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Satterthwaite

Top 8 Waterfalls around Satterthwaite

Best waterfalls around Satterthwaite are found within the Lake District, a region characterized by its fells, valleys, and numerous water features. Satterthwaite serves as a base for exploring these natural attractions. The area offers access to various waterfalls, from smaller cascades to more powerful drops. These natural formations are often integrated into hiking trails through woodlands and alongside streams.

Best waterfalls around Satterthwaite

  • The most popular waterfalls is Tom Ghyll Waterfalls, a waterfall featuring a fast-flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. The path along it leads to Tarn Hows.
  • Another must-see spot is Stock Ghyll Force, a waterfall accessible via a walk up Dale How. The walk offers good paths and views of the falls.
  • Visitors also love Banishead Quarry Waterfall, an 80-foot (24 m) waterfall within a quarry. This location is known for its secluded beauty and is a popular spot for wild swimming during summer months.
  • Satterthwaite is known for its impressive cascades, multi-tiered falls, and smaller, easily accessible waterfalls. The variety of waterfalls provides different experiences for visitors to explore.
  • The waterfalls around Satterthwaite are appreciated by the komoot community, with 359 upvotes and 115 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 3, 2026

Skelwith Force

Highlight • Waterfall

Skelwith Force is one of the smaller waterfalls in the Lake District but is still impressive. You can walk up a boardwalk to a viewpoint on large rocks.

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Stock Ghyll Force

Highlight • Natural

A walk up,Dale How will bring you to the lower end viewing point

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Tom Ghyll Waterfalls

Highlight • Waterfall

Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.

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Banishead Quarry Waterfall

Highlight • Structure

Banishead Quarry is a rarely publicised beauty spot in the Lake District that is hidden away on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston. It is a super beautiful location and even has its own waterfall and an 80 foot (24 m) at that. It is a very popular wild swimming spot in the summer months.

The waterfall was apparently born out of mischief when three local boys had a flash of inspiration to play ‘Let's divert the river with rocks’ back in the 1950’s. Their efforts obviously worked!

If you do stop here, be aware of the dangers of wild swimming and jumping from high ledges at an unknown location.

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Colwith Force Waterfall

Highlight • Natural Monument

Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall on the River Brathay that drops roughly 40 feet (12 m) in several stages. The falls are in a very picturesque woodland setting and are close to another waterfall, Skelwith Force.

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Popular around Satterthwaite

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Tips from the Community

Kalle 🥾🚴🏃‍♂️
July 30, 2025, Colwith Force Waterfall

Colwith Force is an idyllic waterfall in 2 stages amidst a healthy mixed forest

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Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.

Translated by Google

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Skelwith Force is one of the smaller waterfalls in the Lake District but is still impressive. You can walk up a boardwalk to a viewpoint on large rocks.

Translated by Google

12

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Banishead Quarry is a rarely publicised beauty spot in the Lake District that is hidden away on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston. It is a super beautiful location and even has its own waterfall and an 80 foot (24 m) at that. It is a very popular wild swimming spot in the summer months. The waterfall was apparently born out of mischief when three local boys had a flash of inspiration to play ‘Let's divert the river with rocks’ back in the 1950’s. Their efforts obviously worked! If you do stop here, be aware of the dangers of wild swimming and jumping from high ledges at an unknown location.

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Bannishead Quarry and tarn is a real hidden gem. You don’t see it until you are right next to it and most of the tourists heading up Coniston Old Man don’t come this way so you are likely to have it to yourself. A beautiful quarry lake made more spectacular by the waterfall.

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Andy
February 4, 2024, Stock Ghyll Force

Good paths well marked route

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Stephen
August 2, 2023, Stock Ghyll Force

Pretty place for a walk a nice loop from Ambleside

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If you like water falling of a cliff then this is for you

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easily accessible waterfalls around Satterthwaite?

For an easy visit, Skelwith Force is highly accessible, even offering a pram-friendly walk along the River Brathay from Elterwater. Force Falls, near Grizedale visitors centre, also provides an easy-to-follow route through pleasant woodland scenery.

Are there any waterfalls suitable for wild swimming near Satterthwaite?

Yes, Banishead Quarry Waterfall is a popular spot for wild swimming during the summer months. This impressive 80-foot waterfall is nestled within a secluded quarry on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston.

Which waterfalls offer scenic walks or hiking opportunities?

The walk along Tom Ghyll to Tom Ghyll Waterfalls is highly regarded, especially when combined with a visit to Tarn Hows. Similarly, the route to Stock Ghyll Force involves a pleasant walk up Dale How with good paths and views of the falls.

What is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls near Satterthwaite?

The waterfalls are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant foliage and good water flow, while summer is ideal for combining visits with activities like wild swimming at Banishead Quarry. After rainfall, the falls are particularly powerful and impressive.

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

Yes, the walk to Skelwith Force is considered pram-friendly along parts of the River Brathay. The route to Force Falls is also an easy-to-follow path suitable for families looking for a pleasant outdoor experience.

What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls around Satterthwaite?

The area around Satterthwaite is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and running. For example, explore gravel tracks in Grizedale Forest or enjoy road cycling routes towards Hawkshead. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Satterthwaite, Road Cycling Routes around Satterthwaite, and Running Trails around Satterthwaite guides.

Are there any hidden or less-known waterfalls worth exploring?

Banishead Quarry Waterfall is often described as a rarely publicized beauty spot, hidden away on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston. It's a spectacular location that many tourists miss.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see on a waterfall walk?

You'll encounter diverse natural features, including fast-flowing streams, dense woodlands with birch trees, ravines, and picturesque lakes like Tarn Hows. Many walks offer viewpoints to appreciate the cascades and surrounding landscapes.

How long do waterfall trails typically take near Satterthwaite?

Walks can vary. For instance, the path to Tom Ghyll Waterfalls can be part of a longer loop around Tarn Hows. Shorter, easier walks like those to Force Falls or Skelwith Force might take an hour or two, while combining multiple falls or longer routes could be a half-day or full-day excursion.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Satterthwaite?

Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty, the peaceful woodland settings, and the powerful display of water. The variety of falls, from smaller cascades to multi-tiered drops like Colwith Force Waterfall, offers different experiences, and many appreciate the opportunity for quiet contemplation or invigorating walks.

Are the waterfall trails dog-friendly?

Most trails in the Lake District, including those leading to waterfalls, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or steep drops, and to clean up after them. Some areas might have specific restrictions, so check local signage.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the waterfall walks?

While Satterthwaite itself has local amenities, walks to waterfalls like Skelwith Force often pass through or near villages like Elterwater, which have cafes and pubs. For Banishead Quarry Waterfall, the nearby village of Torver offers options like The Wilson's Arms.

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

LakesConistonSkelwithClaifeHawksheadDunnerdale-With-SeathwaiteDentTorverWindermereKentmereGarsdaleLongsleddaleHugillCastertonBarbonMiddletonBroughton WestKirkby LonsdaleOver StaveleySedberghColtonCrookSelside And Fawcett ForestWhinfell

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