Upper River Rye Falls

Upper River Rye Falls and Blow Gill

Not far from Osmotherly, in the North Yorkshire Moors is this collection of small but interesting waterfalls. 

Take the road from Osmotherly to Hawnby and take in the views of the Moors. 

After approx 6 km (from the centre of Osmotherly) you will come to a small copse of trees on the left. 

Park here and follow the path around Douglas Ridge. The land is Open Access (See https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/use-your-right-to-roam for restrictions. The walk will take approx 45 mins. 

Thimbleby

If you fancy a slight detour before you get there, continue on the road to Thimbleby for 5 minutes and you will come to a small ford, over which passes Oakdale Beck,  either side are 2 delightful waterfalls which I suspect are man-made. (see map)

Low Cote

After your visit, continue along the road to Hawnby another 1.5 km and you will come to the small farm at Low Cote. Take the track down to the river - approx 500 m and you can see the fall on the other side of the river. The land at that side is private and rather boggy!

Blow Gill

Continue along the road for a further 3 Km and you will come to a sharp left hand bend followed by a sharp right hand one. The falls are here under the road. It is possible to park here.

Route to Snilesworth

Around the Moor

On our return we met a group of local gamekeepers who suggested that it would be OK to cut through the enclosure of Snilesworth Lodge back to the cattlegrid (see blue line), thus avoiding the nesting game birds on the moor.

Upper River Rye

Thimbleby 

Either Side of the Ford

To the Left

Down below to the right

Low Cote

Park by this sign

Blow Gill

At the side of the Road

Cotterdale - West Gill

Cotterdale - West Gill

Acroy Gill Force, Mathew Bridge Force & Seavy Sike Force 

Cotterdale lies 4 miles North-west of Hawes (Wensleydale), just off the A684. Take the right turn and follow the single track until you reach the steep hill just above the hamlet. 

There is a large area here to park in. 

Follow the road downhill and around the bend. 

Just after the first set of buildings you will see a marker post directing you through the fields. Please keep to the beck side as you go through the fields. 

At the far end there is a gate which takes you onto a track. Turn right here and begin your ascent up the gill. It's a walk of approx 1.5 miles to the top-most fall - Seavy Sike Force. 

It will be necessary to cross the gill several times, although there are fords, after heavy rain it may be difficult. 

One of many crossovers

Acroy Force

Acroy Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Seavy Sike Force

Oxnop Gill Falls

Oxnop Gill Falls

I came across these falls quite by accident whilst looking for some others in this vicinity. 

In Swaledale, just as the B6270 crosses Oxnop beck between Gunnerside & Muker, by the turn off to Ivelet, these falls tumble down under the road. Take the turning to Ivelet and park by the bridge. The falls can be accessed either side of the main road.

Orgate Force

Orgate Force

Take the Northern route out of Richmond up Swaledale (Hurgill Road then Clapgate Bank). 

After approx 5.5 Miles you will come to the village of Marske. 

There is room to park just after the road crosses Marske Beck. 

Take the single track road (Skelton Lane) to the end- approx 1.2 miles, then turn right. Walk down the bridleway until you come to the bridge. 

The Falls are upstream on your left. 

Although it is possible to drive up Skelton Lane, the bridleway at the end is surrounded by "No Parking" notices and the local farmer is none too happy with visitors (or wasn't when I was there!). The lane is too narrow to park on itself. 

Alternatively, follow the marked footpath alongside Marske Beck upstream, (Slightly longer) but be warned, it's boggy in places. 

After approx 450 yds there is a small bridge and just beyond some small falls, but access is difficult.

Skelton Lane route

Alternate route