Moss Force Newlands Pass
A breathtaking, multi-tiered waterfall easily accessible from Newlands Pass, offering stunning views and a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Waterfall flow is most dramatic
Moss Force Newlands Pass
Best Time
Waterfall flow is most dramatic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, multi-tiered waterfall easily accessible from Newlands Pass, offering stunning views and a rewarding hike.
"Stunning place! The drive leading to the waterfall offers breathtaking views and you can already see it from the route."
🚗 Park Right at the Falls
Free parking is available right by Moss Force, making it super accessible. No long walks needed!
🥾 Watch for Slippery Paths
The path to the top can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moss Force Waterfall
Newlands Pass
A multi-tiered cascade tumbling down Robinson Fell, breathtakingly visible from the roadside.
Newlands Pass Drive
Connecting Keswick and Buttermere
A scenic mountain road offering sweeping valley views and dramatic landscapes.
Optional Hike to the Top
Adjacent to the waterfall
A rocky, sometimes slippery path leading to stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access, Big Reward
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Right at the Falls
Free parking is available right by Moss Force, making it super accessible. No long walks needed!
🥾 Watch for Slippery Paths
The path to the top can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes!
📸 Drive for the Views
The drive up Newlands Pass is stunning on its own, with views of the waterfall appearing as you ascend.
🥶 Brave a Cold Dip
For the adventurous, there are opportunities for wild swimming near the waterfall.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Right at the Falls
Free parking is available right by Moss Force, making it super accessible. No long walks needed!
🥾 Watch for Slippery Paths
The path to the top can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes!
📸 Drive for the Views
The drive up Newlands Pass is stunning on its own, with views of the waterfall appearing as you ascend.
🥶 Brave a Cold Dip
For the adventurous, there are opportunities for wild swimming near the waterfall.
⛰️ Hike for Epic Vistas
The hike to the top offers incredible views of the entire waterfall and surrounding fells.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Moss Force Waterfall's stunning beauty and incredible accessibility, with many highlighting the breathtaking drive up Newlands Pass. The ease of access from the free car park is a major plus, though the hike to the top can be rocky and slippery. Overall, it's considered a must-see natural wonder.
"Stunning place! The drive leading to the waterfall offers breathtaking views and you can already see it from the route. The waterfall is located literally next to a free car park so you don’t have to walk far. There is a hike leading further up next to it too. Worth popping by to see such a beauty! Views are stunning."
A
"This waterfall above Buttermere was just amazing.. . a short walk from the car park and easy to access, though the final ascent to the top was very rocky and slippery! But the views were just glorious ..."
Gary W
"Just unbelievable, you could see almost the whole course of the waterfall from the top of the mountain. Beautiful green space all around. Very good condition of the road (visited in summer). Plenty of free parking below the waterfall. No tickets needed."
Aida Ruci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moss Force Waterfall is located on Newlands Pass, the scenic mountain road connecting Keswick and Buttermere. You can drive directly to it, with parking available right next to the falls. 
Yes, there's a free lay-by/roadside parking area at the bottom of the waterfall, with space for about 10-15 cars.
Newlands Pass is renowned for its dramatic, winding roads and sweeping valley views, making the drive itself a major attraction.
Moss Force can be visited year-round, but be aware that conditions can be slippery and icy in winter. The drive may also be more challenging.
Absolutely! The waterfall is visible from the road and a very short walk from the parking, making it perfect for a brief visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Moss Force Waterfall. It's a natural attraction accessible from the public road.
Moss Force Waterfall is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor natural site. However, daylight hours are best for viewing and safety.
No, Newlands Pass is a public road and there is no fee to drive on it or to access Moss Force Waterfall.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns on the path and limited visibility.
The main restriction is to be mindful of the environment and follow 'leave no trace' principles. Be cautious of slippery conditions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the car park to the base of Moss Force Waterfall is very short, just a few minutes.
The hike to the top is described as rocky and can be slippery, requiring some effort and caution.
From the top, you can see almost the entire course of the waterfall and enjoy beautiful green spaces and panoramic views of the fells.
Yes, some visitors mention opportunities for wild swimming or 'dipping' in pools near the waterfall, though it's cold!
The short walk to the base is suitable for children, but the hike to the top might be challenging for very young ones due to the rocky terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light can be lovely, but the waterfall is impressive throughout the day. Consider the weather for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with long exposures in lower light.
Yes, you can get stunning shots of the waterfall directly from the roadside parking area.
Including a person in the frame can help convey the impressive scale of Moss Force, which is approximately 328ft high.
Experiment with shots from the base looking up, and from various points along the hiking path for different perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike to the top might be a bit challenging for very young children due to the rocky and potentially slippery terrain, the lower section offers plenty of wonder. Pack snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for damp conditions. The drive up Newlands Pass also provides engaging scenery for kids to enjoy.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1It's a perfect spot for a quick photo opportunity or a brief picnic break. The drive itself is a major draw, offering stunning vistas that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Consider combining a visit with other nearby attractions like Buttermere Lake for a fulfilling day trip.
+1🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the raw beauty of the falls and the surrounding fells. The opportunity for a wild swim, though bracing, is a unique experience for the adventurous. Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Drive: Newlands Pass
+2As you ascend the pass, you'll start to catch glimpses of Moss Force Waterfall cascading down the fellside. This visual cue builds anticipation and makes the arrival at the waterfall even more rewarding. The road is generally well-maintained, especially in summer, but can be narrow and winding, so drive with care and enjoy the dramatic landscapes.
Many visitors find the drive so spectacular that they consider it a highlight of their trip to the Lake District, even before reaching the waterfall itself. It's a perfect example of how the journey can be as memorable as the destination.
+1Experiencing Moss Force Waterfall
+1From the car park, a very short, easy walk leads you to the base of the falls. Here, you can appreciate the power and beauty of the water as it tumbles down. Be aware that the ground can be damp and slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
This ascent offers increasingly dramatic views of the entire cascade and the surrounding fells. While the path can be rocky and challenging, the reward is a truly magnificent vantage point. Some visitors even find opportunities for a refreshing, albeit cold, wild swim in the pools near the falls.
+1Photography Tips for Moss Force
Consider visiting after a period of rain to witness the waterfall at its most powerful and voluminous. This will create more dynamic shots with greater visual impact. If you plan to capture the flow of water, a tripod will be invaluable for achieving smooth, long-exposure shots, especially in lower light conditions.
Don't forget to experiment with different angles. Shots from the base looking up can emphasize the height, while the hike alongside the falls offers unique perspectives. Including a person in your frame can also effectively convey the impressive scale of Moss Force, which is approximately 328 feet high.
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