Top 20 Waterfalls around Borrowdale

Yes, Borrowdale offers several family-friendly options. Skelwith Force is easily accessible via a pram-friendly walk along the River Brathay. Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls also has a main path suitable for all ages, though it can be rocky with some big steps. Kids often enjoy the scramble and reaching the tarn at the top.

For easier access, Skelwith Force is a good choice, featuring a boardwalk to a viewpoint. Lodore Falls, while not in the guide data, is mentioned in region research as having a relatively short and easy walk from the National Trust Kettlewell Car Park, with a viewing platform.

The Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls area is popular for ghyll scrambling and has pools deep enough for jumping. Additionally, Sourmilk Gill, near Seathwaite Farm, offers a series of waterfalls with small pools, some deep enough for swimming.

Sourmilk Gill (also known as Sour Milk Ghyll) is considered a 'hidden gem' due to its serene location and natural beauty, offering a peaceful experience away from larger crowds. Skelwith Force is also noted as being less visited by most tourists, allowing for a more solitary experience.

The waterfalls in Borrowdale are particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, when the water flow is at its strongest. This often occurs during autumn and winter, but they can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer milder weather for hiking, while autumn brings vibrant foliage.

Beyond waterfall viewing, the Borrowdale area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various waterfall hikes, including routes like the 'Stonethwaite Village – Black Moss Pot loop'. There are also options for cycling and mountain hikes in the wider Borrowdale region.

Many trails in Borrowdale incorporate waterfalls. For instance, the path alongside Sourmilk Gill Waterfall is well-used and can be part of longer walks to fells like Green Gable and Great Gable. The trail following Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls also features many cascades and pools.

Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for waterfall hikes, as paths can be rocky and wet. Waterproof clothing is advisable, especially after rain, to fully enjoy the cascades. For ghyll scrambling or wild swimming, appropriate gear for water activities would be necessary.

Yes, Borrowdale waterfalls can be visited in winter. The water flow is often at its strongest, making them particularly dramatic. However, trails may be slippery or icy, and weather conditions can be challenging, so appropriate winter gear and caution are essential.

Most outdoor trails in Borrowdale, including those leading to waterfalls, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or steep drops, and to follow the Countryside Code. Always check specific local regulations or signage.

Parking is available at various points in Borrowdale. For Lodore Falls, the National Trust Kettlewell Car Park is a common starting point. For waterfalls like Taylor Gill Force and Sourmilk Gill, parking can be found near Seathwaite Farm. For Skelwith Force, there's a car park in Elterwater.

Borrowdale's waterfalls are set amidst dramatic fells, deep valleys, and woodlands. You'll encounter diverse natural monuments, rivers, and viewpoints. For example, Tom Ghyll Waterfalls is surrounded by forest and leads up to Tarn Hows, while Sourmilk Gill is known for its rich flora and fauna.