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Caldbeck

Top 6 Waterfalls around Caldbeck

Best waterfalls around Caldbeck, a village in the Lake District, offers a variety of captivating waterfalls and cascades. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, including limestone gorges and fells like Great Calva and Bakestall. Visitors can explore a range of watery attractions, from dramatic drops to series of cascades. The landscape provides diverse experiences for those seeking natural features and trails.

Best waterfalls around Caldbeck

  • The most popular waterfalls is Scales Beck Waterfall and Stone Steps, a natural monument that offers a great place to stop on the way up Blencathra. It is considered part of a notable route when ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge.
  • Another must-see spot is Blease Gill Waterfalls, a waterfall located on a less-traveled route down from the summit. It provides a spot to pause and appreciate the surrounding views.
  • Visitors also love Dash Falls, a natural monument consisting of a series of cascades as the Dash Beck tumbles between Great Calva and Bakestall. It is a conspicuous sight on the Cumbria Way, noted for its grand succession of falls.
  • Caldbeck is known for its diverse waterfalls, including dramatic drops, series of cascades, and whitewater rapids. The area offers a variety of watery attractions to explore.
  • The waterfalls around Caldbeck are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and 23 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Scaley Beck Rock Step

Highlight • Climb

A sudden rock step presents itself on the western side of Scaley Beck. Although only short, it presents a tasty little challenge to unsuspecting walkers and a little extra excitement on the path along the foot of Blencathra. I'd say that it's difficulty is comparable to a grade one scramble.

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Dash Falls

Highlight • Natural Monument

Dash Falls are a series of cascades, as the Dash Beck tumbles between the shoulders of Great Calva and Bakestall. It's a conspicuous sight on this part of the Cumbria Way.

The legendary fellwalker, illustrator and guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright remarked that 'there are many finer individual waterfalls in Lakeland, but for a grand succession of falls the first place must undoubtedly go to Dash Falls.'

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Blease Gill Waterfalls

Highlight • Waterfall

On the way down from the summit take the time to take the less travelled route to this stream, plenty steppi g stones to get over, but its nice to stop and look up at what you have achieved while you finish off your grub.

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Almost at the end of the paved road of the Caldew River Valley there is a small parking space which is located right at the side of the river.

Waterfalls and smaller rapids make a wonderful sight in front of the Skiddaw massive. Some of the hardened visitors actually use the river pools for swimming.

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Scales Beck Waterfall and Stone Steps

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A great place to stop off on the way up Blencathra

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Popular around Caldbeck

Lake District National Park – A Walk in the Parks

Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland

A Walk in the Parks – hikes across all of England’s national parks

Fells and lakes for little explorers — Family walks in the Lake District

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Lake District National Park – A Walk in the Parks

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Jen Lowthrop

Tips from the Community

Chris U
March 8, 2024, Scaley Beck Rock Step

A bit of a surprise on an otherwise flat route. A scramble needed to get down. Extra caution needed in wet weather.

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Take this in as part of what I think is the best route when ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge

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A pretty stream and waterfalls offering a shady spot on a hot day!

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A short scramble down (or up) towards Scaley Beck.

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A great place to stop off on the way up Blencathra

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A beautiful waterfall with pools for dipping higher up.

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Alex Foxfield
August 1, 2022, Dash Falls

Dash Falls are a series of cascades, as the Dash Beck tumbles between the shoulders of Great Calva and Bakestall. It's a conspicuous sight on this part of the Cumbria Way. The legendary fellwalker, illustrator and guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright remarked that 'there are many finer individual waterfalls in Lakeland, but for a grand succession of falls the first place must undoubtedly go to Dash Falls.'

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A sudden rock step presents itself on the western side of Scaley Beck. Although only short, it presents a tasty little challenge to unsuspecting walkers and a little extra excitement on the path along the foot of Blencathra. I'd say that it's difficulty is comparable to a grade one scramble.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most notable waterfalls to visit around Caldbeck?

Beyond the well-known spots, consider visiting Dash Falls, a series of cascades conspicuous on the Cumbria Way, or Blease Gill Waterfalls, a tranquil spot on a less-traveled route offering great views. The Howk, just outside Caldbeck village, is also a spectacular limestone gorge with an impressive waterfall and historical significance.

Are there any easy or family-friendly waterfall walks in the Caldbeck area?

Yes, The Howk offers an easy riverside trail from Caldbeck village center, taking only about 10 to 15 minutes. This walk is suitable for many and provides a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the waterfalls?

The Caldbeck area is rich in natural beauty. You'll find limestone gorges, fells like Great Calva, Bakestall, and Blencathra, and diverse vegetation including rare ferns. Water features range from dramatic drops and cascades to whitewater rapids, such as the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the waterfalls?

Yes, The Howk, located just outside Caldbeck village, features the remains of an old bobbin mill. This mill, which operated from 1857 to 1924, once housed the largest overshot waterwheel in the country, adding a fascinating historical dimension to the natural spectacle.

What is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls around Caldbeck?

While the waterfalls are beautiful year-round, autumn and winter often provide the clearest views of The Howk, as dense greenery can obscure parts of the falls at other times. The water flow is also typically more powerful after rainfall.

Can I go wild swimming near any of the waterfalls?

Yes, some visitors brave the river pools for swimming near the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew. Additionally, Dash Falls is noted for having pools suitable for dipping higher up.

What outdoor activities can I do near these waterfalls?

The Caldbeck area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking routes, including trails that lead to or pass by waterfalls. There are also mountain biking trails and running routes available in the wider region.

Are there any challenging sections on the waterfall trails?

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Scaley Beck Rock Step presents a 'tasty little challenge' for walkers along the path at the foot of Blencathra, comparable to a grade one scramble.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls in Caldbeck?

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and the sense of discovery. Many enjoy the powerful sound of the water, the picturesque scenery, and the opportunity to pause and take in the views, especially at spots like Blease Gill Waterfalls.

Are there any waterfalls that are part of longer hiking routes?

Yes, Scales Beck Waterfall and Stone Steps is a great place to stop off on the way up Blencathra and is considered part of a notable route when ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge.

Where can I find parking when visiting the waterfalls?

Near the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew, there is a small parking space almost at the end of the paved road in the Caldew River Valley, located right by the river.

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

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