesser-known drops. Tucked away in Deepdale, in between Sedburgh and Ingleton, lies this uber-serene two-tier waterfall. Best of all, you can see the waterfall from the car park (small roadside parking space for 2–3 vehicles).

Read more: Gastack Beck Waterfall – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

23. Gordale Scar Waterfall

Gordale Scar is an impressive limestone gorge. Within the gorge, you’ll find the famous and extraordinary Gordale Scar Waterfall (Gordale Falls). We recommend exploring Gordale Scar as part of the Malham Cove Walk.

Read more: Gordale Scar – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

24. Hardraw Force

By far, Hardraw Force is the best and most famous single drop waterfall in England. Featuring in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Hardraw Force has become one of the most well-known waterfalls in the country, let alone one of the most visited waterfalls in North Yorkshire.

Read more: Hardraw Force – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

25. Hawes Falls

Hawes Falls is a beautiful cascade found in the town of, you guessed it, Hawes. The sensational cascades that flow through the town are formed by a tributary of the River Ure called Gayle Beck.

26. Hell Gill Force

Hell Gill Force is a barely known waterfall in the Mallerstang Valley in Aisgill. It’s formed from Hell Gill Beck and gushes over the lip of a high rock wall platform. Unfortunately, when we visited, Hell Gill Force was looking fairly tame. Indeed, you’ll want to visit this waterfall after decent rainfall.

Read more: Wild Boar Fell Walk via Hell Gill Force – The Complete Guide

27. Hoggarths Leap (Keld Waterfalls)

You can find Hoggarths Leap by doing the Keld Waterfalls Walk. From the top of Catrake Force, you’ll continue upstream along the River Swale, passing some small riverside pitches associated with the Park Lodge Campsite. Soon, you’ll reach one of the most mesmerising North Yorkshire waterfalls.

28. Hollybush Spout (Ingleton Falls)

After seeing Pecca Falls along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, you’ll see Hollybush Spout, which is just one of many fine waterfalls along this awesome waterfall walk.

29. Hull Pot

Found on the outskirts of Pen-y-ghent, Hull Pot is a collapsed cavern, which can spring to life with a mesmerising waterfall. And, on the rare occasion, the cavern completely fills with water (like a bathtub), becoming a temporary lake!

Read more: Hull Pot – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

30. Janet’s Foss

Located near Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a small plunge waterfall formed by Gordale Beck at the point where the stream enters the quaint Wedber Wood.

Read more: Janet’s Foss – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

31. Kisdon Force (Keld Waterfalls)

Given its beauty and raw power, Kisdon Force is becoming an increasingly popular waterfall to visit in the Upper Swaledale area of the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you’re keen on wild swimming or just waterfall chasing, a visit to Kisdon Force should leave you pleased. Kisdon Force is made up of two waterfalls – Kisdon Upper Force and Kisdon Lower Force, which are around 5 and 12 metres high, respectively.

Read more: Kisdon Force – How to Visit This Hidden Waterfall

32. Linton Falls

Linton Falls is located near Grassington in the neighbouring village of Linton. Personally, Beck and I explored Linton Falls as part of the Grassington to Burnsall Walk. Definitely, Linton Falls was a highlight of this walk and is also one of the best natural attractions near Grassington.

33. Mill Gill Force

Mill Gill Force is a lesser-known yet epic waterfall located near Askrigg. By doing the Askrigg Waterfalls Walk, you can visit both Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force. Both of these waterfalls are phenomenal and deserve more visitors.

Read more: Askrigg Waterfalls Walk – Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force

34. Nidd Falls

Nidd Falls is a lesser-known waterfall in the Nidderdale AONB area of the Yorkshire Dales. To see this hidden waterfall, you’ll need to park at Lofthouse Car Park near How Stean Gorge. From the car park, you’ll follow a short trail alongside the River Nidd to reach the small yet intriguing waterfall.

35. Pecca Falls (Ingleton Falls)

Pecca Falls is the first waterfall you’ll see along the legendary Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Surely, Pecca Falls is one of the best waterfalls along this trail. The waterfall can be admired from a cool wooden bridge.

36. Rainby Force (Keld Waterfalls)

To find Rainby Force along the Keld Waterfalls Walk, you’ll need to initially walk through Swaledale Yurts. Although access to the base of Rainby Force is reserved for guests, you can still access the top of the falls. From the top of Rainby Force, you’ll still enjoy a nice view of the waterfall.

37. Rival Fall (Ingleton Falls)

Often, Rival Fall isn’t counted as an official waterfall along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Wedged in between Beezley Falls and Baxenghyll Gorge, Rival Fall is actually a delightful waterfall in its own right.

38. Scaleber Force

Scalebar Force is a cracking waterfall found near Settle. It’s possible to walk to this waterfall from Settle. Otherwise, you can do the Settle Walk (Settle Caves and Waterfalls Walk), to explore this waterfall as well as another waterfall (Catrigg Force) and two caves – Jubilee Cave and Victoria Cave.

39. Scale Haw Force AKA Hebden Beck Waterfall

Scale Haw Force AKA Hebden Beck Waterfall is a little-known waterfall located near the small village of Hebden. From the village, you can do a short walk along Hebden Beck to reach the majestic waterfall.

40. Snow Falls (Ingleton Falls)

Snow Falls is the last waterfall you’ll see along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get a good look at Snow Falls as your views are impeded by the surrounding woodlands. Nevertheless, Snow Falls is a lovely waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales.

41. Stainforth Force

Located near Stainforth on the River Ribble, Stainforth Force is a popular place for a picnic and wild swimming during the warmer months. Stainforth Force is also well-known as a site to see leaping salmon migrating up the river.

42. Swinner Gill Waterfalls

Swinner Gill is a rugged and remote area between Keld and Muker. Along Swinner Gill, you’ll find a bunch of waterfalls. It’s possible to extend the Keld Waterfalls Walk to reach the numerous Swinner Gill Waterfalls. Personally, Beck and I explored the Swinner Gill Waterfalls during the Muker to Keld Walk.

43. The Strid

The Strid is a small section of the River Wharfe in Strid Wood where the river is forced through a narrow gap in the rocks at a considerably high pressure. Found on the Bolton Abbey Estate during the Bolton Abbey Walk, The Strid is infamous for being the most dangerous stretch of river in the world!

Despite its infamy as a place of death, there is no official death toll at The Strid. The deathly reputation doesn’t come from any actual deaths it seems but from a cautionary tale! Nevertheless, the moss-covered chasm and cascade at The Strid is truly mesmerising.

Read more: The Strid – Visit The World’s Not-So-Deadly Stretch of River

44. Thornton Force (Ingleton Falls)

Thronton Force is perhaps the best waterfall along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. It’s indeed the largest of the Ingleton Falls at 14 metres high. Admittedly, Thornton Force looks much better after heavy rainfall.

45. Wain Wath Force (Keld Waterfalls)

Wain Wath Force is one of the most well-known Keld Waterfalls as it’s a popular place for wild swimming. At Wain Waith Force, there is an upper and lower set of falls, which are both worth exploring.

46. West Burton Falls AKA Cauldron Falls

Found on the serene Walden Beck, West Burton Falls (AKA Cauldron Falls) is a small but stunning waterfall that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. After all, it’s located near and overshadowed by the famous Aysgarth Falls. Definitely, after visiting Aysgarth Falls, make the trip to West Burton to see this waterfall.

Read more: West Burton Falls (Cauldron Falls) – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

47. Whitfield Gill Force

By doing the Askrigg Waterfalls Walk, you can explore the magnificent Whitfield Gill Force. Other than Whitfield Gill Force, there is also another decent waterfall flowing downstream along Whitfield Gill called the Whitfield Gill Lower Falls.

48. Yordas Cave Waterfall AKA Chapter House Waterfall

Yordas Cave is part of the Great Scar Limestone Group in the Yorkshire Dales, which was formed during the Carboniferous period, roughly 350,000,000 years ago. The former Victorian show cave not only features a huge cavern (Chapter House) but also a hidden waterfall within the cavern (Chapter House Waterfall).

Read more: Yordas Cave – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

How to Get to the Yorkshire Dales

The most convenient way to get to the Yorkshire Dales National Park is to drive. Sure, public transport around the Yorkshire Dales is fairly good, especially on the weekends during summer. But, outside of this time, public transport can be a hit and miss.

Additionally, many of these waterfalls are off the beaten track and located near smaller villages. So, public transport to some of the waterfalls and trailheads of the walks to reach them is non-existent. So, overall, it’s better to have your own vehicle, so you have the freedom and flexibility to chase waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales, at your own pace, without relying upon public transport.

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

Of course, if you just want to see the most popular waterfalls, it’s possible to use public transport to get to the major towns and villages in the Yorkshire Dales. Depending on where you’re travelling from in the UK, you may need to use a combination of Trainline, DalesBus and Google Maps to help plan your journey.

For specific details about public transport for each waterfall, please read the individual articles we’ve linked to in this guide.

Where to Stay in the Yorkshire Dales

What to Pack For Chasing Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

Here are some gear essentials for chasing waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

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 About Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales.

How Many Waterfalls Are in the Yorkshire Dales?

There are over 200 waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales!

What Is the Most Scenic Yorkshire Dales Waterfall?

Personally, after heavy rainfall, we think Hardraw Force is the most scenic, magical and dramatic waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales. As long as you visit straight away when it opens, you’ll enjoy a quiet and peaceful visit to the wonderful Hardraw Force.

What Is the Highest Waterfall in the Dales?

At 200 metres (650 feet), Cautley Spout is the highest broken waterfall above ground in the Yorkshire Dales. At 30 metres (100 feet), Hardraw Force is the highest unbroken single drop waterfall in the Dales.

Bonus Tips About Visiting Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

• Other Yorkshire Dales waterfalls to chase: honourable mentions go to Cote Gill Waterfall, Cow Dub, Ease Gill Kirk, Crackpot Falls (AKA Haverdale Beck Falls), Redmire Force and Uldale Force.
• Visit after rainfall: to see these waterfalls in all their glory, visit them after rainfall.
• Waterfalls in West Yorkshire: for details about Yorkshire waterfalls outside of the national park, read our Best Yorkshire Waterfalls guide (coming soon).

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