Go waterfall spotting with these 8 Yorkshire Dales walks

Yorkshire, also known as "God's Own Country", is home to the highest concentration of waterfalls in the UK.

These hidden gems have drawn tourists from all over the world thanks to their remote, beautiful settings. Fancy joining them? If you love nothing more than getting your walking boots on and exploring what your country has to offer, then you've come to the right place.

Here are the top eight waterfall walks in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales. Any one of these is worth chasing.

1. Posforth Gill Waterfall

This gem is also known as the "Bolton Abbey waterfall", as it's tucked away on the Bolton Abbey Estate in the Valley of Desolation.

Catrake is located along the River Swale and is the first waterfall you'll see on this walk. It's easiest to view the falls from the top – and the view is magnificent, all told. However, if you're feeling brave, you can climb down the slippery rocks to enjoy a bottoms-up perspective. Careful!

4. Catrigg Force

This slender, two-tiered waterfall offers a superb view and is a hotspot for wild swimmers. This is especially true in the summer months, as there's an inviting-looking natural pool at the base.

This is a blessing and a curse for Cow Close Gill. Few tourists take the time to wander up to the falls as they've already seen it from the road. However, this means it's lovely and peaceful – even during busy months. So, why not take advantage of the peace and quiet and enjoy a private piece of nature?

It's dog and child-friendly and makes the perfect spot for a summer picnic. Follow the Cray Gill Waterfalls Walk to find it.

6. Force Gill

You'll see this breathtaking waterfall if you take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, also known as the Whernside Walk.

It has become one of the most well-known waterfalls in the country and is among the most visited in North Yorkshire. You can thank the 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves for that, as the waterfall featured in a very famous scene. (If you've seen it, you know the one.)

While it's set within the outstanding surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the waterfall is actually located on private property. This means you'll have to pay an admission charge should you choose to go and see it.

It's well worth the fee, though. Standing tall at a staggering 30 metres (100 feet), Hardraw Force is bound to leave you speechless.

8. Hull Pot

Situated on the outskirts of Pen-y-Ghent, Hull Pot is actually a collapsed cavern.

This incredible natural attraction is much more than just a hole in the ground, though. The gorge boasts its own waterfall, which springs to life with a mesmerising flow of water.

By taking a small detour, you'll be able to access the Hull Pot while venturing up Pen-y-Ghent.

It's found on the western side of the hill and will take between two and two-and-half hours to visit. Don't let this put you off, though. The course to reach Hull Pot is pretty easy, even for beginners.

That said, while the trail is dog-friendly it might be tough going for small kids. We recommend a backpack carrier for when those little legs lose hope!

Fuel up at Stump Cross Caverns

After all that walking, you'll need a well-earned rest. So make sure to swing by Stump Cross Caverns for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Our Time Cafe serves tasty food and warming drinks – along with equally delicious views across the Dales. Or why not book a session in our Time Out Pod ? It's a cosy chill-out room in the heart of the Dales. Here, you can catch up with friends, catch up on some work or simply enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation. Then, of course, there's the main attraction: our ancient underground cave system . If you haven't been yet, consider it a must-see. It's the Yorkshire Dales as you've never seen it before – all mesmerising rock formations, twisting passageways and hidden secrets. And unlike our waterfall walks, it's all indoors – so the fickle British weather can never catch you out. If you're looking for rainy-day activities in Yorkshire , you can't beat it. Book your tickets to Stump Cross Caverns online.

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