Scaleber Force
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Scaleber Force

4.7
·648 reviews·, United Kingdom

A stunning 40ft waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for photography and wild swimming, surrounded by damp woodland.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After heavy rain

More dramatic water flow

CrowdMedium
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Scaleber Force

Scaleber Force

Best Time

After heavy rain

More dramatic water flow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning 40ft waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for photography and wild swimming, surrounded by damp woodland.

4.7
(648 reviews)

"A brilliant little place, tucked out of the way with gorgeous views and a nice little area at the bottom for playing."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential!

🚗 Limited Parking

Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 648 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scaleber Force Waterfall

Scaleber Force Waterfall

Near Settle, Yorkshire Dales

A stunning 40ft waterfall cascading down limestone crags, surrounded by damp woodland and mosses.

Wild Swimming Spot

Wild Swimming Spot

Base of the falls

A popular spot for a refreshing dip, especially on warmer days. Be mindful of the slippery rocks.

Woodland Walk

Woodland Walk

Surrounding Scaleber Wood

Explore the damp woodland, home to diverse mosses and bryophytes, offering a tranquil natural escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Access

Parking is limited to roadside verges on a single-track road. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further afield. The path down to the falls can be steep and slippery, especially after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.

Water Flow & Best Viewing

Scaleber Force is most impressive after periods of heavy rain. During dry spells, the falls may be less spectacular. Check recent weather conditions before your visit for the best experience.

Best Times

When
After heavy rain
Why
More dramatic water flow
Crowd
Medium
When
Dry, sunny days
Why
Safer access, good for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful foliage colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

6 waterfalls!! Ingleton Waterfalls Trail - Yorkshire Dales 🏞️ *refreshment van might not be there everyday* #Hiking #yorkshiredales #waterfall #ingletonwaterfalltrail #ukhiddengems
@samrculley
20.2K likes • 532.5K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! Reddit+1

🚗 Limited Parking

Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away. Reddit

See three Yorkshire natural wonders in just under 5 miles #yorkshire #yorkshirewalks #Hiking #yorkshiredales #malham #malhamcove #janetsfoss #gordalescar #yorkshirecountryside #hikinguk
@yorkshirefi
15.8K likes • 468.4K views
Scaleber Force Waterfall is a fantastic little gem located only a stone throw area from the main road! It is perfect for a bit of wild swimming, and during the dry summer days visitors can enjoy an impressive set of falls! Search this hidden gem on our app to get the exact co-ordinates and to add it to your bucket list! 📲💎 Content by: @Debscapes, @Wholesome.hikes, @Travel.sicero #travel #trave...
ukhiddengems
0 likes • 60.3K views

💧 Check Weather for Flow

Waterfalls are best after rain. Dry spells mean less water. Reddit

📸 Photographers' Paradise

This spot attracts photographers, especially in autumn. Be patient for your shot! Instagram

📍Scaleber Force •••••• 📸 @donnyoutdoors ---- Follow @visitnorthyorkshire Follow @visitnorthyorkshire ---- #scaleberforce #visitnorthyorkshire #northyorkshire #yorkshire #yorkshirelovers #yorkshiredales #igersyorkshire #bbcyorkshire #welcometoyorkshire
visitnorthyorkshire
650 likes • 10.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! Reddit+1

🚗 Limited Parking

Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away. Reddit

💧 Check Weather for Flow

Waterfalls are best after rain. Dry spells mean less water. Reddit

📸 Photographers' Paradise

This spot attracts photographers, especially in autumn. Be patient for your shot! Instagram

🏊 Wild Swimming Fun

A great spot for a dip, but be cautious of the slippery rocks at the base. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(648 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Scaleber Force is a beautiful, tucked-away waterfall offering gorgeous views and a refreshing wild swimming spot. Visitors appreciate its natural charm and photographic potential, especially in autumn. However, the limited roadside parking and the steep, slippery path down to the falls are significant drawbacks, making it challenging for families with young children or those with mobility issues, and the water flow can be disappointing during dry spells.

"Brilliant little place, tucked out of the way with gorgeous views, nice little area at the bottom for playing pooh sticks or throwing stones. Stones are a little steep could be slippy but we managed it on a dry sunny day with a 4,5 and 7year old. Also in regards to parking there are limited spots you park at."

Kim Simmons

"A nice little waterfall a few minutes walk from the road. Parking is a bit hit and miss as you’re just parking on the verge at the side of a single track road. Very steep to get down to the bottom of the falls and I imagine tricky if it’s been raining/wet underfoot"

Dave Walters

"As its been dry weather, the waterfalls weren't as spectacular as they could be.
A little bit of roadside parking if driving there, and a clear sign pointing the way. Steep path down the waterfalls, would be difficult with small children of those less able.
Worth a stop if passing by."

Jo Davies

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Wild swimming spot
Photogenic scenery

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Steep, slippery path
Low water flow in dry spells

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Scaleber Force is located near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. The most common way to access it is by car, parking on the verge of the single-track road leading to the falls. It's a short walk from the parking spot to the waterfall itself. InstagramReddit

Public transport options are limited for direct access. You would likely need to take a bus or train to a nearby town like Settle and then arrange local transport or a taxi. Reddit

Look for a clear sign pointing the way, often near a quirky style over a wall. The entrance is not always obvious, so keep an eye out. Reddit

Cycling is possible to the general area, but the final approach to the falls involves a steep, potentially slippery path that may not be suitable for bikes. Reddit

Due to the steep and often slippery path down to the falls, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Scaleber Force is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit. Instagram+1

As a natural outdoor location, Scaleber Force is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no dedicated visitor center at Scaleber Force. Information is primarily gathered from online resources and local signage. Instagram

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the steep and slippery path, and the lack of lighting. Reddit

The main considerations are respecting the natural environment and being mindful of the landowner's wishes if applicable. Always stick to marked paths where available. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The walk from the roadside parking to the waterfall is short, around 300 meters, but it involves a steep descent that can be very slippery, especially after rain. Reddit+1

Yes, Scaleber Force is a popular spot for photographers, particularly in autumn with the changing leaves and the dramatic waterfall. Instagram+1

Scaleber Force is known as a spot for wild swimming. Visitors can enjoy a dip at the base of the falls, but caution is advised due to slippery rocks. TikTokInstagram

The falls are most impressive after periods of heavy rain. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while summer can be good for swimming. Instagram+1

There are no facilities directly at Scaleber Force. You would need to visit a nearby town like Settle or utilize facilities at other attractions like Aysgarth Falls if you're on a broader tour. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography Tips

For capturing the waterfall's motion, use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second to several seconds) with a tripod to avoid camera shake. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on wet rocks. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. Instagram

Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the entire cascade and surrounding woodland, or use a telephoto lens to focus on specific details of the water flow and rock formations. Instagram

The main viewpoint is from the path leading down to the base of the falls. Be aware that other photographers may be present, so be patient and respectful. Instagram

A tripod is highly recommended for long exposures. A rain cover for your camera is also advisable, especially if visiting after rain. Instagram

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