Yorkshire Waterfalls: September 2015

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".

Turn Right Here

After a few meters enter the field on the left through the step stile then turn right following the beck and over a ladder stile.

Up and Over the Ladder Stile

Follow the path uphill until you reach the falls.

Sunday, 27 September 2015

Mill Scar Lash

On the way between Threshfield and Kilnsey, on the River Wharfe is Mill Scar Lash, a wide fall in 2 main drops of approx 1.5-2m.

Follow the B6160 north towards Kilnsey. 2 Miles north of Threshfield you will pass a solitary farmhouse on the right hand side of the road.

Approx 400m past this there is a lay-by on the right just past a gate. Park here and walk back 60m to the gate.

Go through the gate and walk across the field towards the river following the wall on your right as it turns to run parallel with the river.

As the wall turns back towards the river there is a defunct stile to cross (with care). The upper part of the falls is in front of you.

Ghaistrill's Strid

About a mile upstream from Grassington is Ghaistrill's Strid, similar to its namesake at Bolton Abbey but probably not as well known.

Park in the National Park Car Park off the B6265.

Turn left out of the car park and walk back towards the town centre.

Continue past Main Street and bear left down hill towards the bridge.

Do not cross the bridge, instead take the lane on the right adjacent to the "Welcome to Grassington" sign.

Take the kissing gate on the left and walk diagonally across the field toward the river. Follow the path for approx 1Km until you reach the "Strid"

Monday, 21 September 2015

Clapham Falls

Clapham Beck Falls

Although not as famous as its neighbours just "up the road" at Ingleton - Clapham Beck Falls are a lot easier to get to.

Park in the National Park car park on Church Avenue in Clapham, exit the car park and turn right towards the Church of St James, turn left over the bridge then turn right onto "Riverside". Here you will find a viewing platform and a path down to the river side. Double back to "Riverside" and continue walking up. From here you can follow the Ingleton Nature Trail (a toll applies), to Ingleton Cave and from there on to Trow Gill and Gaping Gill. Approx 2.5 miles

Lockingarth Falls

SD 722 837

Take the road between Dent and Ingleton through Deepdale (Deepdale Lane/Thornton Lane), and and after approx for 2.5 miles, you can't miss these delightful falls at the side of the road. Parking for 2/3 cars.

Another fall upstream can be seen by climbing up the grass bank beside the falls, and another 3 falls which disappear under the road bridge (but cannot be reached safely)

Hud's Force & Little Hud's Force

(at Cowgill)

I must admit that I am not quite sure which is which. Having tried to find these by walking along the road, they are somewhat hidden from view by the trees at the side of the road.

Parking, as with Dockra Bridge, is difficult - there is room for one car just by the cottage (See marker post!) or park at Lea Yate (SD 760869) or for a longer walk, at the lay-by just before Ibbeth Peril. (SD 742 864)

Room on the left just past this cottage

Look for the Marker