The UK may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you imagine beautiful waterfalls, but when you consider our climate – wet and rainy a lot of the time – it’s clear we’re going to have our fair share of beautiful waterfalls. After all, all water has to go somewhere. We may not have exotic waterfall locations or guaranteed sunshine, but we do have dramatic vistas and interesting terrain.
Some of these falls are easy to access, while others require a bit of adventure to reach, but that’s all part of the fun. Here are my picks for the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK.
1. Marian Spout
North Yorkshire
The North Yorkshire Moors are home to several stunning waterfalls, but at 70 feet, Mallyan Spout is the tallest. Once you get to this waterfall, it’s dramatic and incredible, but it’s not that easy to get to. If you have any mobility issues or unsteady standing then this probably isn’t for you. However, if adventurous walks are your thing, a trip to Mallyan Spout is part of this waterfall experience. The easiest way to get to the falls is to follow the path from the Mallyan Spout Hotel, but whichever way you go, you’ll have to walk over some slippery rocks as you get closer to the falls. You can’t see the falls without hiking down, but once you’re there, it’s an incredible sight. On warm sunny days, you can stand under it. When I go for a picnic, I sit on a rock with the river in front of me, it’s idyllic.
2. Glomach Waterfall
Rowshire, Scotland
While Mallyan Spout is the tallest waterfall in Yorkshire at 70ft, Glomach Falls is one of the tallest in the whole of Britain at 113ft. The falls are harder to get to than Mallyan Spout, but it’s a very remote location and when you get there, there’s a good chance you’ll have the falls to yourself. The area is not accessible by car, it is a 6-hour round trip hike and there is no cell phone reception on the moor, so be prepared and make sure you have told someone where you are going. It’s definitely not for anyone with mobility issues, but if you enjoy hiking, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular scenery when you get to the falls. You can also look for wildlife along the way, as there are herds of red deer and golden eagles in the area.
3. Ella Force
Lake District
For a more accessible waterfall with a gentler walk, the Lake District has Aira Force, a waterfall that is very popular with tourists in the area – probably because of its ease of access. There is a car park nearby and you can easily walk the rest of the way from there, so anyone can walk, you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. The falls are 72 feet high and you can see them from the bottom, where you can see the water gushing out of the rocky cliffs, or at the top of the falls there is a lovely old bridge that you can stand on. The views below are unbelievable and a great photo opportunity. It’s a great place for a picnic, but it’s very popular, and no matter what time of day you go, there’s likely to be a lot of people visiting.
4. Waterfall Country
Powys, Wales
Waterfall Country covers an area of the Brecon Beacons in Wales with many waterfalls close to each other. The most popular way to see some of these falls is by walking the four falls. The four waterfalls walk takes about 3 hours to complete and features some pretty spectacular waterfalls, not to mention the scenery between them. This is considered an easy hike and will be comfortable for anyone with walking experience, but is not wheelchair accessible and may be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. Most people who walk head to Sgwd Yr Eira, a waterfall you can stand behind. It was an unforgettable experience and a great photo opportunity.
5. Large gills
North Yorkshire
Gaping Gill is one of the tallest waterfalls in the UK, but that’s not what makes it so special or unusual. This is a very tall waterfall that falls into a cave in the ground. The cave itself is used by pothole enthusiasts and is very popular with spelunkers, but the public can only enter the cave twice a year when the weather is right and the Bradford and Craven Potholes Club has winches set up around the rim. Yes, that’s right: there’s only one way to get there, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Personally, as a fear of heights, I can’t think of anything worse and I’ve never been disappointed, but if you like the idea and get the timing right, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It actually might not be as scary as it sounds. You sit in what looks like a ski chair, and you’re lowered into a cave. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll give it a go!
6. High strength
county durham
There’s a clue in the name of this waterfall as to what you’ll find when you visit the High Force . It’s not the tallest waterfall in the UK, but it does have the largest volume of water falling in uninterrupted drops. Of course, it’s a force of nature, and it looks spectacular. This is a very popular waterfall with tourists; so popular that it has its own visitor center and gift shop, and it’s the only waterfall on my list that charges an entry fee. It’s about $2.75 for an adult, which isn’t much of a fee, but still unusual. This fee is used to maintain the path to the falls, making it a preserved route accessible to everyone. Parts of the route do have some uneven ground at the foot, and there’s a good flight of stairs, but it’s still one of the most accessible waterfalls in the UK.
7. Steal the Waterfall
Scottish Highlands
The area where this waterfall is located is famous for the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, but this mountainous landscape is also the perfect terrain for a beautiful waterfall or two. Stealing Water Falls is also known locally as White Spout; once you’ve seen it, it’s easy to see why. The water rolls down the hillside almost subtly, rather than in gusts, and it’s very fascinating to watch. The walk to the falls takes about an hour, and while good shoes are recommended, the terrain is suitable for all levels of fitness and hiking experience. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will see in the UK. The combination of awe-inspiring mountains and water tumbling from the sides is humbling.
Pro Tips
With a few exceptions, most of these waterfalls have no facilities nearby and are quite remote, so a picnic is a good idea. Always wear good walking shoes and be prepared for any weather. If the falls are very remote, make sure someone knows where you’ve been – cell phone coverage may be patchy in remote areas. Stick to sidewalks and trails. Sometimes all you have to do to guide you in the UK is the yellow arrow on the post, but make sure you follow this as the surrounding area may be private land.
