Whorneyside Force in the Langdale Valley tumbles into a crystal clear pool and is perfect for wild swimming. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful views in the Lake District and the walk in is surrounded by high peaks and jagged cliffs. The walk to Whorneyside Force is around an 8km round trip and should take a couple of hours to complete. It’s a great place to visit just for a swim on a sunny day or include it into other hikes in the area such as Bowfell or Crinkle Crags. Get all the info for Whorneyside Force here.
😊Difficulty: moderate – good fitness required but suitable for beginners
⛰️Terrain: well maintained but stony, uneven paths, some uphill sections
↔️Distance: 8.5km/5.3miles
⌛Time taken: approx 1 hour 15mins each way
📈Ascent: 200m
Start point: National Trust car park at Stickle Ghyll (LA22 9JU) Additional parking further up the road also available.
🐕Dog friendly; yes, if fit and used to rough terrain
🗺️The waterfall can be found on OS Explorer OL6
How to get to Whorneyside Force in the Lake District
Car parking and starting the route
There are two options for car parking for this waterfall within the Langdale Valley. Either the National Trust car park at Stickle Ghyll (LA22 9JU) or further along the road at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (LA22 9JY).
Both car parks are free for National Trust members or pay and display for non-members. There is a charge of £8.50 for the day.
Public transport option: The number 516 bus runs between Ambleside and Dungeon Ghyll daily.
The walk from either of the car parks start by following the road until it takes a left turn and heading stright on here, following the paved path through the field. This path will take you to Stool End Farm. There is also a path that avoids the road by running almost alongside it if preferred.
Walking to Whorneyside Force
The path continues until you cut through the farmyard and pass through the gate. The stony track immediately heads uphill and the view over to the Langdale Pikes is stunning. There’s also a hidden neolithic cave hidden on one of those mountains so if you fancy another adventure you can check out the post to that cave here.
Ignore the little path that cuts off to the right (that will take you up Bowfell) and instead follow it straight ahead. The path heads towards the river and you want to keep following it, keeping to the right hand side of the river. Ignore the bridge crossing on your left.
Eventually, the path turns into a well trodden, grassy path that starts to head uphill and will turn into an easier to follow path. Keep the river on your left and eventually you’ll reach another footbridge crossing the river.
Cross the footbridge and immediately follow the rough path that follows the right hand side of the river. Whorneyside Force will be hidden infront of you but you’ll be able to make out the waterfall infront of you as you get closer.
You’ll quickly reach the base of the waterfall where it is a great place to sit for a while or enjoy a swim.
This is a popular waterfall so time your visit outside of peak season for the best chance of having it to yourself. There’s also another pool directly above it if you can navigate yourself there, but don’t tell anyone I told you. 😉
Remember to take all your rubbish home with you if you visit. NT staff don’t wander the hills picking up people’s litter and it’s often left to visitors and locals to tidy up. Let’s keep it tidy for the next visitor.
Take a look at this video of Whorneyside Force and remember to let me know if this Lake District waterfall is on your list of places to visit or if you’ve already been.
