Don’t listen to TLC, get out there and chase these Waterfalls 
Waterfalls in films are often depicted as romantic, exotic locations (or the inevitable end to somebody being carried down a fast flowing river), and we have some stunning waterfalls around the UK that you can visit, and some of them couldn’t be easier to reach. The best thing about waterfalls, is that they’re actually more impressive in the rain – so don’t let the great British summer hold you back.
In this article we look at some of our favourite waterfalls around the UK, where they are and offer up a walk you can tackle to find them. Some are nearer than you think so grab your walking boots and get exploring!
Water, dampness, it’s sort of what the UK really excels at, so it’s no surprise we have such an abundance of stunning lakes, rivers and yes waterfalls. If you’re planning a trip this year, why not check out some of these?
High Force, County Durham, England
© Copyright Andrew Curtis
Now that’s a proper name for a waterfall, isn’t it? You can find High Force at Forest-in-Teesdale, High Force is very popular with visitors and has a visitor centre, car park and facilities that you can visit. High Force isn’t the tallest of England’s waterfalls, but it does have the highest volume of water falling over an unbroken drop. High Force stands at around 22 metres high.
Why not try? High Force Walking Route
Falls of Glomach, Rosshire, Scotland
Copyright Alf Melin
With a drop of around 113 metres, the Falls of Glomach are one of the tallest in Britain, but you’re going to have to put the work in if you want to find them. The route we’ve chosen below to find these falls, is considered the easiest and still clocks in at 11 miles. It’s worth it though to visit one of the tallest single drop falls, and because it’s a little off the beaten track, it won’t be as busy with tourists. If the stunning falls aren’t enough to entice you, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for wild life such as: golden eagles, golden plover, herds of red deer and wild goats.
Why not try: Falls of Glomach Walking Route (easiest route)
Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales
© Copyright Jurek and Trish Sienkiewicz
Located just inside Wales in the Berwyn Mountains, near Owestry and Shrewsbury, Pistyll Rhaeadr is another one of the largest falls in the UK and is listed as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’. It’s relatively easy access for all abilities with a car park and tea room located at the bottom of the falls. There’s plenty of good walking to be had in the area, and much more than just the stunning fall to discover. Local legend has it that a winged serpent lived in the lake at the top of the falls, and would fly down into the local village to steal children, women or animals before eating them. So if the kids won’t behave, you could always let them know all about Gwybr of Llanrhaeadr (Actually don’t, that’s probably a bit mean).
Why not try? Pistyll Rhaeadr route from car park
Steall Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland
Wikipedia Commons Author: Lebeda Karel
If you’re in the area for a holiday, or are looking for something other than Ben Nevis to occupy your time, then you really can’t go wrong with a lovely walk through Nevis Gorge to see Steall Falls. These walks are ideal for all abilities, but good footwear is recommended. The walk takes you past some lower falls to whet your appetite, through the gorge toward Steall Falls which can be seen from a wire bridge. This is Scotland’s second highest fall at 120m.
Why not try? A short walk through Nevis gorge to Steall Waterfall
Hardraw Force, Yorkshire Dales, England
© Copyright Stephen Clark
It’s claimed that Hardraw Force is England’s highest unbroken overground waterfall at 30m high. Located just outside of Hardraw in the Yorkshire Dales, with the Pennine Way passing close by. A rather unique feature of Hardraw Force is that, to view it – you have to go through a pub called the Green Dragon Inn (sounds like a good excuse). For movie fans, this waterfall was used in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves for the scene where Maid Marion catches Robin bathing under a waterfall (Please note: Nobody wants to see you re-create this).
Why not try? Hawes via Hardraw Force (Circular walk)
Aira Force, Lake District, England
© Copyright Pam Brophy
Arguably the most famous fall in the Lake District, Aira Force is located in Matterdale. Aira Force is a popular fall so can get quite busy, but it’s worth a visit as you can take in the surrounding Ullswater area as well. It’s an approximately 22m fall with a car park near by for easier access.
Why not try? Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell Walking Route
Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Yorkshire Dales, England
© Copyright Dr Neil Clifton
The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is a route in the Yorkshire Dales taking in a number of fantastic looking waterfalls including Pecca Falls, and the most famous of them all ‘Thornton Force’, a tropical looking 14 metre waterfall over a limestone cliff. The route is quite family friendly and is an ideal day out for a picnic, and well worth taking your camera.
Why not try? Ingleton Waterfall Trail
Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons, Wales
© Copyright I Braybrook
Waterfall Country is the name commonly used to describe an area of the Brecon Beacons that features a number of waterfalls and the scenery carved out by years of rushing water. This area features the four falls walk, which is by far the most popular way to see the area. The most famous of all the falls in the area is probably Sgwd Yr Eira, due to the fact that you can actually walk behind the water.
Why not try? Four Falls Walk
Becky Falls, Dartmoor, England
© Copyright Nigel Cox
Becky Falls, or Becka Falls as it used to be known is a park attraction in stunning Dartmoor. While the falls are behind an admission, they’re part of a park that features lovely family walks and family activities such as competitions and even a Meet the Meerkats experience. The falls mark a natural centrepiece as the water cascades over boulders to a roughly 20m drop. Becky Falls would make a great day out for young families.
Why not try? The four trails at Becky Falls
St. Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall, England
Wikicommons Author: Raimond Spekking
Not far from Tintagel in North Cornwall, you’ll find magical St Nectan’s Glen and area of woodland that features a number of waterfalls, including the 60 ft Nectan’s Kieve (above), which over time has punched a hole through the rocks. To reach the waterfalls, the glen will take you on a pretty walk through Ivy clad trees along the River Trevillet. The Kieve is considered a sacred place to some, and as you can see from the image above, the area now features numerous ribbons, crystals, inscriptions, prayers and more all over the rock and foliage near the fall.
Why not try? St Nectan’s Glen Woodland Walk
The Falls of Clyde, South Lanarkshire, Scotland
© Copyright Alan O'Dowd
The Falls of Clyde is the collective term for the four linn along the River Clyde, they comprise of: Bonnington Linn, Corra Linn, Dundaff Linn and Stonebyres Linn with Corra Linn (pictured) the largest. The reserve where these falls can be found is known for woodland walks and a wealth of wildlife including: Peregrine falcons, otters, badgers and roe deer, in fact over 100 species of bird have been spotted in the area over time. The Clyde Walkway long distance walking route passes through the reserve and will take you past all four falls.
Why not try? Falls of Clyde & New Lanark Walk
Hareshaw Linn, Northumberland, England
© Copyright Andrew Curtis
Hareshaw Linn is a pretty little wooded valley that features a 3 mile there and back walk that captures a waterfall. This is a relatively easy walk and is suitable for most abilities. Look out for a wealth of wildlife such as great spotted woodpeckers and red squirrels.
Why not try? Hareshaw Walk
Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye
© Copyright Daniel Stockman
A very popular location on the Isle of Skye, ideal for walkers and wild swimmers alike. the Fairy Pools are vivid blues and greens and although the falls may not be as large as some on this list, they make for an all together magical experience. The first waterfall on the walking route actually marks the start of the Fairy Pools experience as you can explore through a landscape that is well worth packing a second camera battery for.
Why not try? Fairy Pools Walk
Glenoe Waterfall, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
© Copyright Albert Bridge
Arguably one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Northern Ireland, Glenoe Waterfall is a short walk from the village of Glenoe in County Antrim. The short walk weaves it’s way through the glen to one of the most favoured photo spots in County Antrim.
Why not try? Glenoe Waterfall Walk
Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons, Wales
© Copyright Martin Edwards
Not too far from ‘Waterfall Country’ mentioned above you will find Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in south Wales. While it’s certainly impressive in it’s own right, this is another waterfall for movie buffs, as it was actually used as the waterfall protecting the Batcave in Batman ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. The area can get quite slippery with spray, so be careful when visiting, and unfortunately we have to say – The Batcave isn’t actually behind the waterfall (But then I suppose that’s what Batman would want us to think).
Why not try? Henrhyd Falls along the Nant Llech River
Now this is only a select 15 of the fantastic waterfalls around the UK that you can visit, and in the interest of trying to spread out the locations, we’ve probably missed off some quite popular ones, for example there are plenty in the Yorkshire Dales that we could have named, along with even more in Wales. That being said, you can view a lot of waterfall walks here.
Where is your favourite waterfall in the UK? Let us know in the comments below.
