Top 12 Waterfalls around Buckden

The Buckden area offers a variety of stunning natural features. You can explore the dramatic series of cascades at Buckden Beck Waterfalls and Cow Close Gill Waterfalls, which are particularly striking after heavy rainfall. Further afield, don't miss Hull Pot, a unique collapsed cavern that measures 91m long by 18m deep, or Mill Gill Force, considered one of the finest waterfalls in Wensleydale.

Yes, several waterfalls in the area are great for families. The Buckden Beck Waterfalls are a popular spot for picnicking and paddling, with pools deep enough for a dip. Low Force Waterfall (Force Gill) is also considered family-friendly, offering a magnificent spectacle with a short detour from the main path. Mill Gill Force is another easily accessible waterfall with beautiful surroundings suitable for children.

The waterfalls around Buckden, such as Buckden Beck and Cow Close Gill, are particularly dramatic and 'roaring' after heavy rainfall, making them an impressive sight. Similarly, Hull Pot is also best viewed after significant rain. Visiting during or shortly after wet weather will ensure the most powerful cascades.

Walks to waterfalls near Buckden vary in difficulty. The path to Buckden Beck Waterfalls is relatively short, making it a good option for families, though it can be narrow and a bit scrambly in places. Exploring Cow Close Gill Waterfalls involves following well-maintained paths through scenic landscapes. For a more challenging experience, the route to Gaping Gill Waterfall and Cave Entrance is rated as challenging.

Beyond waterfall viewing, the Buckden area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy hikes like the 'Buckden Beck Waterfall – Buckden Gill Falls loop'. For cyclists, there are moderate to difficult routes such as the 'St. Mary's Church, Kettlewell – Grassington village loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore challenging routes like the 'Cam High Road – Fleet Moss Approach loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and gravel biking guides around Buckden.

Yes, there are several hiking routes that allow you to experience the local waterfalls. For example, the 'Buckden Beck Waterfall – Buckden Gill Falls loop from Buckden' is an easy hike that takes you past local cascades. Another option is the 'View of Yorkshire Dales Valley – Cray Gill Waterfalls loop from Buckden'. You can explore more hiking options in the easy hikes around Buckden guide.

The Buckden area is rich in unique geological formations. Besides the waterfalls, you can visit Hull Pot, a massive collapsed cavern on the western side of Pen-y-Ghent. Another remarkable site is Gaping Gill Waterfall and Cave Entrance, one of Britain’s largest underground chambers where Fell Beck plunges spectacularly into a chasm.

Near the waterfalls, you can visit Hawes village, one of the highest market towns in England. It's known for its lively market, historical significance, and the Dales Countryside Museum. A walk exploring Cow Close Gill Waterfalls can also be combined with a visit to St. Michael and All Angels church at Hubberholme and a section of the Dales Way.

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and accessibility of the waterfalls. Many enjoy the opportunity for paddling and picnicking at spots like Buckden Beck Waterfalls. The dramatic flow of water after rain, the clear, babbling brooks, and the surrounding green landscapes and exposed limestone create a quintessential Yorkshire Dales experience. The ease of combining waterfall visits with other outdoor activities also makes the area highly enjoyable.

When visiting Buckden Beck Waterfalls, be aware that the path can be narrow and a bit scrambly in places. Additionally, there was an advisory in July 2025 regarding recent spontaneous rock falls around the lower falls, so always exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings.

Absolutely. A walk to Cow Close Gill Waterfalls can be combined with a visit to St. Michael and All Angels church at Hubberholme and a section of the Dales Way. For Mill Gill Force, it's easily visited from Askrigg and can be combined with a stroll to Whitfield Gill Force just a little further upstream.