10 free waterfalls in Yorkshire you can walk to
11 October 2026 · 3 min read
From Aysgarth's wide tumbling falls to hidden woodland cascades on the North York Moors — ten Yorkshire waterfalls that cost nothing to visit.
Yorkshire is waterfall country. The Dales are criss-crossed with becks that tumble over limestone steps, and the North York Moors hide falls deep in wooded valleys. The best part? Most of them are completely free — all you need is a pair of boots. Here are ten of our favourites, all reached on public footpaths.
Tip: waterfalls are at their most dramatic a day or two after heavy rain. Paths near the water can be slippery, so keep little ones close.
1. Aysgarth Falls, Wensleydale
Three sets of falls — upper, middle and lower — where the River Ure drops over broad limestone steps. Short, well-signed woodland paths link them, so it's an easy family walk.
2. Janet's Foss, Malham
A small but magical waterfall in a wooded gorge, falling into a deep green pool. Local legend says Janet, queen of the fairies, lives in a cave behind it. It's a gentle walk from Malham village, and you can carry on to Gordale Scar.
3. Kisdon Force, near Keld
Tucked away in upper Swaledale just below Keld, Kisdon Force is a two-step fall in a dramatic wooded gorge. The final part of the path is steep, so take care.
4. Wain Wath Force, near Keld
One of the easiest waterfalls in the Dales to see — it's right beside the road west of Keld, with limestone cliffs as a backdrop. Perfect if you're short on time.
5. Catrigg Force, near Stainforth
A tall, slender fall hidden in a wooded gorge above Stainforth, said to have been a favourite spot of the composer Edward Elgar. Reached by a lane and field path from the village.
6. Stainforth Force
Just down the hill from Catrigg, the River Ribble pours over a series of rock ledges into a wide pool. In autumn, if you're lucky, you might see salmon leaping — so it pairs perfectly with Catrigg Force on one walk.
7. Falling Foss, near Littlebeck
A lovely waterfall in Sneaton Forest on the North York Moors, dropping into a wooded ravine. There are woodland walks all around, which makes it a good half-day out.
8. Mallyan Spout, Goathland
Often described as the tallest waterfall on the North York Moors, Mallyan Spout falls into the West Beck gorge a short walk from Goathland village. The path along the beck is rocky and can be muddy — wear sensible shoes.
9. Cauldron Falls, West Burton
Right on the edge of the pretty village of West Burton, these falls tumble into a rocky "cauldron" pool. The artist JMW Turner sketched them on his travels through the Dales.
10. Scaleber Force, near Settle
A beautiful fall in a steep, tree-lined ravine just outside Settle. It's a short walk from the road and feels wonderfully hidden away.
Want more? Find every free waterfall on our map of free waterfalls in Yorkshire.
Everything here was free to visit when we wrote this, but opening times, parking charges and access can change — please check before you travel. Spotted something that's changed? Use "Suggest an edit" on the place's page.
Cover photo: Aysgarth Falls by Wehha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons.
