After visiting Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, it shot straight up my list of favourite day trips in the Yorkshire Dales.
This scenic hiking trail takes you through cascading waterfalls and glistening pools, surrounded by serene forests and rugged cliffs. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a fantastic day trip for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone craving an escape into the peaceful Yorkshire countryside.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about visiting Ingleton Waterfalls Trail or watch our video of the waterfalls if you can’t wait to see them for yourself!
Note: We do our best to keep the information on our website up to date, but if you notice anything has changed (such as admission prices, opening times, attractions/restaurants closing etc), please leave us a comment and let us know.
Where is Ingleton Waterfalls Trail (and how to get there)?
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a popular circular hiking route that starts and finishes in Ingleton: a charming North Yorkshire village on the border of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s around 25 miles from Skipton and Kendal, 50 miles from Leeds and 60 miles from Manchester.
The best way to get to Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is by car. The trail is easily accessible from Leeds and the M6 and is clearly sign-posted from the main A65 Skipton to Kendal road. Set your sat nav to LA6 3ET (gps 54.156925, -2.470823).
The trail has a dedicated car park included in the cost of your tickets; however, if you plan to visit at the weekend then be sure to arrive early, as spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and it does fill up. I’m not exaggerating when I say we arrived right at opening time and were the first one’s there, but by the time we left the car park was really busy.
Admission to Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
There is an admission fee to enter the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, which is used to maintain the walkway. As the trail passes through private land, the fee helps to fund the upkeep of the area and keep it accessible to visitors.
There is no need to pre-book for the trail. Payment is by card only, and you can pay when you arrive at the ticket office.
Adults (16 years and older) – £10.00
Child (under 16 years) – £8.00
Note: We do our best to keep the information on our website up to date, but if you notice anything has changed (such as admission prices, opening times, attractions/restaurants closing etc), please leave us a comment.
When is Ingleton Waterfalls Trail open?
The trail is open seven days a week, all year round, except for Christmas Day. Closing times vary depending on the time of the year.
| DATES | OPENING TIME | LAST ENTRY |
|---|---|---|
| MARCH 1ST – MARCH 31ST | 9:00AM | 4:00PM |
| APRIL 1ST – AUGUST 31ST | 9:00AM | 7:00PM |
| SEPTEMBER 1ST – OCTOBER 31ST | 9:00AM | 4:00PM |
| NOVEMBER 1ST – FEBRUARY 28TH/29TH | 9:00AM | 2:30PM |
How long does it take to walk around Ingleton Waterfalls?
The trail is a circular route and it’s a good four and a half miles long and takes from two and a half hours to four hours to complete depending on your fitness level, your pace and how long you want to spend at each set of falls. Why rush when you could stop for a picnic or a wild swim?!
The Walking Route
Trail Overview
The trail follows a picturesque 4.3-mile (7km) route that showcases the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, with the true stars of the show of course being the six waterfalls that you will see along the way:
- Pecca Falls
- Hollybush Spout
- Thornton Force
- Beezley Falls
- Baxenghyll Gorge
- Snow Falls
As you make your way through the trail, you will ascend 750 feet (227m) giving you some wonderful views across the countryside.
We’ll guide you step by step through the entire route. Plus, we’ll share all the extra information you need to know like the trail difficulty, facilities, the best time to visit and more.
Step-By-Step Guide
1. Follow the River Twiss through Swilla Glen
Start the walk by following the River Twiss. Stroll upstream through the peaceful Swilla Glen, which was shaped by the River Twist cutting through limestone since the last ice age.
In this moisture-laden limestone gorge, nature is thriving in all its glory – think lush moss and elegant ferns. We found the start of the walk to be particularly peaceful, with only the sounds of the gentle river and the chirping of the birds for company (being the first eager walkers on the trail definitely helped!).
The woodland is filled with native trees such as oak, ash, birch, and hazel – look out for handy information signs packed with fascinating tidbits. You’ll come across a diverse range of wild ground plants; depending on the time of year you could see the floor blanketed in bluebells, or catch a whiff of the aromatic wild garlic!
2. Spot the money tree
Stop to see the Money Tree where people stick coins for good luck. If you have a spare penny then why not have a go yourself (if anyone still carries cash these days?!).
3. Cross the river (and see your first waterfall!)
Cross the River Twiss via Manor Bridge, and continue upstream to your first waterfall of the trail: Pecca Falls.
While you’ll get your first glimpse from afar, the route leads you up close to the water. Here you’ll see five magnificent waterfalls cascading down 30 metres into the deep plunge pool below.
4. Ascend to the top of Pecca Falls
Follow the steps up to the top of Pecca Falls where you’ll get a closer look at the rushing water.
There hadn’t been much rainfall in the weeks before our trip, so if you visit after rain the falls will be even more impressive. Even during a dry spell though the falls were still beautiful!
5. Spot birds at Hollybush Spout
Keep going and you will reach the perfectly named Hollybush Spout. The rock squeezes the river over the edge of a steep drop creating a spout of water.
Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable dippers. These cute, plump brown birds with short tails and distinctive white bibs are easy to spot thanks to their characteristic bobbing and dipping motions. We had the joy of watching one of these little fellows as it merrily bobbled along the water’s edge for a while.
6. Reach the open moorland
Steep steps wind their way up alongside the waterfalls and out into the vast expanse of open moorland. If you look down the hillside you’ll see the river flowing below.
7. Take a break at Thornton Force
As you follow the river you’ll hear the sound of the next waterfall before it comes into view. Thornton Force, the final waterfall on the River Twiss, is an impressive waterfall with a drop of 14 metres (or 46 feet!).
There are several inviting benches here if you need a breather. Take a moment to bask in the beauty of the pool below Thornton Force – a cherished spot for wild swimmers – before reluctantly moving on (but don’t worry, there’s plenty more of the trail left to see!).
8. The highest point on the trail
Venture across the Raven Ray bridge and ascend steadily, leaving the River Twiss behind you. This will take you to the highest point in the walk, surrounded by rolling green hills, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Follow the winding path of Twistleton Lane, and enjoy the beauty of the land all around you. As we did this walk in spring we spotted several fluffy lambs bleating away — a sight that never ever gets old no matter how many times we walk in the countryside!
9. Continue past Scar End Farm
As you pass Scar End Farm and Twistleton Hall you should be able to spot Ingleborough — one of the famous three peaks of the Yorkshire Dales — off in the distance. That’s a walk for another day!
10. Follow the River Doe to Beezley Falls
Pass Beezley Farm and the Falls Refreshment Centre. Stop here for a well-deserved comfort break before following the path into a shady oak woodland.
Continue along the River Doe, which leads you to the magnificent Beezley Falls. Here you’ll see the triple spout, as three waterfalls pour side-by-side.
If you’re looking for something to really get your adrenaline pumping then you could book an organised canyoning tour here. With rapids, chutes, zip lines and big jumps, this sure sounds like an exhilarating way to spend a few hours!
While I can’t recommend a specific tour from personal experience, I want to mention that canyoning tours are available in case you want to check them out for yourself.
10. Marvel at the Black Hole
Follow the path down alongside Rival Falls, where you will see the River Doe crash into a murky pool known as “the Black Hole”, which is said to be more than 80 feet deep!
11. Confront Your Fear of Heights at Baxenghyll Gorge
While for many Thornton Force is the best part of Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, for me, the next stop is the highlight — the dramatic Baxenghyll Gorge. Walk onto a narrow gated viewing bridge, suspended some 60 feet above the rushing river below. The views here are spectacular, but if you’re afraid of heights — don’t look down!
12. Don’t miss Snow Falls!
Continue following the River Doe, but make sure you stop and look back so you don’t miss Snow Falls, the final waterfall of the trail.
It’s a little hidden but you don’t want to miss it, as it really is a beautiful waterfall.
From here the leafy trail leads you through Twistleton Glen, where you will cross one final footbridge. You’ll soon reach the old limestone quarries and kilns.
After the quarries, you will emerge back in the pretty village of Ingleton. It’s easy to follow the signs back to the car park from here. Boom, walk done!
How difficult is Ingleton Waterfalls Trail?
In terms of difficulty, if you’re reasonably fit and are wearing adequate footwear then you’ll be fine. However, there are a few things to consider:
You’re provided with a map when you arrive although you don’t really need it for navigation; the path is well-defined and there are a few signs along the way so I think you would have to really try to get lost.
Can I bring my dog to Ingleton Waterfalls Trail?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Ingleton Waterfalls Trail! However, even though dogs are welcome, you should keep them on a lead, especially when crossing farmland.
Facilities at Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
There are two sets of toilets before you enter the trail and one set halfway along at Beezley Farm.
If you’re in need of refreshments there is a cafe at the trail entrance and a refreshment cabin at Beezley Farm, although this is only open on weekends and during the summer months. You’re also welcome to bring your own food and drink to enjoy a picnic beside the waterfalls. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, there’s even an ice cream van waiting for you halfway around the trail!
There aren’t many bins available – litter collection points are at the car park and Beezley Farm – so be prepared to keep hold of your litter.
When is the best time to visit Ingleton Waterfalls Trail?
The best time to visit Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a few days after heavy rain.
This is when the falls will be at their most powerful. As you could probably see from our photos, we visited during a bit of a dry spell so didn’t get to experience the waterfalls in all their glory; however, it was still a fantastic day out.
Spring and summer are of course wonderful times of year to visit, as the weather will be milder and the foliage lush. However, you will need to get here early as the trail will get very busy and the car park completely full. This is especially the case during weekends and school holidays.
Hiking during the off-season can be a joy as the place will be less busy, helping you feel that little bit further away from civilisation. The trail does close during extreme weather conditions though, so make sure you check in advance that the trail is open.
Where to stay near Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
If you’re looking to stay nearby then there are several welcoming accommodation options available in the area.
- Falls Park — a tranquil caravan park and campsite set in the heart of Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. You can enjoy on-site amenities such as a children’s play area, a shop, laundry facilities, and a communal lounge, as well as an unbeatable location. Rated “exceptional” on booking.com
- The Wheatsheaf Inn — This traditional inn offers cozy rooms and a pub with a roaring fire, perfect for warming up after a day exploring the waterfalls. It’s located in the nearby village of Ingleton, just a short drive from the trail. Rated “fabulous” on booking.com
- Inglenook Guest House — a friendly and stylish bed and breakfast located in the heart of the village of Ingleton, just a 10-15 minute walk from Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Rated “exceptional” on booking.com
- If you’d prefer to cosy up in cottage for your trip then there are several holiday homes to choose from. A few that have received rave reviews that are within walking distance of the trail include Laburnam Cottage, Marian Cottage and Emelia Cottage
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