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Derwent

Top 14 Waterfalls around Derwent

Best waterfalls around Derwent are found in a region known for its diverse natural landscapes, encompassing parts of the UK's Lake District and Peak District. This area offers a variety of waterfall experiences, ranging from cascading falls in scenic valleys to historical sites with water elements. The region provides numerous opportunities for exploring these water features within its varied terrain. These natural features and historical sites make the Derwent area a destination for those seeking outdoor exploration.

Best waterfalls around Derwent

  • The most popular waterfalls is Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, a viewpoint and nature reserve with a waterfall. Visitors can expect a pretty brook that tumbles through woodland, especially impressive after heavy rain.
  • Another must-see spot is Grindsbrook Clough, a gorge with many small waterfalls. It is special for its scenic climb, which gets steeper as you progress, requiring the use of hands in places.
  • Visitors also love Crowden Clough Scramble and Waterfalls, a challenging gorge and climb. This location offers a scramble up onto the Kinder plateau, best attempted in drier conditions.
  • Derwent is known for natural waterfalls, gorges, and historical sites with water features. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, from high cascades to smaller, scramble-friendly falls.
  • The waterfalls around Derwent are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 63 photos and over 200 upvotes for the highlights in this guide.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Kinder Downfall

Highlight • Natural Monument

Kinder Downfall is the highest waterfall in the Peak District and is unusual in that during periods of strong wind it can be blown upwards! On a clear day it's a spectacular sight. Take care when approaching the edge of the waterfall as it's a long way down!

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Grindsbrook Clough

Highlight • Gorge

This is a very scenic way to get up to the plateau! There are lots of waterfalls on the way up. The actual scramble starts out relatively gently but gets steeper and steeper as you progress, requiring you to use your hands in places. The rocks can get slippery at times, especially after heavy rain, so take care. We've done this both ways, coming up and going down, with our then 9 year old, who loved it.

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Wyming Brook Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

This pretty brook tumbles down through the Fox Holes Plantation on its way from the Redmires Reservoirs to the reservoir created by the Rivelin Dams. It's at its best after heavy rain when it roars.

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Green's Mill Ruins and Waterfall

Highlight • Historical Site

Here, you can observe a mill pond and evidence of ruined stonework in an atmospheric wooded setting. The site is the remains of an old paper mill, which was in use from the early 1800s until 1859. The mill produced coarse brown paper for shop factories. Before this, the site was a lead smelt mill.

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Waterfall Swallet

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Waterfall Swallet is a virtually unknown gem along the side of unassuming road, between the small settlements of Foolow and Eyam. It's easy to simply drive past, as the waterfall is largely hidden from view by a small copse of trees.

Nestled into a charming cleft of limestone, the Waterfall Swallet, which means 'a place where water breaks in on miners' is privately owned - and therefore the plunging water should be viewed from the roadside. In the summer it's possible to access the bottom of the falls through the surrounding wilderness, but the rocky area which surrounds the site is potentially dangerous in colder and wetter months.

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Tips from the Community

jeff
March 23, 2026, Waterfall Swallet

This waterfall is well hidden in a cop of trees. But it is best visited during a wet spell as if it has been dry you well be met with a damp cliff wall.

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The mill pond itself is not particularly exciting, but it tells a story of an industrial history now hidden in the trees and overgrowth that surrounds it. You can find out more about it on this website (https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/learning-about/archaeology/greens-mill) - There is a QR for this website located on the path close to the mill pond.

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Great for adventures with kids

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Very little to see and very overgrown with Brambles & Ferns, but enough to appreciate the history of what went on here in the past.

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Lee
June 28, 2024, Grindsbrook Clough

This is a scramble to get up or down from. Good fitness required. Would say this is harder than Jacobs ladder, to give context.

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Pretty waterfall. Access down to the foot of it is unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues.

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Great outing!! We did over an hour's drive to get here and I would do it again - lovely walk, lovely Brook, nice Cafe en-route. Just a great feel good day!!

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Great walk along the Brook, enjoy the peace and quiet and the sound of water.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the waterfalls around Derwent unique?

The waterfalls around Derwent offer a diverse range of experiences, from the dramatic cascades of Kinder Downfall, known for its water being blown upwards in strong winds, to the picturesque multi-tiered Wyming Brook Nature Reserve. The region also features historical sites like Green's Mill Ruins and Waterfall, blending natural beauty with local heritage. In the Lake District, Lodore Falls is famous for its 100-foot cascade, while Tasmania's Russell Falls is celebrated for its stunning three-tiered beauty.

Are there family-friendly waterfalls in the Derwent area?

Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. Wyming Brook Nature Reserve is noted as family-friendly, with a pretty brook tumbling through woodland. In the Lake District, Lodore Falls offers an easily accessible path through scenic woodland. In Tasmania, Russell Falls is reached via an easy, short circuit track, making it ideal for all ages.

What kind of walking routes can I find near Derwent waterfalls?

You can find a variety of walking routes. For a scenic climb with many small waterfalls, consider Grindsbrook Clough, which gets steeper as you progress. The path to Lodore Falls in the Lake District is a pleasant walk through woodland. For panoramic views, the Watendlath Beck Waterfall in the Lake District is part of a scenic loop trail overlooking Derwentwater.

Are there challenging climbs or scrambles to reach waterfalls?

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, Grindsbrook Clough offers a scramble that requires using your hands in places, especially after rain. Crowden Clough Scramble and Waterfalls provides a brilliant Grade I scramble up onto the Kinder plateau. Kinder Downfall itself involves a significant ascent to reach the highest waterfall in the Peak District.

What is the best time to visit the waterfalls around Derwent?

Many waterfalls, such as Lodore Falls and Wyming Brook Nature Reserve, are most impressive after heavy rainfall when the water flow is abundant. This makes them particularly spectacular. However, paths can be muddy and slippery, so wearing waterproof boots and appropriate outdoor clothing is advisable year-round.

Can I go wild swimming near any of the Derwent waterfalls?

Yes, Black Moss Pot in the Lake District is a popular spot for wild swimming. It's a gorge where water cascades into a deep pool, and it's particularly inviting in warmer months when the water can be considerably warmer.

Are there any historical sites with waterfalls in the region?

Yes, Green's Mill Ruins and Waterfall is a notable historical site. It features a mill pond and the remains of an old paper mill that operated from the early 1800s until 1859, offering an interesting glimpse into the area's industrial past alongside a natural water feature.

What should I wear when visiting the waterfalls?

It is advisable to wear waterproof boots and appropriate outdoor clothing. Paths can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, which is often when the waterfalls are at their most impressive. Layers are also recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Are there waterfalls with easy access for all visitors?

Yes, some waterfalls offer convenient access. Moss Force in the Newlands Valley (Lake District) provides easy viewing from a nearby car park. Lodore Falls also has an easily accessible path just behind the Lodore Falls Hotel. In Tasmania, Russell Falls is accessible via a short, easy circuit track.

What outdoor activities can I do near these waterfalls besides walking?

The Derwent region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including challenging routes like 'The Peak District Nine Edges' or 'Lost Lad & Derwent Edge loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as 'The Strines, Langsett Reservoir & Mam Tor Nick loop' and touring bicycle routes like the 'Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Derwent, Road Cycling Routes around Derwent, and Cycling around Derwent guides.

Are there any waterfalls known for unique natural phenomena?

Yes, Kinder Downfall is particularly famous for its unique phenomenon: during periods of strong winds, the water can be blown upwards, creating a spectacular sight. It can also freeze over in winter, attracting ice climbers.

Where can I find parking for waterfalls near Derwent?

Parking availability varies by location. For Moss Force in the Lake District, there's convenient viewing directly from a nearby car park. For other popular spots, it's generally advisable to check local signage or specific trailheads for designated parking areas, as some may require a short walk from the car park to the falls.

What are some other notable waterfalls in the broader Derwent region (UK and Tasmania)?

Beyond the main highlights, the broader Derwent region boasts other impressive waterfalls. In the Lake District, Lodore Falls is a popular 100-foot cascade, and Stybeck Waterfall offers a lovely series of falls with easy access. In Tasmania, within Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall, and Horseshoe Falls is a magical cascade located a short walk away.

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

CharlesworthTintwistleNew MillsHope WoodlandsHayfieldHopeChisworthChinley, Buxworth And BrownsideEdaleChapel-En-Le-FrithCastletonPeak ForestBrough And ShattonBamfordThornhillAstonWhaley BridgeHartington Upper QuarterWormhillGreen FairfieldKing Sterndale

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