For the nature lovers who find waterfalls as mesmerising as I do, this one is for you! The Lake District National Park has many famous mountains and lakes, but for me, my favourite thing about Cumbria has always been it’s waterfalls. Each one has it’s own unique beauty and personality, and I’m so excited to share with you my top 5 waterfall walks in the Lake District that I think you’ll love. All of these waterfalls have easy access and some are even suitable for wild swimming.
Aira Force (near Glenridding)
- Walk Length: 2.3km circular, approximately 1 hour to complete.
- Elevation Gain: 131m.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate- suitable for children and dogs are welcome
Aira Force is a stunning waterfall, near the shores of Ullswater, sourced by Aira Beck. It is accessible via a well paved path, particularly popular with families during the school holidays. It has a viewing area directly in front of the magnificent waterfall, perfect for capturing a memorable photo. Aira Force is dog friendly, but it’s best to keep your companion on the lead due to the water, steep drops and nearby flocks of sheep. The waterfall is fenced off for safe viewing, so no wild swimming here.
Aira Force Walk
The walk to Aira Force is considered easy to moderate, but it can be steep in some places with uneven path, therefore it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It has around a 131m elevation gain (perfect to get the blood pumping!) and takes around one hour to complete the circular route. For those wanting a longer, more challenging walk, there are various ways to extend your walking route, usually up to High Cascades (more waterfalls for those who can’t get enough!) or the nearby Gowbarrow Fell (482m).
Aira Force is a popular destination, so it has a tearoom and toilets. Perfect for a family day out or when you fancy a day out in nature with a some nearby comforts, too. Afterwards, you can explore the shores of Ullswater, go for a paddle board or take a ride on one of the historic Ullswater Steamers; a traditional way to explore the lake for the past 175 years.
Aira Force has it’s own National Trust car park. National Trust members park for free, or it’s £7 for 2 hours, £8.50 for 4 hours or £10 to park all day. Payment can be made with cash or via the JustPark app.
- Car Park Address: Near Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JS
- What3Words: ///chromatic.tractor.port
- Aira Force Tea Room Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Coniston Coppermines Hidden Waterfall
- Walk Length: Around 3.5km out and back.
- Elevation: 100m
- Difficulty: Easy
This stunning waterfall near the Coniston Coppermines, has become a favourite with walkers (and myself!), due to it’s hidden location and mesmerising turquoise water. Only a short(ish) walk from the bustling town of Coniston or the nearby YHA, it’s enigmatic beauty is worth the trip to the area and finding it. The waterfall is actually located right next to the well defined path along Church Beck, but it isn’t visible at first glance due to the surrounding rocks, so knowing the exact location is a must (What3words: ///solving.voters.placidly)!
If you find the location and peep over the side however, you’ll find this beautiful cascade of aquamarine blue water. The waterfall is accessible via a short but steep scramble down the rocks, so be very careful if you choose to go down to the water.
You can take a dip in this magical waterfall, but be warned, even on warm, summer days, the water is icy cold! For tips on how to wild swim safely, see here. Why not extend your walk a little further around the historic Coniston Coppermines valley and Levers Water? This route takes around 2.5-3 hours, is 8km in total and has an elevation of 382m.
Where to Park:
- Coniston Ruskin Avenue Car Park
- What3Words: ///weeds.anthems.food
- Nearest Postcode: LA21 8EH
- Parking Info: Payment is made via cash or credit card, or paybyphone app
Tom Gill Waterfall (near Tarn Hows)
- Walk Length: 5km circular, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Elevation Gain: 200m.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Suitable for children and dogs, but includes steep sections and some rocky scrambling. Good footwear essential.
Tom Gill Waterfall near Tarn Hows (sometimes referred to as the ‘Tarn Hows Waterfall’) is an elegant waterfall surrounded by beautiful natural woodland near Coniston. I love this walk because reaching the waterfall requires a moderate amount of exertion through stunning surroundings, but you can also extend your walk to include a stroll around the tranquil Tarn Hows.
Park at the Glen Mary car park, or there is often limited free parking alongside Yew Tree Tarn. Follow the trail into the woodlands up the path, which becomes a little steeper and rockier in places. You’ll soon reach the beautiful Tom Gill Waterfall, tucked away in a little corner of the woods near Tarn Hows. The water plunges over the rocks into a shallow pool below, creating a lovely little spot to stop and take in its beauty. There’s something magical about this secluded part of the woodlands, particularly after rainfall when the waterfall is flowing with force. I can’t quite put it into words, but this waterfall has a feminine quality about it, and I think looks like it could be a postcard from Bali.
The rocky path continues uphill to the left, providing different viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to photograph the magical waterfall from above. Alternatively, you can follow a separate path to the right that takes you closer to the falls, where you can appreciate the falls up close.
Where to Park:
- Glen Mary Car Park (National Trust)
- What3Words: ///overcomes.across.birthdays
- Nearest Postcode: LA21 8DP
- Parking Info: Prices start at £5 for 2 hours (National Trust members park free)
Galleny Force (Langstrath Valley)
- Walk Length: around 3km out and back, 7-8km if extending walk to Black Moss Pot
- Elevation Gain: 97m
- Difficulty: Easy
Galleny Force is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the hidden Fairy Glen, an easily missed stretch of pools and waterfalls along Stonethwaite Beck in Borrowdale. It isn’t a particularly large waterfall, but it is stunning. Beneath the falls, you’ll find crystal clear pools of shimmering aquamarine water, shaded by oak trees to create a sheltered, almost secret cove feel. I spent a perfect morning here, and it’s easy to see how the Fairy Glen got its name. In the sunlight, insects dance above the water, giving this magical spot an almost fairytale like feel.
Wild swimming is possible here in the shallows, but as always take great care as the pool is secluded and the water very vold. For wild swimming safety tips, click here.
- Waterfall What3Words: ///begun.convinced.slimy
- Watefall Grid Reference: NY272130
Where to Park:
- Stonethwaite Farm and Campsite
Address: Stonethwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5XG - Rosthwaite National Trust Car Park
Address: Rosthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5XB
Stanley Ghyll Force (Eskdale)
- Walk Length: 4.7km circular, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Elevation Gain: 117m.
- Difficulty: Moderate due to uneven footing at places and the ascent to the viewing platform
A towering waterfall in the secluded Eskdale Valley, Stanley Ghyll Force is well worth a visit. The walk to this waterfall follows a stunning riverside trail along Stanley Ghyll Beck, leading you through peaceful woodland from the village of Dalegarth.
The waterfall is visible from a pulse-racing viewing platform (not for the faint-hearted!), reached by a steep ascent up the hillside. It’s the perfect place to snap some memorable photos, but if you’re afraid of heights, don’t look down!
I highly recommend taking a circular route from Dalegarth, as there are also options along the way to extend your walk and experience other unique sights, such as the 17th-century packhorse bridge- Doctor Bridge, the tranquil Eel Tarn and Eskdale Mill- the last working water-powered corn mill in the area.
Where to park:
- Dalegarth Boot Station
- Postcode: CA19 1TF
- Parking: Pay and display or nearby limited free parking by the river
Top Places to Stay Nearby
Langdale Chase Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -Windermere
The Highfield – Keswick
Woolpack Inn Langdale Chase Hotel ⭐⭐ -Eskdale
Hazel Bank Country House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -Borrowdale
The Samling ⭐⭐⭐⭐ -Windermere
Loved this? You may also like: Esk Falls and Tongue Pot: Top Waterfalls in the Lake District
I love sharing my favourite Lake District places and local tips. If you’ve found this guide useful and fancy buying me a coffee, you can do so here. It’s always appreciated! ☕
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