The Best UK Waterfalls
We're lucky to be home to beautiful scenery here in the UK, from atmospheric countryside walks to parks and lakes, the British Isles has it all. As we've all been making the most of the outdoors in recent months, a change of scenery (whilst adhering to the government guidance) is always welcome, especially as we're reaching spring. Getting outside on warm, scenic walks is more enjoyable than ever.
As well as the UK being home to some beautiful green spaces, it's also home to some stunning waterfalls. From Scotland to Wales, there are so many spectacular waterfalls you can visit. With most being situated within a local park, a National Trust park or reserve, visiting a waterfall can be a real adventure, you can follow woodland routes and trails, be exposed to beautiful wildlife, and take in some spectacular views.
UK Waterfall Map: Our 10 Favourites
Ingleton Falls
Ingleton Falls is based in the village of Ingleton, just a short distance from Yorkshire dales. This trail is around 4.5 miles long and features a circular route alongside River Doe and River Twiss, these rivers are home to beautiful falls: Pecca Falls, Thornton Force, Beezley Falls, and Snow Fall. We recommend wearing some sturdy shoes like walking boots as this trail is 4.3 miles and takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to complete.
This is a ticketed walk, with reasonable prices from £3-7, parking is included in the price. In bad weather occasionally the trail can be closed due to the river levels making the walk too dangerous, therefore it is advised you contact the ticket office if unsure to ensure the trail is open before making a trip.
As mentioned earlier this route takes around 2 hours 30 minutes and there are a large number of steps included making this unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Falls Of Glomach
Being situated in the Scottish Highlands The Falls of Glomach are accessible by foot only, making this walk longer than most. This walk takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete so is not for the faint-hearted and it is advised that those participating in the walk should be equipped for a mountain environment, this includes ensuring you are wearing appropriate hiking clothing and walking shoes. You will also need to ensure you have a map and compass with you as it is likely you will not get any phone service whilst on this walk.
For Experienced hikers, there is a longer route that takes approximately 8 hours along Glen Elchaig, for this route leave the car at the Ling Bridge by Loch Long.
If you are arriving via car then parking is available at the Kintail Ranger Office at Morvich Farm. Alternatively, many visitors have parked in the Kintail Countryside Centre at Morvich, opposite the Morvich Caravan Club site. You should then start by walking along with the continuation of the road until you meet the bridge at Innichro, you will then notice that the footpath is signed, for more details on the route you should take a look at Walk Highlands Guide.
Due to the paths leading to this walk it means it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Four Waterfalls Walk - Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons is a national park situated in the south and mid-Wales covering 42 miles. This trail is 5.5 miles long leads to Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and Sgwd-yr-Eira on the River Mellte. There are plenty of benches and picnic benches along the walk so you can stop and take in the beautiful views, have a short break and even have a snack.
To start this walk you will need to make your way to Gwaun Hepste or Cwm Porth car park but please bare in mind that these car parks get very busy and are usually full at midday so it's advised you check online to see availability. Please also be aware that car parks are cash only and are averagely around £3-7. Another note to make is to ensure you make use of the toilet in the car park as there are no other toilets along the trail.
None of the falls are accessible for buggies, pushchairs, or wheelchairs although the trail can be suitable for children as long as they take care as the floor can get wet.
Pistyll Rhaeadr
Pistyll Rhaedr is a beautiful waterfall set in Wales in Berwyn Mountains, this waterfall has a total height of 73 meters and a largest single drop of 40 meters. As well as visiting the waterfalls you can also explore the surrounding areas and the Berwyn Mountains as there are several different walks you can participate in that are suited to a variety of different walkers.
To get to Llanrhaeadr, drive through the main square past the Wynstay Arms, and turn right into Waterfall Street just before Greatorex, the corner shop. The waterfall is signposted above the shop. Continue along Waterfall Street for four miles until the road ends at the waterfall. There is a car park situated close to the waterfall where there is also a café so you can make this adventure a full day out.
Due to the steep steps involved in this walk we would suggest that this walk, is not suitable for those in a wheelchair or pram.
Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls is located in the small town of Betws-y-Coed, with beautiful views to be seen the Swallow falls are set on the River Llugwy and is known to be one of Snowdonia's most visited sights.
This waterfall requires very little walking, so it's perfect for those who love waterfalls but aren't able to walk a great distance. There are plenty of nearby cafes and local shops. The falls can be viewed with no strenuous walking with viewpoints on the south bank of the Llugwy with the convenience of ample parking along the A5. For those who enjoy walking there is the option to use the steps leading down to a platform close to the river edge.
Swallow Falls facilitates disabled access but please bare in mind between April to end of October this is only possible between the hours of 10.00 am -3.00 pm as you can not gain access when the kiosk is closed.
Becky Falls
Located in the heart of Devon, Becky Falls boosts its stunning waterfall but is also home to numerous activities fit for a family day out from animal shows and a zoo this is much more than just a waterfall. Becky Falls is 70ft high and sits within the heart of the park, there are also smaller falls along the brook. There are several different trails you can take; blue, red, and purple.
Blue Trail- this is a fairly flat walk that can be completed in 30-40 minutes
Red Trail- This is a much more steep walk but will still only take 40-45 minutes, it is advised you wear suitable footwear as you walk over boulders and you might get wet.
Purple Trail- This walk is only encouraged for the fit and well as it features a 200-foot climb from the lower falls. This route should take just shorts of one hour and a half.
To reach Becky Falls use the A38 expressway where it should take around 10 minutes by following signs, you can see an in-depth route planner on how to get here from different parts of the UK. During peak season you can also get here by bus; Haytor Hoppa a hope on and hop off bus on Saturdays and some Thursdays.
Becky falls is also ticketed with prices ranging from £7.50- 8.50.
Due to the nature of the woodland walks, the trails are not accessible to wheelchair users although disabled users can access Animal Petting Area, Animal Discovery Zone and the Animal Encounter Room are all wheelchair-friendly.
High Force, County Durham
High Force Waterfall is based in Country Durham in Upper Teesdale it is part of the North Pennines Area. You can access this waterfall by venturing down a woodland walk, this gradual descents down the slope while the path has lots of different twists and turns allowing you to see the beautiful view from different angles.
To get here the Nearest major road is A66. From the A1(M) take the A66 to Bowes/Barnard Castle turn off and pick up the signs for High Force, which is on B6277 Middleton in Teesdale to Alston Road. You can also visit via train and bus with the nearest train station being in Darlington and the nearest bus stop being Forest in Teesdale.
To reach the waterfall the path is largely gravel and therefore would not be advisable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Aira Force
Aira Force is based in the Lake District and is owned by The National Trust. the waterfalls fall 70 feet from below a stone footbridge. To visit Aira Force there are multiple different routes you can take, ranging from 1 hour to 3-hour walks.
The first trail you can choose to walk on is Aira Force Glenamara Park trail, this is the easiest of routes with mostly flat surfaces this circular routes only takes around 1 hour.
The next trail you can choose to walk on is Aira Force and Gowbarrow trail, this is a much longer walks at 4.5 miles which gives stunning views of Ullswater from the summit of Gowbarrow. There are points where the path becomes narrow and steep steps are involved so bare this in mind when deciding what route is for you.
The next trail you can choose to walk on is Aira Force Glencoyne Farm trail, this walk is 3 miles which are expected to take around 2 hours, this circular trail will take you through Grade II listed farm buildings. This walk has parts that are steep and has gravel tracks and grassland.
Getting here by road From the M6 to the A66, then A592 Ullswater. Just before the junction with the A5091 is the car park. From Keswick the A66 towards Penrith then the A5091 at Troutbeck and follow this to A592, turn left at the bottom and car park is approximately 218 yards on the left. At the car park, you will find a tea room, information desk, and shop which sells snacks and gifts. Alternatively, you can also get a direct bus, 108 from Penrith or 208 from Keswick.
Aria Force features disabled parking bays and there is a ramp to get you into the tea rooms, the Glade can be reached via a slate chipping path with no steps but the path between the glad and waterfall can be uneven therefore would not be suitable for a pram or wheelchair
Kyoto Garden
Waterfalls are hard to find in a big city like London, this makes Kyoto Garden so special. Situated in Holland Park Kyoto Gardens is a Japanese-inspired garden full of history as it is situated in the ruins of Holland House since 1991. The garden that celebrates Japanese culture was built to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain and now provides the perfect for relaxation with a pond that feeds into the tiered waterfall surrounded by native Japanese items such as koi carp, stone lanterns, maple trees, and beautiful scenery.
Due to this being located in central London parking is limited so finding alternative transport is recommended, if you are planning on getting here by car the address you will need is: Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU. The nearest tube station is Holland Park, located on the Central Line. Holland Park is open every day from 7:30 am and closes 30 minutes before dusk, the park is free entry to all.
Be aware that Kyoto Gardens is situated in the middle of Holland Park and takes around 10 minutes to walk to. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea listed the following as the most accessible entrances: North Abbotsbury Road entrance, Ilchester Place entrance, Duchess of Bedford entrance and, High street Kensington entrance. Disabled parking is available at the car park located just off Abbotsbury Road but please note that this entrance is not suitable as there is a steep incline.
Wyming Brook
Situated on the edge of Sheffield Wyming Brook Nature Reserve is great for numerous different activities whether it be a stroll in the beautiful scenery, streams, and reservoirs or if you like a more challenging walk as you can choose from a three-mile or six miles walk. Each walk will take you through the uneven, woodland walk where you will pass beautiful waterfalls and you will spot wildlife along your way as Wyming Brook is home to wildlife including many different birds, northern spinach moths. Wyming Brook has received a prestigious Green Flag Award, recognizing this nature reserve as one of the best green spaces in the UK.
This walk is also dog friendly, so makes a great day out with all the family. There a number of different ways you can get here, by bus and car, you can visit Wild Sheffield for more information.
Some surfaces are flat and wide but the woodland areas feature uneven trails with the stones and steps throughout. It is recommended you contact them for any accessibility requirements.
