Get Lost Mountaineering

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail from Ingleton

Start/Finish

Ingleton is a large village on the A65 between Settle and Kirkby Lonsdale. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail has a large car park but even that can be full at busy times in the summer. The nearest postcode is LA6 3ET. It is best to avoid approaching through the main village as that can be very busy. Most will approach from the A65 Skipton to Kendal road. Coming from the north, turn left onto New Road(opposite the right turn for the A687 Lancaster road) about half a mile before Ingleton. Coming from the south, go past Ingleton, cross the river to reach the same junction where you turn right. It is signposted at this junction for the Waterfalls Trail. Follow the road and the entrance is just before the huge viaduct and just before the river is crossed. On 21/3/22, entrance to the trail was £8 for adults and £4 for children which includes free parking and use of the picnic areas around the car park. There is a bar and cafe at the entrance off the road as well as toilet facilities. Bear in mind, that, in some places, you will pay more than £8 just to park so there can be no complaints about the entrance charge especially when you see the work which has been put in to create the trail and make it as safe as possible.

Distance/Time

7 km     About 3 - 4 hours (very dependent on stops)

Peaks

No peaks and no map needed as the entire route is very well signed.

Introduction

This is a lovely walk. It doesn't just take in many waterfalls but also narrow, steep sided gorges and cliffs as well as open limestone country plus a superb view of Ingleborough. On the down side, there are many steps especially on the return where there is much up and down which is necessary to see the best of the scenery especially the gorges. There is often an ice cream/snack van on the track reached after Thornton Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. Further on, past Beezley Farm, there is a kiosk selling snacks with a pleasant outdoor seating area with views to Ingleborough. The best time to visit is when there are no leaves on the trees so giving clearer views of the waterfalls and gorges. Also, after rain is good as the waterfalls will be more dramatic but best to wait until the paths have dried out as they can be slippery in places. Mid-March, on a sunny day during the week is probably the ideal time to visit to see the best of the scenery without the crowds of the summer! It is possible that the return section which hugs the side of the gorge may be closed after very heavy rain but an alternative path is available in the most unlikely event of this happening in very exceptional weather conditions.

Route

(1) Walk down the car park to pay at the ticket office, cards only these days. Follow the obvious trail alongside the River Twiss passing through pleasant woodland. Cross Manor Bridge and continue up Swilla Glen to Pecca Bridge which is an ideal viewpoint for Pecca Falls. Like many of the waterfalls on this walk, Pecca Falls is not a single fall but a series of falls. The top fall is called Hollybush Spout. Some after, the trail opens up and curves round to Thornton Force where many stop to picnic in this idyllic spot. The trail then leads up past Thornton Force and follows the river before crossing it and reaching a public bridlepath.

(2) Turn right and follow the bridlepath (gravel track). There is usually an ice cream/snack van along here. The track gradually descends and passes by the side of Beezley Farm from where there are great views of Ingleborough. Continue past the farm and descend down to a public road. Go across and enter Falls Park (where accommodation can be booked). The trail takes you past a kiosk selling snacks and ice cream which can be consumed at a pleasant seating area. Toilets are here as well.

(3) Continue on the trail which soon encounters the first of very many steps, both up and down, which try to keep the trail close to the River Doe. Beezley Falls are passed first then the very impressive Baxenghyll Gorge and the final falls, Snow Falls. Along the way there is a flat area where the water can be reached, via a short ramp, at the bottom of the gorge. Soon after Snow Falls, the trail drops down the side of a cliff on steps then largely flattens out. A little further, the trail leaves the river to meet up with a public bridleway which is easily followed, past some old lime kilns and quarry workings, to reach Ingleton village where one can browse the many shops, pubs and cafes. To return to the start, simply head along the streets for the right hand end of the huge viaduct, seen from almost everywhere.

Notes

(a) This walk mainly took place on 21^st March, 2022 and many times previously.