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Todmorden

Top 7 Waterfalls around Todmorden

Best waterfalls around Todmorden are found nestled within the Pennine hills, offering a variety of natural landscapes. The region features numerous cloughs, which are steep-sided valleys, providing picturesque settings for exploration. These areas are characterized by their natural beauty and offer opportunities for walks and discovering cascading water features. Todmorden's geography makes it a notable destination for those seeking natural water formations.

Best waterfalls around Todmorden

  • The most popular waterfalls is Lumb Falls, a waterfall that features a deep pool underneath a small waterfall. It is a popular place for locals to swim and has a connection to the poet Ted Hughes.
  • Another must-see spot is Pingot Quarry Waterfall, a viewpoint where the Old Brook river cascades down. Visitors can expect a beautiful scene, which becomes more dramatic after a few days of rain.
  • Visitors also love Fairy Bridge and Waterfall, Healey Dell Nature Reserve, a forest area with a hidden waterfall to the right of the Fairy Bridge. This location offers a picturesque setting within a nature reserve.
  • Todmorden is known for waterfalls in steep-sided wooded valleys, waterfalls with historical ruins, and waterfalls popular for swimming. The area offers diverse experiences from historical exploration to natural beauty spots.
  • The waterfalls around Todmorden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 60 photos shared.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1786, it was run by John Kay initially as a fulling mill. This is the procedure where woollen cloth is mechanically beaten by large wooden mallets, driven by a water wheel. This enables the wool fibres to become locked together, while at the same time driving out excess hair and fat from the fabric.

By 1809, we know that the mill was being used to perform a whole range of textile procedures. An advert in the Manchester Mercury has the mill placed up for auction and details its contents. These include a carding engine (used to prepare a woollen fleece for spinning), a ‘billy’ (an improved form of a Spinning Jenny), a ‘teaser’ (a circular drum covered with heads from the spiky teasel flower to improve the texture of the cloth by raising its nap) and a blueing house (where the cloth was hung and sulphur dioxide fumes from a brimstone stove would bleach it).

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Lumb Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

The poet Ted Hughes (writer of The Iron Giant amongst many others) used to play and swim here as a child. It's a deep pool underneath a small waterfall. Lumb falls is a popular place for locals to swim when the weather's hot, and its somewhat remote location means that (excepting seriously hot days) it's relatively quiet. The water, while refreshing, can also be very cold!

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The White House Inn

Highlight • Historical Site

Pit stop for a beverage before heading up to Blackstone Edge.

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Pingot Quarry Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

Looks alot better after a few days of rain

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There was once two bridges, but a recent river swell swept it away. You can also see an hidden waterfall to the right of the bridge if you walk a few yards further.

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Calderdale Way — Hike an awesomely accessible wilderness

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Calderdale Way — Hike an awesomely accessible wilderness

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Tips from the Community

Monika Majsnerska
June 21, 2025, Lumb Falls

absolutely lovely, in summer bring towels and inflatables

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Perfect for cold dipping

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Here the Old Brook river cascades down the Pingot Quarry Waterfall, creating a beautiful scene as you pass through Crompton Moor. Wet weather will bring more drama at this beautiful location, but it's still very picturesque no matter what the weather.

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After a few days rain there is a lovely waterfall next to the car park of the pub, which is nice after a hike

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After a few days rain there is a lovely waterfall next to the car park

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The White House stands like a land mark high on the Pennine hills, with panoramic views of the surrounding moors and Hollingworth Lake far below. The old coaching house dates from 1671 and is situated 1,300 feet above sea level. The Coach and Horses (the original name) is where “the young bloods of Littleborough having guarded the mail coach from highway men would seek recompense for their labours with vigorous applications to strong liquors” The famous Pennine way passes this hostelry, which is featured in the Good Pub Guide and CAMRA good beer guide.

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Firuz
November 12, 2022, Lumb Falls

Perfect place to rest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which waterfalls around Todmorden are known for wild swimming?

For wild swimming, Lumb Falls is a popular spot near Hebden Bridge. It features a deep pool beneath a small waterfall, known for its refreshing, albeit cold, water. Locals often swim here during warm weather. Additionally, the waterfall at Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall is also suitable for cold dipping.

Are there any hidden waterfalls or less-known spots worth visiting near Todmorden?

Yes, Fairy Bridge and Waterfall, Healey Dell Nature Reserve offers a hidden waterfall to the right of the Fairy Bridge, providing a picturesque setting within a nature reserve. Gorpley Clough, though not a highlight in the guide, is also described as an underrated and peaceful destination with multiple waterfalls in a steep-sided wooded valley.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Todmorden's waterfalls?

The area around Todmorden's waterfalls is rich in natural beauty. You'll find numerous cloughs (steep-sided valleys), wooded areas, and rivers. Many waterfalls, like Pingot Quarry Waterfall, are set within picturesque landscapes. Gorpley Clough, for instance, offers views of Gorpley Reservoir and is a wildlife sanctuary where deer sightings are possible.

When is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Todmorden for the most dramatic views?

Many of the waterfalls around Todmorden, such as Pingot Quarry Waterfall and those in Gorpley Clough, become significantly more dramatic and impressive after a few days of rain. The increased water flow enhances their cascading beauty. For wild swimming at Lumb Falls, warm weather is preferred, though the water remains cold.

Are there family-friendly waterfall walks in the Todmorden area?

Yes, Lumb Falls is noted as family-friendly. The wider Todmorden area also offers various easy hiking routes that could be suitable for families. For more options, you can explore the Easy hikes around Todmorden guide.

What should I wear or bring for a waterfall walk around Todmorden?

Given that many paths, especially in areas like Gorpley Clough, can be unsurfaced and muddy, it's advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Layers of clothing are also recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions in the Pennine hills. If you plan on wild swimming, bring a towel and appropriate swimwear.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the waterfalls in Todmorden?

Yes, The White House Inn is a pub that features a lovely waterfall next to its car park after a few days of rain, making it a great spot for a pit stop after a hike. Other pubs and cafes can be found in Todmorden itself and nearby villages.

Are there any waterfalls near Todmorden with historical significance?

Certainly. The Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall combines natural beauty with history, featuring a waterfall set against the backdrop of mill ruins dating back to 1786, which was originally a fulling mill. Additionally, Lumb Falls has a connection to the poet Ted Hughes, who played and swam there as a child.

What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to Todmorden's waterfalls?

The Todmorden area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can combine waterfall visits with hiking, as there are many trails, including easy options listed in the Easy hikes around Todmorden guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes detailed in the MTB Trails around Todmorden guide. For road cycling, explore the Cycling around Todmorden guide.

Are there specific hiking trails that lead to waterfalls around Todmorden?

Yes, many local trails will lead you to or past waterfalls. For example, the trail through Gorpley Clough guides visitors right beside the river, offering dramatic views of cascading water. While specific routes to every waterfall aren't detailed here, you can find numerous hiking options in the Easy hikes around Todmorden guide, which can be integrated with waterfall visits.

Can I go mountain biking near the waterfalls in Todmorden?

Yes, the Todmorden area is well-suited for mountain biking. While you might not ride directly to every waterfall, you can certainly incorporate waterfall viewing into your rides. Explore routes like the Mary Towneley Loop or the Great North Trail: Todmorden Loop, which are part of the MTB Trails around Todmorden guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Todmorden?

Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, the dramatic scenery, and the unique combination of natural beauty with historical elements. The opportunity for peaceful strolls, the impressive views at reservoirs, and the chance for wild swimming are frequently mentioned. The waterfalls are particularly enjoyed for their picturesque nature, especially after rain, and for offering a quiet escape.

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Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Todmorden:

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