Stainforth Force
A stunning Yorkshire Dales waterfall, famous for autumn salmon leaps and thrilling wild swimming spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Salmon leaping season
Stainforth Force
Best Time
Salmon leaping season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Yorkshire Dales waterfall, famous for autumn salmon leaps and thrilling wild swimming spots.
"Witness the incredible sight of salmon battling the current to leap upstream! 
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use Stainforth village car park; the bridge is too narrow for most cars. :car:
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The water is very cold! Consider a wetsuit for swimming or jumping. :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Salmon Leap
Stainforth Force
Witness the incredible sight of salmon battling the current to leap upstream. A truly wild spectacle!
+2
Tombstoning & Wild Swimming
Stainforth Force pools
For the adventurous, brave the icy waters for a thrilling jump or swim. Remember to be cautious!
+3
Scenic Packhorse Bridge
River Ribble
Admire the historic, narrow packhorse bridge offering picturesque views of the river and surrounding Dales.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Salmon
Parking Pointers & Bridge Caution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use Stainforth village car park; the bridge is too narrow for most cars. +1 :car:
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The water is very cold! Consider a wetsuit for swimming or jumping.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for photography, especially during salmon season or sunrise. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Footwear for All
Wear sturdy shoes for the walk from the car park and around the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Use Stainforth village car park; the bridge is too narrow for most cars. +1 :car:
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The water is very cold! Consider a wetsuit for swimming or jumping.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for photography, especially during salmon season or sunrise. :camerawithflash:
🥾 Footwear for All
Wear sturdy shoes for the walk from the car park and around the falls. :athletic_shoe:
⚠️ Safety First
Be mindful of sudden drops and fast currents, especially with children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stainforth Force is lauded for its natural beauty, the mesmerizing sight of salmon leaping upstream in autumn, and the refreshing, albeit cold, opportunities for wild swimming and cliff jumping. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and photogenic scenery, though parking and the narrow bridge can present challenges. +1
"A beautiful spot for the sound of running water, and to soak up the peace and beauty of the surroundings. There is a pay and display car park just off the main road. Do not follow your sat nav as it will take you down a steep narrow road and over an even more narrow bridge. The car park has a clearly signposted footpath and is only 15 minutes walk from the falls."
Mark Rollason
"Fairly calm river coming down and under the packhorse bridge (which is very narrow to drive over, just a few inches either side). After the bridge it speeds up to a small rapid before going over three bigger falls and gets very noisy. Great for photos and close to the road."
Michael Carlile
"Beautiful tranquil place. Not quite the time to see leaping salmon, maybe next time. Scenery is outstanding."
Paul M Hennings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stainforth Force is located in the Yorkshire Dales. The easiest way to access it is by parking in the pay-and-display car park in Stainforth village and walking approximately 15 minutes along a signposted footpath. Avoid following sat navs directly to the falls, as they may direct you down a very narrow road and over a precarious packhorse bridge. +1
Direct parking at Stainforth Force is extremely limited, with space for only a couple of cars on the narrow road near the packhorse bridge. It's highly recommended to use the designated pay-and-display car park in Stainforth village for a safer and more convenient experience. +1
The packhorse bridge is very narrow and only suitable for a few cars at a time. It's generally advised not to drive over it, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or have a larger vehicle. Parking in Stainforth village is the preferred option. +2
From Settle, you can drive towards Stainforth village and use the pay-and-display car park. Alternatively, you can hike from Settle to Stainforth Force, which is approximately 4 miles and offers scenic views.
While direct public transport to Stainforth Force is limited, you can take a bus or train to nearby Settle and then arrange local transport or enjoy a longer walk to the falls. Check local bus timetables for routes serving Stainforth village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Stainforth Force itself is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. However, there is a charge for parking at the designated pay-and-display car park in Stainforth village.
Stainforth Force is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor natural site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and for the best viewing experience, especially if you plan to swim or photograph the salmon.
No, tickets are not required for Stainforth Force as it is a natural landmark. You only need to pay for parking if you use the designated car park in Stainforth village.
Yes, Stainforth Force makes for an excellent day trip, especially when combined with other attractions in the Yorkshire Dales like the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail or exploring nearby villages.
Stainforth Force can be visited in winter, but be aware of potentially icy conditions around the falls and on the paths. The water will be significantly colder, making swimming or jumping inadvisable for most.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Stainforth Force, you can admire the beautiful waterfall, listen to the rushing water, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. During autumn, you might witness salmon leaping upstream. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for wild swimming and cliff jumping.
Stainforth Force is a fantastic spot for photography, offering scenic views of the waterfall, the packhorse bridge, and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape. Sunrise can be particularly beautiful here.
Yes, swimming and wild swimming are popular activities at Stainforth Force, with several spots suitable for jumping into the water. However, the water is very cold, and caution is advised due to sudden drops and fast currents.
The best time to see salmon leaping upstream at Stainforth Force is typically during the autumn months, from late August through October.
While beautiful, caution is advised for families with young children due to the fast-flowing water, sudden drops, and slippery rocks. Close supervision is essential if you choose to let children paddle or swim.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Stainforth Force. You'll need to bring your own picnic or head to the nearby village of Stainforth or the larger town of Settle for cafes and pubs.
Stainforth village is small, but you can find local pubs offering traditional meals. For a wider selection of restaurants and cafes, Settle is a short drive away and offers various culinary choices.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great idea to enjoy the natural beauty of Stainforth Force. There are several spots along the riverbank where you can sit and relax. Remember to take all your litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers beautiful soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the waterfall's beauty. Autumn is also prime time for photographing the salmon leaping.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. Consider a tripod for sharper shots, especially in lower light.
The area around the main cascade offers excellent vantage points. The packhorse bridge provides a classic framing opportunity. Experiment with different angles from the riverbanks.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and park authority guidelines. It's always best to check with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority before flying a drone in the area.
The main challenges include managing the spray from the waterfall, which can necessitate lens protection, and the fast-changing light conditions. The narrow bridge can also be a photographic subject but tricky to access safely with equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider sticking to the paths and enjoying the views from a safe distance. The walk from the Stainforth village car park is manageable for most families. If your children are older and confident swimmers, supervised paddling or swimming in calmer sections might be an option, but always prioritize safety and be aware of the cold water temperatures.
+1 Bringing a picnic to enjoy by the river is a great way to make a family outing more enjoyable. 💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free or low-cost activities in the Yorkshire Dales, such as hiking or exploring charming villages like Settle. Many TikTok videos showcase road trip itineraries that include Stainforth Force as an affordable stop.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Be prepared for potential spray from the waterfall, so bring lens cloths or a rain cover for your camera. A tripod will help achieve sharper images, especially in lower light conditions. Experiment with different angles from the riverbanks to capture unique perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Wild Swimming and Cliff Jumping
+5It's crucial to approach these activities with extreme caution. The water temperature can be shocking, and there are sudden drops and fast-flowing currents. Redditors and Instagram creators often emphasize the need for awareness of your surroundings and personal limits. If you're new to this, observe others first and consider wearing a wetsuit for added warmth and buoyancy.
+1Remember that safety is paramount. Always assess the depth and any submerged obstacles before jumping. If you're unsure, it's better to admire the bravery of others than to put yourself at risk. The experience can be exhilarating, but it demands respect for the power of nature.
Witnessing the Salmon Run
+2Many visitors share their excitement on social media about witnessing this phenomenon. The success of seeing a salmon leap often depends on timing and luck, but the effort is widely considered worthwhile. It's a powerful reminder of the natural cycles that unfold in these beautiful landscapes.
+1To maximize your chances of seeing the salmon, plan your visit during the peak autumn season. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also be beneficial, as the light is often better for photography and the crowds may be thinner.
Navigating Parking and Access
The most practical advice is to utilize the pay-and-display car park located in the nearby village of Stainforth. From there, a clearly signposted footpath will guide you to the falls in about 15 minutes, offering a pleasant walk through the countryside. This method bypasses the stress of navigating the narrow bridge and limited parking directly at the site.
While a few cars can squeeze over the bridge, it's a tight fit and not recommended for most. The small parking area near the bridge is often full, making the village car park the most reliable option for a smooth visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit