Cautley Spout
England's highest cascade waterfall, a dramatic 650ft tumble in a wild glacial valley. Perfect for hikers and wild swimmers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Water flow is strong, fewer crowds
Cautley Spout
Best Time
Water flow is strong, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's highest cascade waterfall, a dramatic 650ft tumble in a wild glacial valley. Perfect for hikers and wild swimmers.
"A hidden gem—a dramatic, lofty cascade nestled in a serene and remote fell landscape."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Pack for Wild Swimming
If you're brave, bring swimwear and a towel for a refreshing dip in the pools!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 269 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cautley Spout Cascade
The Howgills
England's tallest waterfall, a dramatic 650ft tumble of stepped cascades. A true natural wonder.
Infinity Pools
Near the top of the falls
Discover hidden pools offering stunning views and a unique spot for a wild dip.
Panoramic Fell Views
The Howgills
Sweeping vistas of the glacial valley and surrounding fells await on your ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Climb for Epic Views
Wild Swimming Potential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Pack for Wild Swimming
If you're brave, bring swimwear and a towel for a refreshing dip in the pools!
🗺️ Check the Weather
Conditions can change rapidly in the fells. Be prepared for wind and rain.
🚗 Parking Near Farm
A small parking spot near a farm offers a good starting point for the walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Pack for Wild Swimming
If you're brave, bring swimwear and a towel for a refreshing dip in the pools!
🗺️ Check the Weather
Conditions can change rapidly in the fells. Be prepared for wind and rain.
🚗 Parking Near Farm
A small parking spot near a farm offers a good starting point for the walk.
📸 Capture the Scale
The broken cascade offers many angles for stunning waterfall photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cautley Spout is lauded as a hidden gem, offering a dramatic and lofty cascade in a serene fell landscape. Visitors appreciate the powerful visuals and the rewarding hike, with many enjoying the option for wild swimming. While the climb can be steep, the breathtaking waterfall and sweeping vistas make it a worthwhile adventure for all who visit.
"Lovely walk along the valley to the falls. Relatively easy walk but steep climb to waterfall. You can see the falls without the steep climb. Approx 3 to 4 mile round trip. Really beautiful."
Trudie Burton
"Cautley Spout is a hidden gem—a dramatic, lofty cascade nestled in a serene and remote fell landscape. It delivers powerful visuals without crowds. Whether you opt for an easy family outing or a full fell-walk, the reward is a breathtaking waterfall and sweeping vistas. Just be prepared for the terrain’s challenge, respect the natural conditions, and embrace the adventure."
Bhaba Jyoti Nath
"Good walk from a little parking spot near a farm. Easy enough walk and great scenery looking back where you’ve come from once you reach the top of the cascading water."
Steven Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cautley Spout is located in The Howgills, accessible from Sedbergh. There's a small parking area near a farm which serves as a good starting point for the walk.
Public transport options are limited. The nearest town with services is Sedbergh, from where you would likely need to arrange a taxi or begin a longer walk.
Many visitors start from a small parking spot near a farm, which provides easy access to the valley path leading to the waterfall.
No, you cannot drive directly to the waterfall. The final approach is on foot via a walking trail.
Nearby attractions include Yordas Cave and the town of Sedbergh, known for its bookshops and tearooms. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cautley Spout is a natural attraction within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
As a natural outdoor location, Cautley Spout is accessible at all times. However, daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Parking is typically free at the small farm-based parking areas, but it's always good to check for any local signage or small charges.
Dogs are generally welcome in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but they must be kept under control, especially around livestock.
The initial walk along the valley is relatively easy and scenic, making it suitable for families. The climb to the base of the falls is steeper and may be challenging for very young children.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the parking area to the foot of the waterfall is approximately 1.5 miles, taking about 30-45 minutes. A longer loop from Sedbergh can be around 5-10 miles.
The initial valley walk is relatively easy, but the climb to the base of the waterfall is steep. A full hike from Sedbergh can be challenging. +1
Many visitors enjoy the walk up the valley to the falls, with some opting for a steep climb to the base for closer views and potential wild swimming.
Yes, there are pools at the base of the falls that are popular for wild swimming, though the water is very cold. 
Expect a dramatic glacial valley, a broken cascade of waterfalls, and sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding fells.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful soft lighting. Overcast days can also be good for capturing the dramatic textures of the falls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and the valley. A tripod can help with longer exposures to smooth the water.
Yes, the walk up the valley provides numerous viewpoints. The base of the falls offers dramatic perspectives, and higher up, you get panoramic shots.
Use foreground elements like rocks or the stream to create depth and emphasize the scale of the 650ft cascade.
If you or someone else is swimming, try to capture the contrast between the cold water and the rugged landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit