Yorkshire Waterfalls: 2015

Sunday, 15 November 2015

Horton Gill Force

There are several waterfalls in the vicinity of Semer Water (Yorkshire's Largest Natural Lake) Take the road between Countersett and Burtersett and halfway between the you will cross Horton Gill.

There is a waterfall that tumbles down under the road but the main one is another 100m upstream and two smaller ones above that. Park on the sharp bend or Park at the junction with the Roman Road and walk down. Pass through the gate into the field (The O/S map shows a permissive pathway going up the gill).

Upper falls

Looking back down

Main Falls on Horton Gill

Under the Bridge (Go through the gate and head upstream for the main waterfall)

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Keld Hole Falls

Not far from Scaling beck falls is another nice waterfall called Keld Hole.

Travel on the A191 past the Scaling Dam Reservoir towards Whitby. Turn left after the reservoir towards Borrowby. Take the 2nd track on the left towards "Little Scaling Farm".

When you reach the first cottage, park on the left just before it.

You will see a gate with sign saying "Path Diverted Follow Way-marks". Go thorough this and head towards the next gate. The O/S Map shows the path leading down to the left just before this 2nd gate. Ignore it. You will see a stile just to the left which you can cross, but it is possible to go through the gate. Turn immediately left here and follow the hedgerow down to the end of the field. Here you will find another gate, go through and follow the path to a bridge over the stream.

The falls are formed in 2 parts, a series of shallow drops under the bridge followed by a 3m drop which is hidden by a fallen tree. It is possible to gain access to the smaller falls by climbing the fence at the far end of the bridge.

HINT - Carry a pair of gardening pruners to "fight" your way down through the brambles!

It may be possible to gain access to the bottom of the bigger falls, however care should be take as it is steep and slippy. For this you will need to follow the wire fence partway back towards the last gate you came through.

Look for the sign!

Park here just before the cottages

Through this gate and head for the next

Smaller Falls

Steep Drop!

Scaling Beck Falls

Just off the A191 Guisborough to Whitby Road is Scaling Dam Reservoir. Take the road opposite towards Scaling Village. Continue past the village for approx 1km. You will pass a track on the right hand side. Park just past this on the left and walk down the track for approx 500m, cross the small bridge or wade the narrow ford. The Falls are on the left.

Kildale Falls (aka "Old Meggison")

A delightful waterfall not far from the village of Kildale in the North Yorkshire Moors.

Turn off the main road towards the railway station and take the 1st turning on the right (part of the Cleveland Way) and proceed under the railway line.

Continue on until you see a gateway on the left. Park here, and climb the stile at the side of the gate (which may be locked!) Continue down the footpath for approx 300m. It is possible to climb down to the bottom of the falls but can be slippy in wet conditions. The falls are split by a small island.

Baysdale Beck Tributary Falls

Although these falls have a drop of approx 30-40 feet they were a little disappointing when I visited, I think that later in the year, with more water, and when the bracken has died back they make them a bit more spectacular.

Take a trip to these if you are visiting Kildale Falls (Old Meggison). Continue on and take the road towards Westerdale. Park in the small car park at Hob Hole. Walk towards the rear of the Car park and continue up stream for 40yds. You will see the falls on the other side of the beck, tumbling down from Great Hograh Moor.

Monday, 28 September 2015

Cray & Crook Gill Waterfalls

For those who like waterfalls, Cray is Paradise, A Small hamlet at the head of Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales. Although they are not on the scale of Aysgarth or Hardraw, there are so many falls in such a small area. Crook Gill consists of several falls each cascading down into the next. It can be a bit of a scramble up to the top.

There are 3 main options for Parking, See Map -

(A) Park at the side of the road and follow the footpath alongside Cray Gill upstream to Crook Gill.

(B) There is room for a few cars to park opposite the White Lion Inn.

(C) 2 small Lay-By's around the top bend.

Falls (1)

Falls (2)

Falls (4)

Crook Gill (3)

Bridge over Crook Gill (4)

White Lion (B)

(Fall 8)

Falls (9)

Fall (10)

Fall (11)

Fall (12)

13 - This one has been dry of late, even after plenty of rain

Sleets Gill Beck Falls

Unfortunately there is nothing much to say about these falls. What would look impressive as a raging fall is usually found dry so don't make a specific trip to these falls. Check on them if we have had a lot of rain or after snow when the melt water may flood down. At the time of my visit there was just a trickle hidden under the rock bed.

Along the road (B6160) between Kilnsey and Kettlewell, take the left turn to towards Arncliffe Cote. After approx 1.Km you will pass a lone barn of the left. The road will then bend to the right, stop here the falls at at the side of the road on your left.

Dowber Gill Falls

A series of 6 falls down Dowber Gill, each resulting in a small pool. Although there was not much water at the time of my visit, but I expect they will be quite impressive after heavy rain or swollen with melt water.

It will take approx 40 minutes at a steady pace to reach these falls but they are grouped close together. A distance of 1.5km and a climb of 120 meters the walk is steady to start along road and track then it climbs steadily up Dowber Gill along a narrow path, rocky in parts with a ladder stile to negotiate.

Park in the National Park car park on the way into the town from Kilnsey. Turn left out of the car park but stay on the right hand side of Kettlewell beck until you reach the "Fancy" weather vane.

Weather Vane - Turn Left here

Take a left here and continue following the beck. Eventually the Road will merge into a track. Keep straight on until you cross the small stone bridge (Dowber Bridge). Here turn right following the directions on the sign post "Hag Dyke" and "Providence Pot".