Walking the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in North Yorkshire
For many years, I’d heard people talk about the impressive Ingleton waterfalls, and like many things in life once I’d finally experienced them for myself, I couldn’t believe I’d not walked the trail sooner.
There is a well known trail that takes in all the waterfalls in Ingleton, situated on the Western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It follows a 4.5 mile circular route, with the recommended route starting out up the River Twiss and returning via the River Doe. The rivers then converge downstream in Ingleton itself.
The trail follows a well-defined footpath which runs very close to both rivers, allowing spectacular views of all the falls. You can pick up a trail leaflet in the car park and this is all you need to find your way. An OS map is not required as it is that well sign-posted along the way.
Ingleton Waterfalls Walk Route – Up the River Twiss
From the Ingleton waterfalls car park, the path starts out along the River Twiss through Swilla Glen, a deciduous woodland largely made up of Oak. In Swilla Glen you’ll come across these cute toadstool sculptures and the best example of a money tree I have ever seen.
It was considered lucky to hammer a coin into a money tree and over the years, it’s become completely covered in them. There is definitely no room left for further coins.
Through Swilla Glen, the path weaves over gravel, rocks and tree roots and starts to gain some height towards the first of the waterfalls at Pecca Falls. There are a number of waterfalls that make up Pecca Falls with the most photogenic being Pecca Twin Falls.
At this point the path ascends a series of steep man-made steps and beyond these falls, it levels out onto open moorland. At this point, the River Twiss flows through a shallow valley with beautiful views. Eventually you round a corner and the stunning Thornton Force comes into view.
It is a hotly contested topic as to which of the falls on the Ingleton waterfalls trail are considered the best and most spectacular. Many consider the final ones on the trail: Snow Falls, on the River Doe to be the most powerful and therefore the most impressive, but in my opinion Thornton Force is the best. Although the flow of water is not always the most powerful, the height and width of the falls are superior, the river plunging 14 metres over a limestone cliff. There’s a beautiful contrast between the visible rock formations and the curtain of water. The setting of Thornton Force is definitely the grandest too – a wide open amphitheatre-like space perfect for taking a rest from the uphill walk. It’s also an ideal place to sit and enjoy a picnic, if not a dip or paddle in the water.
Setting off revived once again, the path climbs up the side of Thornton Force and emerges above to an area of mini rapids. If walking the trail when the weather has been dry like I did, each little ledge of rock is visible below the water flow, adding a particularly attractive quality to the river. I can imagine when the river is in spate the rocks would be completely covered, looking very different indeed.
Walk Route Continues – Above the River Gorges
As you reach the top of the Twiss Gorge and emerge into open countryside, look back the way you’ve come and you realise just how far you’ve climbed up.
The mass of Twistleton Scar End opens up to your right. This is the beginning of the Whernside Range, one of the famous Yorkshire 3 peaks alongside Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.
Cross the river at the next footbridge: Ravens Ray Bridge and look up the river at your last view of the River Twiss Valley as it becomes Kingsdale.
The path continues up to Twistleton Lane, an old Roman Road that leads round into Kingsdale and this signals the highest point of the walk with fabulous views back towards Ingleton.
Ahead, superb views of Ingleborough dominate, and this beautiful mass remains in view till you drop down to the River Doe.
Ingleton Waterfalls Walk Route – Down the River Doe
Crossing the road, signs direct you onto the River Doe part of the trail and to the Falls Refreshment Centre. Hopefully this will be open for you as I believe its opening hours are rather temperamental. The toilets were not open when I passed by. It states on their website, it is open from 12 – 3pm (minimum) June to September, but also states this is ‘weather permitting’. Do not rely on the facilities being available.
From here, the trail enters Oak woodland once again and you soon arrive at the first of the falls on the River Doe: the attractive Beezley Falls.
The trail then starts to cling to the side of the gorge on wooden walkways and arrives at Rival Falls. Here the Doe plunges into a plunge pool known as “Black Hole” which is reputed to be over 80 feet deep.
From here you pass Baxenghyll Gorge where a narrow viewing bridge peels off to the left. This has a metal mesh surface so you can see the river immediately below you between the gaps. It’s a great place to view the water rushing through the gorge, but is ‘gulp-tastic’ and only for those with a head for heights. Keep tight hold of your camera!
The last of the falls on the Ingleton Waterfalls trail is Snow Falls and I had been primed that they were the most impressive on the trail; however I didn’t feel they were a patch on Thornton Force and unfortunately you can’t get very close to them. You also have to make sure you keep looking back as the decent view of Snow Falls will be behind you.
The last part of the trail alongside the River Doe passes through old limestone quarries before reaching the road back into Ingleton village where there’s a large selection of cafes and pubs to wet your whistle after this fabulous walk! I can recommend The Wheatsheaf Inn for a nice Yorkshire Pint!
If you’re parked at the waterfalls car park, keep bearing right on entering the village and you’ll find it, no problems!
Visitor Information
Decent footwear is needed to walk the Ingleton Waterfalls trail as although it is a well worn path, it is steep and rocky in places and full of tree roots.
With rare and interesting plants and wildlife and its importance as a geological site, much of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England.
Trail Opening Times 2023:
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is open every day from 9am with the last entry time differing depending on time of year, largely geared to daylight hours.
April – August: 7pm last entry
March, September & October: 4pm last entry
November – February: 2.30pm last entry
It takes approximately 2.5 – 3.5 hours to complete the trail depending on your walking speed and how long you stop for photos, so keep this in mind when starting out so you make it back before dark.
Prices & Parking 2023:
There is a charge for walking the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail as it crosses private land. Payment is by card only and there is no need to pre-book.
Adults (Over 16’s) cost £10.00 and Children cost £5.00
Free parking is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Further Reading
If you’re a keen walker like me, you might be interested in my other walks here.
Some of my favourites in the North West of England include my Walk Amongst the Iron Men at Crosby Beach, walking to The Dream Sculpture at Sutton Manor Woodlands, and a ramble at Clock Face Country Park in Merseyside. I’m also a regular visitor to Pennington Flash in Greater Manchester. Check out my snowy walk up Rivington Pike and Winter Hill in Lancashire or if you are in north Cheshire I can highly recommend Risley Moss Nature Reserve near Warrington and Wigg Island in Runcorn.
Get in Touch!
Have you walked the Ingleton Waterfall trail? Which is your favourite waterfall? Drop me a line and let me know in the comments section below…
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Penelope Downs | 26th May 19
Looks fantastic – I love walks by rivers and, particularly, waterfalls. This is definitely a walk we must do, next time we are up in Yorkshire. I’m glad I stumbled upon your website.
Tilly Horseman | 26th Jun 19
It really is a superb walk! Definitely do it next time you’re in that area of Yorkshire and let me know what you think! Many thanks for your lovely feedback!