45 MINUTES FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Ingleton
Waterfalls Trail
A 4.5-mile circular walk through two river gorges, past four major waterfalls and through ancient broadleaf woodland. One of the most dramatic short walks anywhere in the Yorkshire Dales, and one that rewards visiting in all weathers.
Trail information
- Distance
- 4.5 miles circular
- Time
- 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate - well-maintained paths, some steps and uneven ground
- Start
- Ingleton village car park, LA6 3DT
- Cost
- Small admission charge at the trail entrance - check website for current prices
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome on the trail
- From Pateley Bridge
- Approx 45 minutes by car via Skipton and the A65
The four waterfalls
Pecca Falls
The first major falls on the trail, where the River Twiss pours over a series of stepped limestone ledges into a pool below. The gorge here is dark and dramatic even on a summer day.
Thornton Force
The showpiece of the trail and one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Dales. A 14-metre drop into a wide pool, with an unusual rock ledge that lets you walk behind the falling water. The geology here shows 500 million years of rock in a single face.
Beezley Falls
On the return leg via the River Doe, Beezley Falls comes into view suddenly - a sequence of drops through a narrow gorge lined with moss and ferns. In high flow it is spectacular.
Snow Falls
The final waterfall before the trail returns to Ingleton village. The white water against the dark rock gives the falls their name, and it is a good place to stop and rest before the short walk back to the cafe.
WHEN TO GO
The trail in every season
Winter and early spring
The waterfalls are at their most powerful after rain or snowmelt - the gorges fill with noise and spray. Cold and dramatic. Go early in the day before the paths get slippery.
Late spring
Wild garlic and bluebells carpet the gorge floor in May. The air smells wonderful and the woodland light is at its most beautiful as the canopy fills in.
Summer
The most popular time. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds. The gorge is cool even in a heatwave, and the pools below Thornton Force are irresistible.
Autumn
The broadleaf woodland turns gold and amber above the white water. Probably the most photogenic time of year. Paths can be wet but the trail is well maintained throughout.
Make a day of it
Ingleton village has good cafes and pubs for lunch after the trail. The drive from Pateley Bridge via Skipton is beautiful and Skipton town itself is worth a stop - the castle and canal are excellent. You can also continue north-west to Ingleborough Cave near Clapham, only 15 minutes from Ingleton, for an underground adventure to round off the day.