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Thornton Force

4.8
·403 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Thornton Force, a magnificent waterfall on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales. A must-see natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Fewer crowds, fresh greenery

CrowdLow
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Thornton Force - Image 1

Thornton Force

Best Time

Spring mornings

Fewer crowds, fresh greenery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Thornton Force, a magnificent waterfall on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales. A must-see natural wonder.

4.8
(403 reviews)

"Amazing visit, a truly beautiful place, really enjoyable would highly recommend."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy footwear

The trail can be tough and slippery in places. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:

Pack snacks & water

It's a 4.3-mile walk, so fuel up! An ice cream van is sometimes available halfway. 🍦

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 403 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thornton Force Waterfall

Thornton Force Waterfall

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

The largest and most impressive waterfall on the trail, offering a powerful cascade and a pool for paddling.

Reddit
Pecca Falls

Pecca Falls

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

A series of beautiful falls with unique formations, offering stunning photo opportunities.

TikTok
Baxenghyll Gorge

Baxenghyll Gorge

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

A dramatic gorge with cascading water and lush greenery, a highlight of the trail.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Entry Fee

Be prepared for the £10-£11 entry fee for the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, which includes parking. While many find it worthwhile for the spectacular waterfalls, it's a significant cost to factor into your day trip budget. Reddit

Trail Difficulty & Commitment

The 'trail' aspect of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail can be misleading; it's a committed 4.3-mile route with some challenging sections and elevation changes. Once you start, you'll definitely get a workout, so wear appropriate footwear and bring snacks and water. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, fresh greenery
Crowd
Low
When
After rainfall
Why
Waterfalls are at their most powerful
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thornton Force Waterfall - a popular Waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales 💦 #yorkshire #yorkshiredales #yorkshirehiking #yorkshirewalks #ukwaterfalls #waterfalls
wild_0utdoors
589 likes • 14K views

Wear sturdy footwear

The trail can be tough and slippery in places. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Pack snacks & water

It's a 4.3-mile walk, so fuel up! An ice cream van is sometimes available halfway. 🍦 Reddit

Thornton Force Waterfall 🌊 #hiking #outdoors #swim #wildswimminguk #dayout😍 #uk #waterfall #thortonforcewaterfall #views
kizza0113
18 likes • 279 views
. 📍Ingleton Waterfalls, Yorkshire Dales Pecca Falls 🌊 Hollybush Spout 🌊Thornton Force 🌊 Beezley Falls 🌊 Baxenghyll Gorge 🌊 Snow Falls Distance: 4.80 miles Elevation: 680ft Time: 2h 20m 🧭 Route: Link In Bio ‘Hiking Route - Ingleton Waterfalls’ #ukhikers #ukhiking #welcometoyorkshire #lovetheoutdoors #your_explore #summit_adventures_uk #your_hikes #ukhikingofficial #hikingadventures #yorkshi...
the.yorkshire.hiker
236 likes • 5.9K views

Consider wild swimming

Some brave souls take a dip in the pools, especially at Thornton Force. 🌊 TikTok

No dog waste bins

If bringing a dog, be prepared to carry waste bags for the entire walk. 🐕 Reddit

Thornton Force Waterfall is something else. • • • #thorntonforce #ingleton #hikingreels #ingeltonfalls #waterfall #hike #outdoors #travel #adventure #exploring #wanderlust #ukhikers #nationalparks #nationaltrust #countryside #greatoutdoors #solohiker #explore #exploremore #instahike #getoutside #hiking #hikinguk #hikingadventures #girlswhohike #outdoorgirl #outdoorwomen #hikebritain #hikingadvent...
ramblewithchlo
0 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy footwear

The trail can be tough and slippery in places. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Pack snacks & water

It's a 4.3-mile walk, so fuel up! An ice cream van is sometimes available halfway. 🍦 Reddit

Consider wild swimming

Some brave souls take a dip in the pools, especially at Thornton Force. 🌊 TikTok

No dog waste bins

If bringing a dog, be prepared to carry waste bags for the entire walk. 🐕 Reddit

Check recent rainfall

Waterfalls are most impressive after rain, but trails can be more challenging. ☂️ TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(403 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the spectacular waterfalls and the stunning natural beauty of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, with Thornton Force being a particular highlight. The walk is described as a rewarding, albeit challenging, experience. Some find the entry fee steep and note the inconvenience of a lack of dog waste bins on the trail.

"Amazing walk, stunning views. Had such a great time and will definitely be returning at some point. My only downsides is the fact that for the full 4 mile walk there was no dog bag bins! Was a slight pain to have to carry them round for hours. Also the £11 entry fee is quite steep. However the walk is amazing and id definitely recommend"

Emily

"Thornton Force waterfall is the largest waterfall on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. A small word of warning - although not a real hike, the word trail undersells the difficulty of the round trip, one way route. Once you start the trail, you’re committed and you will definitely have a workout but nothing overly taxing, even for someone who’s scared of heights like me

This is the best place to stop for a picnic on the trail. There’s some seated banking and you can paddle in the pool at the bottom of the falls. Thornton Force is the last waterfall you’ll meet on the outward journey of the trail"

Yee Gan Ong

"Amazing visit a truly beautiful place really enjoyable would highly recommend"

Andrew Knowles

What People Like

Spectacular waterfalls
Beautiful scenery
Rewarding hike

What People Dislike

Steep entry fee
No dog waste bins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thornton Force is part of the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales. The nearest village is Ingleton. You can drive to the trail entrance, where parking is included with the entry fee. Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient. TikTok

Yes, parking is available at the trailhead and is included in the admission price. It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Reddit

Thornton Force is located along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, so you generally need to pay the entry fee to access it. The trail is a loop or out-and-back, making it difficult to see just one waterfall without commitment. Reddit

Ingleton is accessible by car via the A65. The nearest train stations are Bentham and Clapham, but you would likely need a taxi or bus connection from there. TikTok

Limited bus services operate to Ingleton, but they can be infrequent. Checking local bus timetables in advance is recommended if you plan to rely on public transport. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, which includes access to Thornton Force, is typically around £10-£11 per adult. This price often includes parking. Reddit+1

While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's advisable during peak seasons or weekends to secure your entry and avoid disappointment. Check the official Ingleton Waterfalls Trail website for current booking information. TikTok

The trail is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit. TikTok

Most visitors find the £10-£11 fee to be well worth the price for the spectacular waterfalls and the well-maintained trail. It's a unique natural attraction in the Yorkshire Dales. Reddit+1

Information on discounts for children, seniors, or group bookings may be available on the official website. It's always a good idea to inquire directly if you think you might qualify for a reduced rate. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is approximately 4.3 miles and is considered moderately challenging. It involves uneven terrain, steps, and some steep inclines, requiring a decent level of fitness. Reddit

The walk typically takes between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend admiring the waterfalls and taking photos. Reddit

Yes, some visitors enjoy wild swimming in the pool at the bottom of Thornton Force, especially on warmer days. Be cautious of the currents and water temperature. TikTokInstagram

Dogs are generally allowed on the trail, but owners must be responsible and clean up after them. A key point to note is the lack of dog waste bins along the route. Reddit

There are basic facilities like toilets at the start/end of the trail. Some reviews mention an ice cream van appearing halfway around, but this is not guaranteed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The base of the waterfall offers a great perspective, and there are various vantage points along the trail to capture the cascades and surrounding scenery. Consider a drone for unique aerial shots. TikTok+1

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and gorges. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance water detail. Tripods are recommended for longer exposures, especially in lower light. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds. However, after rainfall, the waterfalls are at their most dramatic, so capturing them in full flow is often a priority. TikTok

Drone usage might be restricted or require special permission. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying a drone in national parks or protected areas. TikTok+1

Beyond Thornton Force, look for unique angles at Pecca Falls, the dramatic Baxenghyll Gorge, and the smaller but charming Beezley Falls. TikTok

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Thornton Force (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide