The remains of the almost 300 year old Magpie Mine, just a short 5km from the town of Bakewell, is one of the best historical sites to visit in the Peak District and is classed as one of the top industrial heritage sites in Derbyshire. Mining has always been an important industry in the Peak District and the earliest recorded workings here date back to 1740 and was one of several which worked on the same underground vein. The mine caused some difficulty for the miners from the beginning as it was prone to filling with water but after a new pump was introduced in 1824, the production of lead reached 800 tonnes. Magpie Mine was the last working leadmine in Derbyshire and its remains are some of the best preserved in the UK. The buildings are so well preserved partially due to Lottery funding and the site is a fascinating place to visit. Although you are likely to experience a peaceful couple of hours visit at Magpie Mine, the site is said to be haunted and cursed by the ghosts of miners who were allegedly murdered in an underground accident, so always keep an eye out for anything unusual happening around you…
Where is Magpie Mine?
Magpie Mine can be found near the village of Sheldon and around 5km from the beautiful little market town of Bakewell. Luckily, the mine is situated on open access land which allows public access on foot at any time.
Parking and access to Magpie Mine
There are several public footpaths that cross through the mine and you can easily tie this in with longer walks in the area however, if you just want to visit the mine then there is free roadside parking on a road called Grin Low literally at the end of a path that leads straight to the mine. To access the mine, you head through the gate and along the track straight towards the mine buildings. Be aware; this field was FULL of those things people call grass puppies (aka cows) and if you’re a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to cows like me then this might be the most unenjoyable section of the whole walk! Honestly, my heart rate must have reached its max just while I was figuring out a way to get through the field without them wanting to hunt me down.
Anyway, here’s a pin drop to the parking area close to Magpie Mine.
What you’ll see when visiting Magpie Mine
As you wander around the site, you really get a sense of the scale of this ex mine; with multiple deep shafts which appear to plummet into black nothingness below (but which are also now blocked or capped for safety), a ruined engine house, the chimney, horse gin and the Agent’s House take the time to explore the buildings and reflect on the intense work that miners would have experienced day in, day out.
Replica horse gin
This impressive horse gin would have been used as an engine but one powered by horses! A horse would have been attached to the rotating wheel and when it walked around it would pull up lead ore up the shaft to the surface for the miners to collect at the top.
The square chimney and winding drum
Originally built in 1840 the remains of a winding drum remain outside. The winding system was often used in deep mines to control a cable to bring things to the surface of the mine. You can see the remainder of the cable next to the engine house at Magpie Mine.
As you walk around the site, more buildings appear and one of my favourite parts is a 221m main shaft which is marked by this steel headgear and cage dating back to the 1950s.
Take a look through the grille here which covers the main shaft below and you might be able to see the water over 150m below you. This main shaft is flooded at the lower part but drains through a drainage tunnel over a mile away near the River Wye. You can even stand in the old cage which would have been used as a lift to descend down to the mining tunnels below.
Be sure to head away from the site to get a beautiful view of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside – reflecting on the hardships that miners faced here is in stark contrast to the peaceful site you can experience there today. When we visited over Spring the wildflowers were in full bloom so we relaxed here for a bit with our lunch – just us and a couple of other mine enthusiasts wandering around.
Arguments, murders and curses at Magpie Mine
Historical sites are nothing without a bit of drama and curse and Magpie Mine is no different. Over many years, disputes with neighbouring mines using the same vein often broke out and miners would light fires underground to smoke each other out and halt their production. In 1833 though, disaster struck. After provocation from miners at the nearby Maypitt Mine, some of the Magpie miners lit a fire resulting in the death of three miners from the Maypitt Mine due to suffocation from the fumes. This led to 24 Magpie miners being put on trial for their murders however many were immediately freed due to the challenges involved in identifying the culprits. The wives of these murdered miners were said to have put a curse on the mine which closed two years later in 1835 but the ghosts of the murdered miners still haunt the site to this day. When visiting this site, it’s hard to believe that is was a place of deadly disputes especially with the colourful wildflowers in bloom and the quiet and peaceful feeling that enshrouds the site.
Top Tips for Magpie Mine
- Visit here in early Spring when the wildflowers literally create a carpet of colour around the site
- Even though the mine shafts are blocked or capped, take care around these and don’t be tempted to mess with the metal coverings. A fall down one of these could be fatal.
- Magpie Mine has protected status due to its wildflowers and it is an offence to pick any of them
- Access to the site is free but the cost of maintaining the site is high and any donations to the nearby museum or the purchase of a guide book is appreciated
- Guided tours are sometimes offered on Heritage Open Days and group tours of six or more can be arranged by contacting magpiebookings@pdmhs.com
Take a look at this video of Magpie Mine…
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The Yorkshire Dales is home to many incredible waterfalls and one, hidden in a wooded gorge not far from the village of Stainforth, is arguably one of the best waterfalls for wild swimming in the Yorkshire Dales; Catrigg Force. You can hear it before you can see it but what awaits you at the bottom of the woodland is better than you would expect. Cascading dramatically down a step drop from the ledge above, Catrigg Force is a stunning sight and in wet weather it becomes a moody and powerful force of nature. The walk to the waterfall from Stainforth is short so it’s perfect if you’re time limited or it can be tied in with a longer hike around the area such as Jubilee and Victoria Caves.
Where is Catrigg Force?
Catrigg Force is only about a 30 minute short walk from the village of Stainforth in the Yorkshire Dales. The route to the waterfall follows along the well maintained Pennine Bridleway path to a wooded area where the waterfall is located. It is also signposted all the way from the village just to make it a little easier too.
Where do I park for Catrigg Force?
In Stainforth there is a public car park where you can park before the short walk to Catrigg Force.
Parking for Catrigg Force address: Stainforth Car Park, BD24 9PQ
Cost of parking:
2 Hours £3.50
24 Hours £6.50
There are also public toilets and an electric car charging point here too.
How do you get to Catrigg Force?
There’s a couple of ways to get to Catrigg Force but I’ll cover the shortest and most direct route here from Stainforth village.
Distance: 1.55km one way
Time taken: 30 minutes one way
Elevation: 107m (uphill to the waterfall and downhill on the way back)
How do you get to Catrigg Force
From Stainforth car park, head out the main entrance and turn right up Main Road. Depending on the weather, when you get to the end of the road you can either head left up Goat Lane which will bring you out to a grassy area and some stepping stones on your right to cross the river. Or, if the river levels are too high, carry on following the road round to the right and as you cross the bridge there will be a little wooden sign on your left which leads you along a path alongside the river.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at a turning circle and the village green. There’s a road to the right which passes in front of a couple of houses and eventually onto a stony track which is the path that will take you straight to Catrigg Force.
The walk from here is the most direct route to the waterfall; just follow the track and eventually you’ll reach a metal gate. Don’t go through but instead look to your left and there’s a wooden swing gate and a sign showing the way to Catrigg Force. Follow this path to the woods and down the well worn path into the wooded gorge. You’ll reach a fallen tree trunk and the waterfall is up river on the right.
Retrace your steps to get back to the car park.
To download the OS route onto your phone, click here.
If you use the Komoot app you can also download the route to your phone here.
Can you swim in Catrigg Force?
This is an incredible place for a swim so yes, absolutely! The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is stepped and deep enough for a proper swim and on a nice day, I hear this can be a popular spot amongst those in the know. The river that flows down from it will need a bit of careful navigation across the slippery rocks or, take your shoes off and get your feet wet.
There’s a useful fallen tree trunk on the river bank which is the perfect place to get changed before making your way up the river to the pool at the base of the waterfall.
I visited this waterfall on a day where we’d had relentless rain in the week before quietly hoping for a wild swim but knowing deep down, it was probably going to be too strong to even consider. My hunch was correct and the water was SO powerful at the base of Catrigg Force and too dangerous to swim in.
I’d avoid going for a swim here during or immediately after wet weather and leave it for a time of settled weather when the water will be calmer.
Check out this video of Catrigg Force…
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It’s highly unlikely that you’ve never heard of the Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet’s Foss walk. Amongst the top ten geological wonders of Britain, it’s no surprise that people revisit over and over again. This 14km loop takes in all the main sights. From the limestone pavement of Malham Cove, onwards to Malham Tarn, down to the huge ravine of Gordale Scar and finally to the waterfall known as Janet’s Foss. You can get the full route and download the map here.
Walking route for Malham Cove
Depending on where you choose to park to start the hike, the towering limestone cliffs of Malham Cove will be your first stop. After heading along the main road through and out the village, you can’t really go wrong here; there’s a few different paths to Malham Cove but I prefer to take the Pennine Way path that cuts in front of the YHA; even on a busy day this route always seems to be quieter and I enjoy being higher up than the main path which runs along Malham Beck. This part of the Pennine Way is a short section making up part of the 268 mile route which runs from the Scottish border all the way down to the Derbyshire hills and as you get closer to Malham Cove, the huge curved limestone cliff dominates the view.
Malham Cove
The limestone cliffs that make up “The Cove” as it’s affectionately known in the Yorkshire Dales, tower 80m into the air and span a whopping 300m wide. It’s no wonder that Malham Cove appears in the top ten geological wonders of Britain and this route will take you right to the bottom of it. Look up (but not for too long because that neck strain will start to kick in) and keep an eye out for climbers here too. This spectacular limestone cliff is well loved and a popular spot with hikers so don’t be shocked if you have to share the view with a rather large crowd but even with others around you, it’s impossible not to stop and appreciate the sheer size and beauty of The Cove.
From the bottom, it’s not obvious the treat which awaits you at the top of the cliffs. Once you’re ready, follow the path that leads around to the left to a set of around 400 stone steps heading uphill. I know, I know – 400 steps! They’ll get your heart racing for sure but take your time and I promise you that what’s at the top is worth every single step.
The limestone pavement of Malham Cove formed after the last ice age by meltwater mostly from Malham Tarn. A large waterfall would have once flowed over the edge of the cove but today, any water disappears into the hidden cave systems and the stream from Malham Tarn disappears around a mile from here. The limestone blocks make up this pavement which has been characterised by erosion and weathering from the elements and you might recognise it if you’re a Harry Potter fan as it appeared in The Deathly Hallows film.
Heading to Malham Tarn
The view down the valley back towards Malham from here is spectacular on a nice day and as you hop, skip (or simply walk) along the limestone blocks, you’ll see that the path of The Pennine Way heads away from the top of the cove. Following this will lead you through a rocky area known as Dry Valley and between Ing Scar, the site of a settlement which dates from the Iron-Age onwards. Once further along, the path cuts to the right and around the side of Comb Hill and brings you out onto more open ground with Malham Tarn not too far ahead of you.
Malham Tarn
Malham Tarn, a glacial lake and officially classed as a nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to an abundance of wildlife and plants, is rarely busy. A road runs right near the tarn with a large parking area so you might see a few fellow walkers but on the whole, this is a peaceful area perfect for a lunch stop. If you do stop here on a nice day, please don’t be tempted to enter the water for a swim; this is a protected site and wild swimming is prohibited.
Malham Tarn is an incredibly important historical site with fascinating history behind it particularly during the Stone Age. As open water is rare in the area, it naturally attracted wildlife so hunters of the Stone Age descended on here to hunt. Along the shoreline, the remains of campsites and stone tools have even been found!
Take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings here before retracing your steps and following the footpath (it can get boggy here so be careful) along the grass opposite the car park for Malham Tarn.
Walking route to Gordale Scar
The path back down towards the other side of the top of Malham Cove won’t take you long however this is an area of water sinks so it can get extremely boggy in places. The path heads gently downhill alongside another rocky scar before bringing you out at the top of Malham Cove once again. It’s worth stopping here as the view over the whole of Malham Cove is breathtaking and you can really get a sense of the size of this natural wonder from here. Just don’t get too close to the edge as it’s quite the drop!
Heading away from Malham Cove, you’ll cross a road and traverse along the edge of a hill before reaching a road. There’s often a snack hut here so you can easily grab a little snack or a drink if it’s open before heading left and following the well maintained footpath just off the road which follows Gordale Beck. After roughly ten minutes you’ll reach the gorge known as Gordale Scar.
Gordale Scar
Formed during the ice age when glacial meltwater cut down through faults in the rock which carved it deeper and deeper over time. The gorge is incredibly deep and a waterfall rushes over the end finishing off the dramatic look.
The gorge dominates your viewpoint as you get closer and closer to the entrance and it’s easy to see why this is a place much loved and has been the source of inspiration for many pieces of literature and artwork.
The waterfall here provides a fun, and slippery, grade 1 scramble if you fancied it but for this route you’ll need to retrace your steps back out of the gorge towards the main road once again. It’s just a short walk to the beautiful waterfall of Janet’s Foss.
Walking route to Janet’s Foss
If you love a legend, then Janet’s Foss will be right up your street. If not, it’s a beautiful waterfall nestled in the woodland worth stopping at and is an excellent place for a wild swim so there really is something for everyone.
The waterfall, maybe unsurprisingly, gets its name from a local folk tale that claims the small waterfall is home to Janet; also known as Queen of the Fairies. Although the waterfall may seem at first peaceful and magical, dark secrets of witch craft and black magic lurk in the water. Some visitors claimed to have encountered an evil force which appears as a green mist on the water and and feeds off the aura of anyone in its path.
Fortunately, we didn’t encounter any evil forces on our trip here but I can confirm that the water was breathtakingly cold!
Your visit to Janet’s Foss marks the end of this circular route around the gems of Malham and all that’s left is to head away from the waterfall through the woodland and following the path which eventually leads you out to the bottom end of the village of Malham.
Map and key locations for Malham Cove walking route
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Parking in Malham
2: Base of Malham Cove with steps to left side leading up to the limestone pavement at the top
3: Malham Tarn
4. Gordale Scar
5. Janet’s Foss waterfall
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Top Tips for Malham Cove, Goredale Scar and Janet’s Foss
- This is a very popular destination for hiking so the car park fills up quickly; get there super early or go during the off season.
- There’s some lovely little cafes and pubs in Malham which are worth visiting after your hike
- Take care on the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove; they can be very slippery in the wet and require sure footedness to cross
- Malham Tarn is home to a unique variety of plants and wildlife. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to internationally rare species so wild swimming is not permitted.
- Scrambling over the waterfall is Gordale Scar is an excellent route but it can be slippery and dangerous in the wrong conditions.
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Happy adventuring and here’s a bonus video of the walk…
While the North York Moors may often be overlooked for its Yorkshire Dales neighbour, the moors are actually worth visiting and exploring. Not only are the moors renowned for its diverse landscape, it’s also known as being one of the largest areas of heather moorland in the UK, home to many ground nesting birds, woodland, dramatic cliffs, peaceful valleys, quaint towns and some stunning walking routes. This route, in the eastern part of the North York Moors, is an absolute gem of a walk not far from Whitby (so after you finish you could always pop over there for a fish n chips for tea) and takes you on a 5.5km route through ancient woodlands, alongside a gorgeous beck, to a very impressive waterfall and finally stops of at The Hermitage, a cave carved from stone. It’s a short but excellent walk for all seasons of the year and family friendly too!
Walking route for May Beck, Falling Foss and The Hermitage
It was a beautiful autumnal day when my mum and I made an impromptu decision to head up into the North York Moors for a day out, starting with a visit to Falling Foss and The Hermitage. I’m one of those people guilty of often overlooking this area of Yorkshire but as we drove down the quiet country lane, bathed in autumn colours on each side of us with the sun poking through the trees and pulled into the empty car park, we knew it was going to be a good day.
The free car park alongside May Beck is a great place to start the walk and there’s space for around 20 or so cars here. From the car park, the route follows the signpost reading “Coast to Coast” and “Falling Foss” upstream through Sneaton Forest.
The path meanders alongside the river for a short while and this is a great place to stop and just take in your surroundings as the woodland changes on this walk. In this section of Sneaton Forest, in the south, the trees are primarily conifers which were planted in the 1960s and you’ll find yourself walking lower down in the valley whereas in the northern section, which you’ll reach closer to The Hermitage, you’ll see ancient broad-leaved woodland and steep valleys.
Continue through the woods, sticking close to the river and follow the wooden walkway which will lead you out to a well used track for cars. Here, you’ll see the beautiful bridge crossing over the glistening waters of the beck. It’s an incredibly peaceful and relaxing spot here listening to the bubbling water, the birds singing in the trees and the squirrels rustling around on the ground around you.
Falling Foss Tea Room
Cross the bridge and you’ll see Falling Foss Tea Room on your right. This is actually Midge Hall; originally built in the 18th century and used as a cottage for the local gamekeeper. I was surprised to discover that the hall was actually also used as a tea room back in the 1930s when visitors were brought here by busses from the coast for a stroll in the woods and to see Falling Foss waterfall.
In the 1960s, the house was abandoned but thankfully, new owners now look after this beautiful home and run it as a tea room. It’s open from April-September daily from 10am-4pm and the grounds alongside it are stunning to sit in. The gardens also have sculptures to explore and a small play area so this is perfect to keep children entertained while you enjoy your cake and a cuppa!
Falling Foss Waterfall
Out the back of the tea room is the 30ft drop of Falling Foss waterfall; a stunning site which you can view from the little path that goes in front and to the right of the tea room. There isn’t a signposted way down to the bottom of the waterfall so viewing it from above is your best bet.
However, for the slightly more adventurous, there is a steep bank which you COULD sidle down to get to the base of the waterfall however, the bank is incredibly slippery and muddy meaning it gives way underneath you and makes for a treacherous descent.
Fortunately there is another, although much longer, way to get to the base of Falling Foss. Note: this may involve getting wet feet and WILL involve a little river crossing.
To reach the base of the waterfall, you will need to continue following this route until you reach The Hermitage then cut back on yourself and follow a path down to the river, following it back upstream. Eventually you’ll meet a footbridge (which is the one you’ll cross for the rest of this route) BUT if you avoid this and cross the river here, you’ll see a little path on the other side which will lead you to the base of Falling foss. A nice little detour to be able to stand at the base of the falls and even have a little wild swimming dip!
After leaving Falling Foss, the path continues at a much higher level above the river, through the woodland along well maintained paths. The forest here is once again really beautiful but you’re aiming for the fascinating structure known as The Hermitage, which you’ll reach after roughly 15 minutes. It’s well signposted all the way too so you can’t really go wrong here.
The Hermitage
This large cave carved from a boulder dates back to the 18th century and was supposedly once the home of a local hermit who used the land surrounding it to survive. I’m not too convinced by this story though – could one person really carve out something so impressive on their own and even carve a little bench all the way around the inside? Unless it was already there before the person decided to live off the land and make it their home. However it got there and whoever carved it out, it really is an impressive site and quite magical when you get to experience the place on your own.
After leaving The Hermitage, retrace your steps slightly and look for the path to the right which heads downhill via a series of steps heading towards the river. This section was incredibly muddy when we visited so some good boots or walking shoes are a must here if you’re visiting after some wet weather.
The route back is simple and as you make your way back upstream alongside the river you’ll eventually reach a bridge on your right to cross (if you want to head to the base of Falling Foss as I mentioned earlier this is where you avoid the bridge for now and head further upstream to find the little river crossing and the path on the other side). After crossing the footbridge, follow this path to the farm before cutting left and looping back along the footpath back to the falling Foss tea room again.
From here, head back downstream but this time on the other side of the river (look for a little path before crossing the bridge), through the woodland again and back to the car park where you started.
Map and key locations for May Beck, Falling Foss and the Hermitage
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Parking at May Beck car park
2: Falling Foss tea room (open 10am-4pm daily April -September)
3: Falling Foss waterfall
4. The Hermitage
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Top Tips for May Beck, Falling Foss and The Hermitage
- The parking area closer to Falling Foss fills up quickly on a nice day so get there early
- Falling Foss tea room has seasonal opening hours so check if it’s open before you go. At time of writing it was open daily from April-September from 10am-4pm
- Access down to the waterfall isn’t recommended – the bank is steep and slippy but you can access it if you walk to the Hermitage and once you’re back down to the river, you can cross it at a suitable part and reach the base of the waterfall that way however there isn’t a maintained path to it
- Some of the paths are muddy and slippery in wet weather so care is needed
- Sneaton Forest is home to lots of different walking paths for you to explore as well as picnic benches if you want to take lunch with you so you can easily spend longer in here if you wanted to
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Izzy
A popular location for a beautiful Yorkshire walk is Hardcastle Crags, with over 15 miles of footpaths to choose from taking you through peaceful woodland, alongside flowing rivers, past a 19th century cotton mill, across moorland, through rugged valleys and to the beautiful Lumb Falls. This 9km circular route takes in all the best sites on this Yorkshire walk and can be done in either direction. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, solo explorer or a busy parent looking to take the kids somewhere, I guarantee that you’ll have a great day out at Hardcastle Crags. Just don’t forget to stop at the cafe on the way round for a cake and a cuppa.
Where is Hardcastle Crags?
Hardcastle Crags is located in West Yorkshire in the South Pennine Moors. Not far from Hebden Bridge, public transport links makes this walk a good option if you don’t drive or have access to a car although this will increase the distance of your overall walk. With over 15 miles of trails for you to explore, the National Trust have made it easy for you by providing a waymarked map with colour coded paths and ideas for different routes you can follow.
With so many beautiful sites to see in this area, I wanted a route that would combine a few routes together and allow us to see lots of the best sites in one go so keep reading for the route I followed and don’t forget to download the map.
Route Details for Hardcastle Crags walk
Leaving Midgehole Car Park, head downhill to the river as the first part of this walk takes you through a woodland paradise, which during Autumn is home to all the beautiful colours you would expect. The path follows alongside Hebden Water in the valley where the path is well maintained, although maybe a little muddy after some rain. It’s not long until you’ll reach the mill (around just 30 minutes) so enjoy your time in the woodland here – look out for squirrels and deer playing in the woodland too.
Gibson Mill
As you reach the mill from the woodland, you’ll see the back of it first (along with the cafe) and the old toll bridge used to cross the river. If you walk around the side to the mill pond, there’s a little path on the edge of the water that you can follow to get the beautiful reflection of the mill. Unfortunately it was covered in scaffolding when we visited but it’s still a beautiful site nonetheless.
Built in 1803 and used as a cotton mill with an internal water wheel, Gibson Mill has been through quite the transformation over the years. After the production of cotton ceased in 1890, the mill then became an entertainment venue before World War II offering visitors a dance hall, roller-skating and boating on the pond. Now, the National Trust maintains it while also providing an educational visitor centre where you can learn about its history.
Heading to Hardcastle Crags
From out the back of the mill, it’s a short ten minute stroll to Hardcastle Crags, a unique rocky outcrop which is signposted to the left. One thing that shocked me is that there was nobody else who had ventured further than the mill, with most people turning back around, maybe unaware of the crags not too much further along the path. Maybe they’d visited before but either way, we had this and the rest of the walk all to ourselves, which was a real treat for a nice Friday in the school holidays. The views from up here are beautiful and worth a quick stop before continuing with the walk.
Making your way to Lumb Falls
When we first arrived at the car park, the NT staff working there told me that they didn’t think there was a way to get across to Lumb Falls without coming back to the car park but I can assure you there is. Following the forestry track uphill through the woodlands we eventually reached a quiet road which we followed for just a few minutes before cutting right, following the public footpath towards Turn Hill. Navigation on this section is down to you as the path isn’t marked so I recommend downloading the Ordnance Survey or Komoot route or getting your map out to find your way.
This section really opened up the views for us and as we wandered across the boggy, squelchy moorland we couldn’t help but remark how wild this little section felt compared with the enclosed woodland we had just come from.
Eventually, after some successful navigation back to the path, we headed downhill and then down a steep grassy bank which led directly to Lumb Hole Waterfall.
Lumb Hole Waterfall
This little gem isn’t a hidden one and has been enjoyed by many for years as well as lots of wild swimmers. The two waterfalls cascade down over the slabs into a deep pool below and with the moss and fern growing around the outside it could be mistaken for somewhere more tropical (although the weather really ruins that thought).
During the summer months, Lumb Falls becomes crowded as visitors flock to this accessible waterfall so I’d definitely recommend leaving this one for out of season.
Returning to the car park
Heading back to the car park couldn’t be simpler. Retrace your steps away from the waterfall and follow the path along the hillside which leads you directly down the valley and back to where you started.
Map and key locations for Hardcastle Crags
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Parking at Midgehole National Trust Car Park
2: Through the woodlands alongside Hebden Beck
3: Gibson Mill & cafe
4: Hardcastle Crags and through the woodland
5: Following the path along Turn Hill
6. Heading back downhill towards Lumb Falls
7. Lumb Falls and a great swim spot if the river isn’t too fast flowing
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Top Tips for walking around Hardcastle Crags and Lumb Falls
- The parking area fills up quickly at weekends and on nice days so arrive early
- There is a larger car park slightly further up the hill if the lower one is full
- There are visitor toilets nearby to the car park
- Collect a map from the welcome hut as you arrive – some of the popular routes are colour coded with matching waymarkers so you can choose your route and easily follow it.
- The cafe at Gibson Mill serves delicious cakes and food and a variety of hot and cold drinks and is the perfect place to stop
- The middle section of the route isn’t signposted so confident navigation will be needed – don’t forget to download the route to your phone before you go or use your map
- Lumb Falls is a great place for a swim but be careful if the river is in full flow
Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy
If someone suggests a “scrambly hike” as a day out, you’d be forgiven for not first thinking of the Peak District as the obvious destination but the Peaks is actually home to some of the best UK hikes and scrambles of different grading thanks to the endless supply of rocky, bouldery brooks and cloughs which are often running dry. Although not as high or exposed as scrambles you might have seen or experienced in the Lake District, Snowdonia or Scotland, scrambling in the Peak District can actually be a much more fun, alternative way to explore the area. Plus, these routes are often quieter so you can really hone in on your explorer skills and feel at one with the outdoors amongst the tranquility of vast moorland. The circular route of Fairbrook Naze, The Edge, Nether Red Brook and Black Ashop Moor is what feels like a remote one and will keep you on your toes (literally and figuratively) throughout the day; enjoy wild swimming spots, slippery scrambles, bizarre rock formations, vast boggy moorland, river crossings and friendly sheep – this Peak District hike really has it all!
*A grade 1 scramble is classed as an easy scramble with simple route finding and no requirement for technical skills or ropes but you may need to use your hands and this route definitely requires that. The route is slippery over the rocks and sure footedness is required as a slip could easily result in injury.
How to hike Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook
Starting at Snake Woodlands, the Nether Red Brook scramble can be done a couple of ways but is best tied in with Fairbrook Naze, a hike which I wrote about here. After scrambling up Fairbrook Naze and reaching the summit plateau famed for its fascinating (and totally random) rock formations, the walk from here along what’s known as The Edge (sounds like a budget rate horror film to me), takes you alongside many of these weird and wonderful formations including this one, which I tried, and ultimately failed, to climb.
After admitting defeat and soothing my bruised ego while my hiking companion giggled and rolled her eyes with that knowing look of “I knew you couldn’t do it”, we set back off along The Edge, a quieter part of the Kinder Scout plateau, making our way through more funky rock formations and along a well maintained path.
Glancing to the right, the views down towards Black Ashop Moor are ones that make you really feel like you’re deep in the wilderness (not just an hour or so from your car) but still, this area isn’t to be underestimated and it’s really important to understand that navigation in this area, when the weather comes in, can become incredibly challenging, especially if waymarkers disappear quicker than the white walkers in the fog (sorry if you’re not a Game Of Thrones fan – sorry that you’re NOT a fan that is).
Passing some more formations to make you go oooh, ahhhh you’ll eventually reach the top of Nether Red Brook where the path makes a turn left away from the edge and a right turn back towards it. There are no signs to mark this path which is why navigation is important or be sure to download the offline route to your phone from OS maps or Komoot. At the top of Nether Red Brook, the way down can seem unlikely but this scramble effectively follows the stream bed straight down.
Standing at the top of the rocky outcrop, not being able to see an obvious route down I questioned whether my map reading skills were really as accurate as I thought they were. Here I was, standing at the top of Nether Red Brook with my mum, who had already set off in front of me shimmying her way down a steep drop between two rocks after a fleeting, “this way is it?” but after one more quick check of the map I took a sigh of relief; it was definitely the right way.
The scramble isn’t technical but good balance, strength in your legs and arms and confidence over rough terrain is a must. There is a small path every now and again to hop onto but the majority of the route is over large boulders and you’ll have to navigate your way down over these.
Looking back up towards the way you’ve just scrambled down…
Eventually, you’ll find yourself in the base of the Valley known as Black Ashop Moor with no path to follow; not even the faintest glimmer of one to be precise and this is where your navigation skills will come in handy.
You’re heading for the small steam at the opposite end which will lead you back to wards Snake Woodlands but be prepared to lose a foot or even a whole leg to the boggy moorland swamp monsters which will try to suck you down to their peaty home if you make a wrong choice of step. At least if you get sucked into the pool of peaty mud, the view back up to where you came from is a nice final view.
After navigating through the moorland, the next obstacle you’ll face is the river crossing. I hope in your mind you’re picturing a whirlpool and rapid-ridden force of nature but actually it’s just a small one which, if your legs are long enough, you’ll be able to leap across in one foul swoop to the safety of the path on the other side.
Following the path downstream will lead you back towards Snake Woodlands and the view back is stunning during heather season with all the purple hues.
Eventually, you’ll reach the edge of Snake Woodlands and will continue following the path through the woods and back up towards your starting point. There is another wonderful little spot for a swim in Snake Woodlands which the path will take you next to.
Map and key locations for Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Roadside parking at Snake Woodlands
2: Footbridge below end of woodlands to cross over the river
3: A series of waterfall pools
4: Beginning of the steeper, rocky scrambling section of Fair Brook
5: Top of Fairbrook Naze, rock formations and the beginning of The Edge
6. Top of Nether Red Brook marking the scramble down
7. Boggy moorland crossing across Black Ashop Moor and river crossing (you’ll need to find a suitable crossing place yourself)
8. Path back towards Snake Woodlands
9. River running to Snake Woodlands and extra swim location
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Top Tips for scrambling Fairbrook Naze and Nether Red Brook
- The parking area in Snake Woodlands fills up quickly on a nice day so be sure to get there early or late in the day for any chance of parking
- There are no facilities on this route or in the car park
- The scrambles are slippery in places and require sure footedness and confidence on rough, scrambly terrain.
- The scramble down Nether Red Brook has a steep and relatively high drop to navigate
- Navigation across Black Ashop Moor is pathless so strong navigation skills are needed
- This route includes a small river crossing
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check out my other blog posts and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.
Happy adventuring and don’t forget to subscribe!
Izzy
In an area of abandoned mines, in the Wharfedale area of the Yorkshire Dales, lies Troller’s Gill. It’s a collapsed limestone cavern shrouded in history, myth and mysterious inhabitants. Troller’s Gill is home to naughty trolls, hideous goblins and cheeky pixies but is also haunted by a fearsome barghest. This monstrous black dog with razor sharp teeth is said to have the power to turn unsuspecting hikers to stone. It’s even said to have possibly inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. So, if you’re feeling brave enough to take on these haunting creatures, read on!
Troller’s Gill – key details
Difficulty: Moderate due to some scrambling sections
Distance: 2.6km
Total ascent: 126m
Est Time: 1 hour
Starting location: Roadside parking on New Road. Find location on Google Maps here.
Parking Cost: Free but please be mindful of not blocking access.
Dog friendly: Yes if capable of scrambling sections over rocks
Key features: an abandoned mine to explore, a stream that appears as if from nowhere and a wonderfully rocky ravine.
*Please note: this route is impassable in and immediately after heavy rain.
A quiet walk around Troller’s Gill
Troller’s Gill is near the villages of Appletreewick and Skyreholme but as we drove closer to the roadside parking I really started to question whether the photos I’d seen online were real or not. The ravine is completely hidden from the roadside and impossible to spot unless you know where you are looking. Fortunately, this makes Troller’s Gill a quiet place to explore and on a sunny Spring day, we had the whole place to ourselves. The dark history of this ravine though is what makes your visit here exciting; amongst the nooks and crannies of each towering side of the ravine wait trolls ready to hurl rocks down on passing hikers, evil pixies who stalk those who enter the ravine and bloodsucking gnomes to name but a few.
It’s really not a place to visit alone…
BUT if you manage to escape all these without harm then you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, albeit eerie, walk.
Where is Troller’s Gill and how do I get there?
From the roadside parking, take the track through the gate which cuts across the field. This path winds gently downhill until you’re in a small valley with hills on either side of you. Within about 15 minutes of leaving your car, look to your right and you’ll see the disused mine workings of Gill Head Mine. This was abandoned in the early 1980’s when mining for fluorite ceased.
Gill Head Mine
The entrance to the mine is behind a large metal gate with collapsed rockfall in front of it.
Entrance to the mine is not recommended as it is not maintained and the chance of sudden collapse is high. However, being the danger mouse that I am, I checked it out for you! Once past the gate, the huge echoey and incredibly slippy tunnel leads down to a flooded section and a ladder. Up the ladder and further into the mine are more flooded chambers.
Be aware that there are other abandoned mine workings and caves in this area and they should not be entered. Exercise caution while exploring as there may be hidden potholes and dangers.
Troller’s Gill route
Fom the mine, the route takes you further down towards the beck which flows down to the village of Skyreholme. This is a picture perfect place for a lunch stop if the weather permits and feels like the perfect place for pixies and trolls to be hiding!
As you head back upstream, keep a beady eye out for another stream that seems to appear from nowhere beneath your feet! This is where the river at the head of the ravine disappears underground before reappearing again at the foot of the ravine. In wet weather, the river will be in full flow through the ravine which is why this route becomes impassable in wet weather.
This is where the fun starts; you’ll need to find your way up and over rocky, scrambly sections following the river upstream to get out of the gorge. Be sure to look up to check that those pesky trolls aren’t aiming rocks at you! There is no escape route so once you commit you’ll either need to retrace your steps or continue your route. The scramble is relatively straightforward and you’ll wind with the river through the gorge but it can be slippery and it’s a good idea to be prepared for wet feet!
At the end of the gorge you need to keep walking until you reach a small waterfall with a footbridge crossing the river. Cross the river here and take the path uphill which will lead you back onto the top and you’ll be able to see your starting point in the distance. Eventually, you’ll join up with the wide, stoney path that you started on, taking you back to the safety of your car and free from the watchful eyes of the creatures lurking behind you!
Map and key locations for Troller’s Gill
Access the downloadable route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Roadside parking in a small layby on New Road.
2: Access to the disused and abandoned Gill Head Mine.
3: The point at Skyreholme Beck where you head back towards Troller’s Gill.
4: The ravine of Troller’s Gill.
5: The end of the ravine where you cross the river over a small footbridge.
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the downloadable route for his walk here.
Top Tips for Troller’s Gill
- Parking is limited in the closest layby but there is another layby slightly further down New Road and additional parking on the B6265 down from Stump Cross Caverns. This additional parking will increase the length of the route.
- In particularly wet weather or immediately after wet weather, this route will be impassable as it follows the river upstream.
- There are no facilities on this route.
- The abandoned mine should not be accessed without caution; it is not maintained and the passages at the end are flooded. The track down is slippy and rocky and there is a high risk of a trip or fall here.
- Appropriate footwear is needed for this route; waterproof walking boots highly recommended
- The scramble is slippery in places and requires sure footedness and confidence on rough, scrambly terrain.
For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy
The Edale Skyline, a circular loop which winds its way around the hills either side of the Edale Valley, is a spectacular long-distance hiking challenge. On this 20 mile route, you take in several summits and will finish by walking along the glorious Great Ridge before descending back down to the valley floor. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful views in the Peak District and want to push yourself then look no further than the Edale Skyline!
Key information for the Edale Skyline
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Distance: 33.5km/20.8miles
Total ascent: 1128m
Est Time: 8-12 hours depending on speed, fitness and rest breaks
Starting location: Hope Train Station (S33 6RR)
Cost: £3 for all day parking with the RingGo app. Correct at time of writing (July 2023).
Dog friendly: Only if fit, healthy and able to walk long distances.
Key features: summits of Win Hill, Brown Knoll, Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill, rock formations towards the Kinder Scout plateau.
Edale, the little village nestled below the watchful eye of Kinder Scout and at the end of the Edale Valley, is an incredibly popular destination with walkers, runners, cyclists and the odd few hundred tourists. On a sunny summer’s day, the village is bustling with crowds of people and the surrounding hills alive with cheerful and jubilant walkers. Its popularity is easy to understand when you take into account its accessibility; 30 minutes from Manchester and Sheffield with a train station if you’re coming by public transport. This isn’t an area you head to if you want a peaceful, isolated hike but on the Edale Skyline you will find that some sections are much quieter than others. My friend Zoe and I completed this route under the warm Spring sunshine and only really bumped into the crowds near the popular sections of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor.
The Edale Skyline is a popular fell running face but that doesn’t mean you need to be a trail runner to attempt this route. On a clear and calm day, the Edale Skyline can be an excellent first time, long-distance hiking route with clear paths and relatively straight-forward navigation. This route starts from Hope Train Station and takes in the summits of Win hill, Brown Knoll Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill but also passes by an array of interesting rock formations, historical sites and famous locations along the way.
The route can be started from multiple places but this route starts from Hope Station, one of the more popular starting points.
Route Details for the Edale Skyline hiking challenge
Upon leaving the car park at Hope Train Station you head over the bridge which crosses the train track and follow the stream, uphill, through the fields. Eventually, you reach a stile on your right which you cross allowing you to cut across another farmers field until you reach a track called Parsons Lane. Following this road will take you to a small hamlet called Aston and you eventually reach a right or left turn. Turn right onto Thornhill Lane then immediately left through the trees (look for the public footpath sign). Once you’re on the public footpath, it’s simply a matter of following the path slowly uphill to the summit of Win Hill. From here, the views are stunning down into the valley and behind to Ladybower Reservoir and you can make out part of the route you’ll be doing towards the end of the day too.
Win Hill is a great little one to start with; it gets the legs warmed up and you’ll have done a chunk of elevation to start the day. We were even treated to a stunning cloud inversion during our attempt!
From the summit of Win Hill, the path takes you along the edge of a section of woodland, which for those budding historians, is actually where an old Roman Road to Hope begins. This road crosses the ridge of Win Hill and is a wide and well-defined path. Eventually, you reach the historic landmark of Hope Cross, a packhorse waymarker which would have been used in the past for directional guidance. Thank god we have maps now, eh?
Leaving Hope Cross behind you, your next hill to tackle is Crookstone Hill for which you head up the hillside to your left shortly after leaving Hope Cross. Look for the tree on its own and you’ll be on the right track! The path here rises gently uphill before topping out above a rocky outcrop and onto the ridge above the valley beneath you. There is only one path to follow here and it eventually leads you towards Ringing Roger (an eroded rock that gets its name from the sound it makes when the wind blows over it) and some fascinating rock formations on Upper Tor. This is my favourite place for a little snack and photo stop as the views back down the valley and across to Mam Tor are breathtaking on a clear day.
Continuing on the path, you’ll see Grindsbrook Clough in front of you (a great, scrambly route for another day) before making a sharp right turn and crossing over a small stream and back again. Heading away from this area, you’ll now find yourself on Edale Moor and below the Kinder Scout plateau which is probably when you start to notice many, many, many more people. This section can feel wild at times especially when the cold wind bites and whistles through your bones. It’s quite exposed and can feel long after the hiking so far, therefore this is another section that is nice to take a quick pit stop on. There’s some wonderful rock formations too along here called The Woolpacks, Pym Chair and Noe Stool that you’ll probably find yourself getting distracted by. These rock formations were formed over 320 millions years ago when the UK was actually located on the Earth’s equator when eroded material was deposited into the Pennine Basin. The rocks now have been weathered over thousands of years to form some remarkable shapes.
Your next checkpoint is the trig of Brown Knoll but this path can be a real joy killer. After leaving Edale Moor behind you and passing the descent of Jacob’s Ladder, the path winds through boggy moorland along a series of, what feels like never-ending, paving slabs. Reaching the trig is a welcome sight but don’t get too comfortable because you’ve got another never ending section of stone paving slabs in front of you again.
At the end of this section, you head left up a stony track and soon you are rewarded with the wondrous, and famous, view of Rushup Edge and Mam Tor in the distance. This section really feels like the home straight and you’ll start to feel that buzz of accomplishment seep in as you realise that this is the final section.
The Great Ridge and Mam Tor is iconic to the Peak District and this final section of the walk, once you cross the road, takes in the whole of the ridge, up Back Tor and along to Lose Hill. Mam Tor, meaning “Mother Hill” attracts hordes of walkers, experienced and beginners alike, who flock here to soak up the joy of this ridge. This will be the busiest section yet but the views make up for that and as you pass over the ridge, the views on each side down to Edale on one side and Castleton on the other are something special.
In the past, Mam Tor was a place of ancient civilisation with occupation believed to be from around 1200BC. The summit has two ancient hill forts, Bronze Age burials nearby and archaeological artefacts have also been recovered here. Read more about the ancient history of Mam Tor here.
The path along the Great Ridge is paved and incredibly well maintained that your feet will thank you for the easy work along here. Your final destination is the toposcope of Lose Hill, marking pretty much the end of the skyline (you just need to find enough energy to make it back to the car now). Soak in the views from here and take a moment to look back at the whole route you have covered that day; it’s a real accomplishment so allow yourself to be proud of your achievements.
Once you’re ready to leave the challenge behind you, head down hill, keeping left and not crossing the stile, back down towards Losehill Farm and the road that follows the river into the village of Hope. This road section is your final part of the walk and soon you’ll find yourself at the main road where you turn left and head back towards the train station.
This is a really wonderful route and is a great one for your first long distance challenge and one that will keep you coming back for another go time and time again even if you hear yourself uttering the words “never again” as you soothe your blister ridden feet and achy legs at the end of the day.
Map and key locations for the Edale Skyline
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations on map
1: Parking at Hope Train Station
2: Summit of Win Hill (463m)
3: Site of Hope Cross
4: Interesting rock formations at Upper Tor
5: Summit of Brown Knoll (569m)
6: The Great Ridge and the summit of Mam Tor (517m)
7: Back Tor
8: The summit of Lose Hill (476m and the last summit of the day)
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.
Top Tips for The Edale Skyline
- Arrive at the car park early in the morning as it fills up quickly
- The Edale Skyline requires a good level of fitness and it is important to ensure you have practised some longer distance walking over rough terrain and with ascent before attempting the Edale Skyline
- As this is a long distance circular loop there aren’t many options to shorten the route.
- There are no facilities on this walk
- Most paths are obvious as you are following the edge however in poor weather, navigation could become harder and a wrong turn could be likely
Remember – the Peak District is a beautiful location that we want to keep beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Practise “Leave no Trace” and take all your rubbish home with you.
For more UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram. Don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy x
The Lake District is home to more wild swimming spots than you could ever count (probably) and is a waterfall lover’s dream. With deep and narrow canyons, cascading waterfalls plunging into pools of emerald water and meandering rivers and lakes, the Lake District really is the perfect place to hunt out your next wild swimming spot. These three waterfall spots are well-known, visited regularly and are probably ones you’ve seen photos of before but with good reason; they’re all easy to access and offer the opportunity to plunge into the icy water while enjoying a breathtaking Lakeland view at the same time.
Exploring these beautiful and popular locations is well worth your time and effort but unfortunately, an influx of visitors has seen some of these natural beauties left in a state of disregard with rubbish, drinks bottles and cans strewn around the area. As a fellow lover of the great outdoors, it’s important now more than ever that we make sure we leave these beauty spots clean, free of rubbish and safe for the next people to enjoy.
Whorneyside Force waterfall in the Langdale Valley
Beneath the shadow of Crinkle Crags, this secluded waterfall casts a watchful gaze over the spectacular Langdale Valley which is known for some of the most beautiful Lake District scenery. The waterfall cascades down into a large and crystal clear pool, drawing in sweaty hikers and keen wild dippers with the promise of a refreshing dunk. As you walk along the valley floor, you would have no idea of the hidden waterfall and it’s only once you get closer that you get your first glimpse of the water tumbling down the mountain.
Walk distance: 8km/5 miles
Estimated time: Around 2 hours (not including swimming time)
Starting location: National Trust car park at Stickle Ghyll (LA22 9JU). Additional parking slightly further up the road at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.
Click here for the interactive route on Komoot.
Click here for the route on OS maps.
Difficulty: Intermediate – Good fitness required, well-maintained but stony paths, suitable for all skill levels, uphill section towards waterfall is short.
Dog friendly: Yes if fit and healthy and used to uphill walks on uneven ground.
How to get to Whorneyside Force Waterfall
Whorneyside Force can easily be tied in with circular routes or longer hiking days if you wish but this is the shortest and quickest way to get there.
Starting from the National Trust car park at Stickle Ghyll, head out towards the road and follow a westerly direction alongside the road through the fields. As you near the end of the road, a tarmac path leads out in front of you towards Stool End Farm. I absolutely adore the breathtaking scenery along this section; from the untouched natural beauty to the surrounding mountains that thrust themselves out from beneath your feet on both sides of you, it’s hard not to live in the moment and be in awe of these giants. Be sure to look to your right to see the iconic dome of Pike O’Stickle with its hidden secret cave!
As you pass through the farmyard (this is correct, believe me!) and through the gate follow the path straight towards the river where you want to stick to the right hand side on the stony path. Pass the wooden bridge on your left and eventually the path will change to a well-trodden grassy oath which will start to head up a gradual incline. Keeping the river to your left you will eventually reach another bridge crossing the river.
Follow this then turn immediately right. From here, you can just make out the rush of water from Whorneyside Force.
Getting to the waterfall
The path from this second wooden bridge, follows the stream uphill and is a slightly eroded and well-used path. The path is easy to follow but can be slippery in some wetter weather so more care and attention is needed here than on the walk in. After a short few minutes of uphill walking Whorneyside Force will appear in full view in front of you.
After a dry weather spell, the water will trickle over the rocks into the shimmering, crystal-clear pool. Fortunately, the pool is deep enough to swim in even if there has been a lack of recent rain. In wetter weather, the waterfall turns into a raging torrent that I would definitely avoid swimming in. Entry into the water is simple and there are numerous entry points involving clambering over a few rocks before sliding into that icy cold water.
Sour Milk Gill Waterfall near Easedale Tarn
It’s a good job that what this waterfall lacks in its name, it definitely makes up for it in its offering as a not to be missed wild swimming spot. Getting its name from the swirling, white water, Sour Milk Gill is located on the beck which flows down from Easedale Tarn, a scenic glacier formed lake that sits in the centre of the Lake District. The waterfall on the way up to the tarn is a true gem and the water can be surprisingly warm as it faces the sunshine for much of the day. The emerald colour pool is deep enough for a few swim strokes but the location is so stunning that when we visited we spent a couple of hours dipping in and out of the pool and snacking on our picnic. The views looking up to the waterfall and back down the valley to the fells are superb making this an idyllic dipping spot.
Walk distance: 4.6km/2.9miles
Estimated time: 1.5 hours (not including swimming time)
Starting location: The Lancrigg car park (LA22 9QN)
Click here for the interactive route on Komoot.
Click here for the route on OS maps.
Cost of parking: £6 for all day which can be redeemed against hot drinks in the cafe.
Difficulty: Easy – easily accessible and well maintained paths, mostly flat until heading up towards the waterfall.
Dog friendly: Yes if fit and healthy and used to uphill walks on uneven ground.
How to get to Sour Milk Gill Waterfall
Starting from The Lancrigg (a great little place to stop after your hike, sit in the gardens and enjoy some good food and a cuppa), head down through the garden to join up with a path that will take you down towards Easedale Road and the river. Before the road curves around to the left, you cross the river over a little bridge. The trail from here is flat and follows the little stream on your right-hand side and through a wooded area before opening up into farmland.
The track here is obvious and it gradually leads uphill; you’ll be able to see the huge waterfall in view in front of you.
Eventually the path joins the base of the waterfall and you have two options. Either cross the river over the footbridge and walk up the grassy bank alongside the waterfalls or just stay on the maintained track. Both will take you up to the swimming spot so it’s really up to you which way you choose. After climbing the track, eventually you’ll reach the swimming hole where you’ll find easy access and lots of places to sit and dry off afterwards. If you want a bigger swim, then Easedale Tarn isn’t too much further up the path.
The Thirlmere Infinity Pool
Next time you’re scrolling through social media and seeing video after video of luxurious Bali infinity pools remember that we have more than a few of our own right here in the Lake District! It might not be as warm or luscious but it’s definitely more interesting saying you’ve dipped in a mountain side infinity pool. I visited here on a wet, moody and misty day and the atmosphere created by the low hanging clouds was spectacular. The pool itself is relatively small with enough space for a couple of strokes so it’s definitely more of a lounging around in the water, admiring the view type pool. The waterfall at the edge of the pool tumbles down into another pool below and sitting at the end of the drop is a special experience you don’t want to miss out on.
Top tip: This is a VERY popular and VERY busy spot. Our visit at 9am on a rainy Saturday morning turned out to be a popular place and we shared it with 6 other people. It’s probably a good one to leave for a week day out of school holidays in some iffy weather if you want any chance of experiencing it peacefully.
Walk distance: 3km/1.9mile round trip
Estimated time: 45 minutes each way, not including swimming time
Starting location: small free parking area at the north side of Thirlmere Reservoir where the A591 from Keswick meets the B5322 at Back Lane. Find the Google Maps pin here.
Click here for the interactive route on Komoot.
Click here for the route on OS maps.
Cost of parking: free in roadside parking area
Difficulty: Intermediate – the route starts off with a gradual uphill before flattening out along a rocky and uneven path. The path up to the waterfall is steep and very slippery in wet weather. The rocks to get down to the infinity pool are slippery too so caution is needed.
Dog friendly: Yes if fit and healthy and used to uphill walks on uneven ground.
How to find the Thirlmere Infinity Pool
There are many routes up to the Thirlmere infinity pool but this route is direct from the free parking area. After leaving the parking area, head up Stanah Lane towards some farm building where you’ll see a gate you want to go through. Once through the gate, turn right and follow the path alongside the stone wall and through the bracken (depending on the time of year you’re visiting).
All you have to do is keep following this path towards Thirlmere reservoir and eventually you’ll reach a wooden footbridge that crosses over Fisherplace Gill – the location of the infinity pool you’re heading to. After crossing the footbridge, turn left and head straight up the hillside using the path that has been carved out by many, many adventurous souls. This part of the walk is steep and very slippery in wet weather but it’s short lived and within 5 minutes you’ll be at the Lake District’s version of that Bali infinity pool.
Upon reaching the infinity pool, head down to the rocks at the back and cross over to the other side as this is where the easiest entry is. Be sure to enjoy the moment here; the views, even though down to the main road, are beautiful down the valley and it’s easy to get wrapped up in getting photos rather than just enjoying the moment.
For more UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be the first to hear about new UK routes, the best swimming spots, international adventure and ideas of things to do for your next adventure.
Happy adventuring!
Izzy x
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