Winter Waterfall Walks: When Britain's Falls Are at Their Best

Most people visit waterfalls in summer, when the paths are dry and the days long. But Britain's falls are at their most powerful in winter, after weeks of rain or a thaw, and on a cold day the spray can freeze into icicles along the rocks. A waterfall walk is also one of the best winter outings for a short day: most routes are a few miles long, sheltered in wooded valleys, and end near a café or pub.

At a glance

Best time: a day or two after heavy rain. Length: most walks are two to five miles. Cost: mostly free; a few trails charge entry or parking. Watch for: slippery steps, ice and fast-fading light.

In England

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Dales

A circular trail of about eight kilometres from Ingleton through two wooded gorges, passing a string of falls. It is privately run and charges an entry fee, and it is one of the classic walks of the Yorkshire Dales.

Aysgarth Falls, Wensleydale

A series of broad, stepped falls on the River Ure at Aysgarth, reached by short paths from the national park car park. After rain the whole river becomes a wide sheet of white water.

High Force, Teesdale

Where the River Tees drops over a cliff of dark whinstone, above Middleton-in-Teesdale. In flood it is one of the most powerful falls in England.

Aira Force, Lake District

A National Trust waterfall in woodland above Ullswater, near Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, with stone bridges above and below the main fall.

In Wales

Waterfall Country, Bannau Brycheiniog

The wooded valleys around Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte have one of the greatest concentrations of waterfalls in Britain, including one, Sgwd yr Eira, where a path runs behind the falling water. Paths here are rocky and slippery, and some are closed in bad conditions.

Pistyll Rhaeadr, north Wales

Near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, this is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Wales, falling in a long column down a cliff, traditionally counted among the Seven Wonders of Wales.

In Scotland

Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

One of Scotland's highest waterfalls, reached by a walk through a gorge from the end of the Glen Nevis road near Fort William. Reaching the foot of the falls involves a wire bridge, which is optional.

Falls of Clyde, New Lanark

Woodland paths from the World Heritage mill village of New Lanark lead to a series of falls on the River Clyde.

Staying safe

Wet rock and leaf-covered steps are slippery, and ice makes them far worse. Wear boots with good grip, keep children and dogs back from edges, and check sunset times — wooded valleys get dark early. For more ideas, see our guides to winter walks and national park staycations.