The Ingleton waterfalls walk is perhaps one of the most popular and beautiful walks in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a circular walk, measuring a little under 5 miles in length, and follows two river valleys, The Twiss and The Doe. These two rivers meet just after Ingleton but before they reach the village they descend in height and flow through some narrow tree lined, limestone gorges with some spectacular waterfalls.
You should allow between three and four hours to complete the walk if you want to take your time, enjoy the scenery, take lots of photographs and have a refreshment break at Beezley Farm, which is about two thirds of the way round. The route is on well made paths but there are a large number of steps to go both up and down so it is quite strenuous in places. The steps and path can become wet and slippy at times so it is always advisable to wear appropriate foot wear such as walking boots/shoes.
The start of the walk is well signposted as you drive into the small village of Ingleton. Much of the walk takes place on private land so you have to pay an entrance fee on arrival. The fee currently is £7 per adult and £3 per child under the age of sixteen. The fee also includes parking and there are enough spaces for a large number of cars but it does get busy, especially in the summer months and at weekends. The is a café and toilet facilities at the entrance..
The train begins at the far end of the car park and ascends gently through Swilla Glen. The trees here create shade and atmosphere. With the sounds of the River Twiss running below it is a peaceful and meditative walk towards the first of the falls.
Pecca Falls is a series of five waterfalls which together give a combined drop of 30 metres. A viewing platform gives an excellent view of the twin falls.
Heading further up river the gorge narrows to form a rocky, narrow drop which is the Hollybush Spout.
There is an opportunity for a refreshment stop before you head to the third and most impressive waterfall on the trail. A small cabin sells light refreshments but there are no toilet facilities here.
From here the valley begins to open out and the trees thin out. A short walk through open country brings you to Thornton Force. To many this is a favourite point on the trail and people tend to congregate here and watch the falls. Thornton Force has the largest single drop on the trail with water cascading 14 metres over a limestone cliff and into a wide plunge pool.
As you head further up stream the River Twiss becomes a gentle, slow moving river. The peace of the beginning of the trail has been restored.
A footbridge will take you across the river, steps will then take you up to a lane which heads to Twistleton Hall.
Passing the Hall on your right the trail takes you to Beezleys Farm where you will find a small café with plenty of outdoor seating. There are also toilets here. From the farm a signposted footpath will take you to the narrowing valley of the River Doe.
Beezley Falls is the first set of waterfalls on the River Doe.
Beezley Falls includes Triple Spout, three waterfalls for the price on one!
Next up as you head down the valley is Rival Falls, a pair of small waterfalls.
If you are looking for something a little more dramatic and impressive then the Baxenghyll Gorge will not disappoint. Its steep sided and narrow and contains a number of falls. There is a viewing platform which lets you stand some 60 feet above the fast flowing river.
The final set of waterfalls are in the section of the valley called Twistleton Glen and are called the Snow Falls. No where near as dramatic as those in the gorge nevertheless they are a fine end to what is a superb walk.
From here the gorge opens out, passing an old, disused quarry, as you approach Ingleton. Ingleton is only a small village but there are cafés, pubs and restaurants. It is only a short walk from the village back to the car park and of one of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
