6 of the Best Yorkshire Waterfalls Walk, England

Yorkshire has some of England’s best waterfall walks, ranging from short woodland trails and family-friendly riverside routes to steeper hikes through the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

These six walks cover well-known falls including Aysgarth, Janet’s Foss, Ingleton and Cautley Spout, with options for different distances, difficulty levels and parts of the county.

Why Are Yorkshire’s Waterfall Walks Worth the Fuss?

Yorkshire isn’t just rolling hills, cozy villages, and windswept moors. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in England.

It’s neatly tucked into valleys, gorges, and woodland glades that feel like they were designed for walkers. 

For those of you who enjoy a bit of drama with your stroll, nothing beats following a trail that suddenly delivers the roar of water crashing down over rocks.

These are the kinds of walks that make you stop mid-step, pull out your camera, and take a deep breath of cool and misty air.

Each of these waterfall walks offers a little extra. Sometimes it’s the history of the area, sometimes it’s the wildlife you might spot along the way, and sometimes it’s simply the joy of standing somewhere that feels untouched and timeless.

Here are six of the best waterfall walks in Yorkshire.

“First time on the trail? Hiking for Beginners has your back.”

1. Best Family Waterfall Walk: Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Yorkshire, and for good reason!It’s not just one waterfall but three that are spread out along a mile of the River Ure, and with each section giving you a different perspective on the river’s power. 

The falls have been attracting visitors for centuries, and even made a cameo in the 1991 adventure film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

For those of you who like a walk that combines natural beauty with a bit of movie trivia, this is a perfect pick.

Aysgarth Falls Circular Walk Details

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Average time: Approx. 2–3 hours
• Distance: Approx. 6.4 km / 4 miles
• Elevation gain: Approx. 120 m / 394 ft
• Elevation loss: Approx. 120 m / 394 ft
• Route type: Circular
• Start/end: Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre
• Best for: Families, riverside scenery and an easier half-day walk
• Highlights: Upper, Middle and Lower Falls, River Ure, woodland and Wensleydale scenery
• Trail highlight: Seeing the character of the River Ure change across all three main sets of falls rather than visiting just one viewpoint.

2. Best Short Waterfall Walk: Hawes to Hardraw Force

Hardraw Force is the highest single-drop waterfall in England, and it plunges 100 feet in dramatic fashion.

The walk to the falls is short and easy, which makes it accessible for most walkers, yet the impact of the waterfall is huge. 

The wooded amphitheatre around the falls gives you several impressive views of the drop, and for those of you who enjoy a big reward without a long hike, Hardraw is a must.

Hawes to Hardraw Force Details

• Difficulty: Easy
• Average time: Approx. 1.5–2 hours
• Distance: Approx. 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
• Elevation gain: Approx. 100 m / 328 ft
• Elevation loss: Approx. 100 m / 328 ft
• Route type: Out-and-back / village loop depending on return
• Start/end: Hawes
• Best for: A shorter waterfall walk from a Yorkshire Dales town
• Highlights: Wensleydale countryside, Hardraw village and Hardraw Force
• Trail highlight: The sheer height of the waterfall and the dramatic amphitheater-like setting.
• Don’t Miss: The nearby Green Dragon Inn, which you walk through to access the falls (one of the quirkiest entrances to a natural wonder)

Note: access to Hardraw Force is privately managed and there is an admission charge.

3. Best Waterfall Walk near Malham: Janet’s Foss and Malham Landscape Trail

Janet’s Foss is a small but enchanting waterfall that is tucked into woodland near Malham.

Legend says it was once home to Janet, the queen of the local fairies, and it certainly has a magical feel to it that you should feel when you are there.

The waterfall tumbles into a clear woodland pool, surrounded by mossy rock and trees that make the whole setting feel surprisingly tucked away.

For families or beginners looking for a gentle walk with a touch of myth and mystery, this one is ideal.

Janet’s Foss and Malham Landscape Trail Details

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
• Distance: Approx. 6.3–7.2 km / 3.9–4.5 miles
• Elevation gain: Approx. 200 m / 656 ft
• Elevation loss: Approx. 200 m / 656 ft
• Route type: Circular
• Start/end: Malham National Park Centre
• Best for: Waterfalls, limestone scenery and a classic Malham walk
• Highlights: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Cove and limestone scenery
• Trail highlight: Janet’s Foss provides the woodland waterfall stop before the route opens into the much bigger limestone landscapes around Malham.

If you’re planning your day around distance and walking time, knowing your typical hiking pace can also help you work out how long a route may take.

4. Best Waterfall Circuit in Yorkshire: Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is the ultimate waterfall walk in Yorkshire. This circular trail leads you past no fewer than six waterfalls, and each one is entirely different in character from roaring cascades to delicate trickles spilling into deep pools. 

The path winds through wooded gorges and open moorland, which makes it one of the most varied and satisfying walks in the region. For those of you who like a hike that feels like a grand tour of nature’s highlights, this is the one.

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Details

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average time: Approx. 2.5–4 hours
• Distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles
• Elevation gain: Approx. 250 m / 820 ft
• Elevation loss: Approx. 250 m / 820 ft
• Route type: Circular, walked clockwise
• Start/end: Ingleton Waterfalls Trail entrance, Ingleton
• Highest point: Approx. 300 m / 984 ft
• Best for: A dedicated waterfall walk with multiple falls
• Highlights: Thornton Force (the most dramatic of the lot), Pecca Falls, Beezley Falls, wooded gorges and River Twiss/Doe scenery
• Trail highlight: Thornton Force is the standout single waterfall, but the real appeal is how consistently the scenery changes, from deep gorges to airy hilltop (it’s a walk that never gets dull)

For a more detailed look, be sure to check out our Guide to Ingleton Falls

5. Best Woodland Waterfall Walk: May Beck and Falling Foss

Falling Foss is a gorgeous 30-foot waterfall hidden in Sneaton Forest near Whitby. The walk to the falls is perfect for those with four-legged friends, as the forest trails are shaded, varied, and full of places for dogs to splash about.

The falls themselves are as photogenic as they come, and they tumble gracefully into a pool that is surrounded by greenery. For those of you who enjoy walks that balance beauty with dog-friendly fun, this one’s a winner!

May Beck and Falling Foss Details

• Difficulty: Easy
• Average time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours
• Distance: Approx. 3.2 km / 2 miles
• Elevation gain: Approx. 80 m / 262 ft
• Elevation loss: Approx. 80 m / 262 ft
• Route type: Circular
• Start/end: May Beck car park
• Highest point: Approx. 179 m / 587 ft
• Best for: Woodland walking, families and a shorter waterfall outing
• Highlights: Falling Foss, May Beck, woodland and Falling Foss Tea Garden
• Trail highlight: The 9 m / 30 ft Falling Foss appearing through the trees is the obvious centrepiece of this short woodland circuit.
• Don’t Miss: A stop at the Falling Foss Tea Garden for homemade cakes and a well-earned brew.

If you’re new to walking trails, these hiking tips for beginners can also help you feel more prepared before setting out.

6. Best Mountain Waterfall Hike: Cautley Spout

It’s the highest cascading waterfall in England, and it plunges nearly 650 feet down a rugged hillside. 

The approach to the base is relatively straightforward, but the scenery feels far bigger and wilder than the distance suggests.

For those who want more of a challenge, the steep path beside the waterfall continues into the higher Howgills.

Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys Details

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate to the base
• Average time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours
• Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
• Elevation gain: Relatively minor on the approach to the base
• Elevation loss: Relatively minor on the return
• Route type: Out-and-back
• Start/end: Cross Keys Inn, Cautley
• Best for: Big waterfall scenery without committing to a mountain circuit
• Highlights: Cautley Spout, River Rawthey valley and the Howgill Fells
• Trail highlight: The waterfall becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach, dropping in stages down the steep flank of the Howgills.
• Don’t Miss: The sweeping views back across the Howgill Fells as you climb (the landscape feels both remote and timeless)
• Increase the challenge: Experienced walkers can continue up the steep path beside Cautley Spout towards the higher Howgills, but that turns this into a substantially harder mountain walk and should be treated as a separate route.

When Is the Best Time for Waterfall Walks in Yorkshire?

Spring and autumn are hard to beat for waterfall walks in Yorkshire, especially if you want a good mix of flowing water, cooler walking weather and fewer summer crowds.

Spring brings greener valleys, wildflowers and plenty of water running through the falls after the wetter months. It’s also a particularly nice time for woodland routes around places such as Janet’s Foss and Falling Foss.

Summer gives you longer daylight hours and generally easier conditions underfoot, although popular walks around Malham, Aysgarth and Ingleton can become busy. An earlier start is worth it if you want a little more peace.

Autumn is another favourite, with woodland colour adding an extra layer to already scenic routes. Cooler temperatures also make the longer walks more comfortable.

Winter can make the waterfalls look spectacular after periods of rain, but wet rock, steps and muddy paths can become very slippery.

A little rain can actually improve a waterfall walk, but there’s a difference between dramatic water levels and conditions you probably shouldn’t be walking in.

After prolonged or very heavy rain, check local conditions and be prepared to change plans if paths, stepping stones or gorge sections are unsafe.

What to Bring for Waterfall Walks in Yorkshire

Waterfall walks have a habit of being wetter and muddier than you expect, even when the forecast looks fairly friendly.

For most of these routes, consider bringing:

• Walking shoes or hiking boots with decent grip for wet rock, muddy paths and uneven ground
• A waterproof jacket because waterfalls, woodland and Yorkshire weather are all fairly good at getting you wet
• A simple layering system for cooler valleys, exposed sections and changing temperatures
• A comfortable daypack for food, spare clothing and anything else you need for the day
• Offline maps or reliable navigation on the longer routes or anywhere with multiple path junctions
• Enough water for the walk, especially during warmer weather
• Trekking poles if you prefer a little extra stability on steep, wet or slippery ground

A spare pair of socks isn’t the worst idea either. Waterfall walks have a funny way of finding the one patch of mud you were sure you could step around.

🗒️ Free Checklist: Planning your next hiking trip?? Download our printable hiking checklist to make sure you don’t miss the essentials.

Why These Walks Stick With You

What makes waterfall walks in Yorkshire so memorable is the combination of movement, sound, and setting.

A ridge walk or a moorland stroll is wonderful, but there’s something about hearing the roar of water long before you see it that adds a sense of anticipation!

There’s plenty of variety too. You can keep things easy with a woodland walk to Falling Foss, spend a few hours exploring the waterfalls around Ingleton, or head into the Howgills for the much bigger scenery around Cautley Spout.

They’re also walks that change noticeably with the seasons. Spring greenery, autumn colour and a few days of rain can completely change the character of the falls.

Sometimes you don’t need the highest summit or the longest route to make a walk memorable. Following the sound of running water through a Yorkshire valley can do the job perfectly well.

More Walking in Yorkshire

If you’re planning more time on the trails, these Yorkshire guides are a natural next step:

• Hiking in Yorkshire — explore the wider county, including its main walking regions, bases and landscapes.
• Hiker’s Guide to the North York Moors — plan walks, viewpoints and hiking days across the moors and coast.
• Best Walks in the Yorkshire Moors — find more standout routes across the North York Moors.
• Best Circular Walks in Yorkshire — discover more loop walks across the county.
• Best Yorkshire Dales National Park Walks — keep exploring the Dales beyond the waterfall routes.

Where to Next? More Hiking in England

If Yorkshire has you thinking about where to walk next, these guides will help widen the search:

• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in England — plan a broader hiking trip across England’s national parks, coastlines and countryside.
• Best Hikes in England — discover more standout day hikes and classic walking routes around the country.
• Walking Holiday in England — compare destinations and regions for a longer walking-focused trip.

Kayde Parker

Hi, I’m Kayde Parker, and I love walking, hiking, and history. I want to explore these passions by seeing as many of the best walks and hikes in Europe and the United Kingdom.

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