This 6.3km Peak District waterfall trail is a bit of a hidden gem and you’ll be treated to not one but SEVEN waterfalls tucked away on Arnfield Brook. However, there are definitely more of them as you head further upstream. The series of waterfalls come down from the moorland above and some are perfect for a wild swim. Get all the details and downloadable maps for the route here.
Where is the Peak District Waterfall Trail?
The walk starts from Arnfield Reservoir in Tintwistle and there is free parking on Crossgate Lane. The road is narrow so you’ll need to check you aren’t blocking access and that cars and tractors can pass. Once you’re all parked up, the route is simple to follow.
Walking route from Tintwistle
Walk straight up the road with the reservoir on your left until you pass Crossgate Farm campsite. Take a left here along Arnfield Lane. There are some lovely views back down to the reservoir and it’s just a 10 minute ish walk to some farm buildings on your right. Before the road bends around to the right is a sign showing the public footpath you want to follow. Head through the metal gate. Once you pass through the gate, stay on the wide path and head straight for the woodland in front of you. Pass through the woodland and after five minutes or so, keep an eye out for a small pile of stones and a path to the left.
Peak District Waterfall trail; finding the waterfalls
This path will lead you down to Arnfield Brook where the series of waterfalls starts. This can be a bit tricky to find as it isn’t signposted and there are a few little paths leading off to the left. I’d suggest checking the map or using the OS route to double check where you are.
To get to the waterfalls you need to come off the path and navigate down a steep bank to the river. This can also be slippery so extra care is definitely needed here to get down and back up again!
Once you’ve safely made it down to Arnfield Brook, you follow the stream which will involve some little scrambles.
There are a whole series of waterfalls and we found a quiet and secluded spot right by the brook to have some lunch. It was just below the shooting hut so if you’re checking a map, I definitely recommend that spot for a snack.
You can have a little wild swim/dip in quite a few of these but the water level will reduce during a spell of dry weather. If you want the pools to be a bit deeper, I’d probably head there after some rain!
Soon, it will be time to get your map out because you’ll need to navigate to the shooting cabin just above the brook.
There isn’t really a defined path and it is a little steep but it doesn’t last long. Once you’re at the cabin, it’s a nice easy walk back down the track.
The track leads down to a plantation of pine trees before reaching Arnfield Farm. When you reach the main road you have two options; left will take you back along the road you first walked on and right, following the river and the wall will lead you back to the reservoir.
This is a really beautiful route and one you’re likely to have to yourself or with very limited other people. Take the time to enjoy it as it isn’t very often you get a spot as beautiful as this so quiet!
Map and route for the Peak District Waterfall Trail
Access the route on the OS Map App here.
Locations
1: Parking and start location on Crossgate Lane next to Arnfield Reservoir
2: Farm track through metal gate to get to Arnfield Brook
3: Section where you leave the main path to get down to Arnfield Brook at the waterfalls
4. Shooting cabin
5. Meeting point back with the road which will take you back to Arnfield Reservoir
Komoot App
Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own. 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 Seven Waterfalls Trail
- The roadside parking gets full quickly on a nice day so arrive early and park respectfully
- The path down to the brook is steep and slippery if wet so take extra caution here
- At the end of the brook, some navigation skills are needed to get to the shooting cabin
- There is a cafe at Arnfield Reservoir – perfect for a post-walk visit
Happy hiking!
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