Waterfalls around Clayton-Le-Woods, Lancashire, offer a variety of natural and historical landscapes for exploration. This area features a mix of river valleys, gorges, and forested trails, providing diverse settings for outdoor activities. The region is characterized by its waterways, including the River Darwen and Limestone Brook, which create several notable waterfall features. Visitors can explore former industrial sites integrated into natural surroundings, showcasing the area's unique blend of history and nature.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more waterfalls around Clayton-Le-Woods.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
0
0
Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
0
0
This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
7
0
The land here that now forms Yarrow Valley Country Park was acquired by Chorley Council in the early 1980's. It's the site of the former cloth mills, then dyeing works and more recently a small colliery. None of the industry remains but there are interesting traces left including some of the foundation stones of the coal mines, the mill ponds and some machinery. There is a cafe and information centre on site.
0
0
This is a spectacular section of the River Darwen, where a picturesque sandstone gorge leads to a tumbling weir and the 108-foot (33 m) high Hoghton Bottoms Viaduct towers above. Great photo opportunities abound, as both the weir and the viaduct are undoubtedly spectacular. Bear in mind that trails around here can be very boggy following rainfall and in the winter months, so I'd highly recommend sturdy hiking boots.
0
0
Great waterfall in the woods. Be careful underfoot as it can be muddy and slippery even when it’s not rained recently.
1
0
Memorial to Occupants of a Wellington Bomber which crashed on the moors 12th November 1943
1
0
Beyond the most popular spots, you can explore Yarrow Valley Country Park, which features waterfalls alongside lakes and diverse routes. Another option is the Waterfalls at Limestone Brook, offering multiple cascades within a forest setting.
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park is an excellent choice for families. It offers beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and many different routes suitable for kids and dog walkers. The park also has a cafe and information centre on site.
The area around Clayton-Le-Woods is rich in natural features. You'll find picturesque sandstone gorges, river valleys, and forested trails. Many waterfalls are integrated with reservoirs, such as those near Roddlesworth Waterfall, offering tranquil walks around the water bodies.
Absolutely. The region has a unique blend of history and nature. Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct is a famous local landmark with a historical weir and the towering viaduct. Lead Mine Clough is another significant historical site, an old mining area with several waterfalls and paths through a gorge.
While waterfalls are beautiful year-round, visiting after rainfall or during the wetter seasons (autumn and winter) generally means more impressive water flow. However, trails can become very boggy, especially around spots like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct, so sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended.
Yes, Roddlesworth Waterfall is known for its dog-friendly forest setting and pleasant walks around the nearby reservoirs. Yarrow Valley Country Park also welcomes dog walkers with its varied routes.
Beyond waterfall viewing, the area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, explore gravel biking routes, or enjoy cycling routes that often pass by natural attractions and historical sites.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, Lead Mine Clough offers paths through a gorge and river landscape that can be quite demanding. Similarly, the route to the Waterfalls at Limestone Brook can be uneven and slippy in places, requiring careful navigation.
Given the varied terrain and potential for boggy conditions, especially after rain or in winter, sturdy hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended. Layers of clothing are also advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions.
Yes, Yarrow Valley Country Park has a cafe and an information centre on site, making it a convenient stop for refreshments and amenities during your visit.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The picturesque gorges, the sound of tumbling water, and the opportunity for diverse walks – from tranquil forest paths to more challenging historical sites – are often highlighted. The photo opportunities, particularly at spots like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct, are also a big draw.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Clayton-Le-Woods: