The best waterfall hikes and walks around Rossendale

Rossendale offers a selection of 3 dedicated waterfall hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging moderate routes. These trails are designed to guide you through the region's scenic landscapes, ensuring you encounter beautiful cascades and streams.

The waterfalls in Rossendale are particularly impressive after periods of heavy rainfall, typically during autumn and winter, or in early spring when snowmelt contributes to higher water levels. During these times, the cascades are at their most powerful and visually striking. However, the trails offer beautiful scenery year-round.

Yes, for an accessible and family-friendly option, consider the Roddlesworth Wood – Roddlesworth Woods loop from Tockholes. This easy 5.4 km route guides you through tranquil woodlands, offering gentle paths and lovely views of the Roddlesworth waterfalls, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Absolutely! Many trails in Rossendale offer more than just waterfalls. For instance, the Roddlesworth Woods – Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) loop from Great Hill combines waterfall views with a visit to the historic Darwen Tower, offering panoramic vistas. You can also explore the fascinating Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall, which blends natural beauty with industrial heritage.

Many trails in Rossendale, including those featuring waterfalls, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, busy areas, or sensitive natural habitats. The varied terrain, from open moorland to woodland paths, offers plenty for your canine companion to enjoy.

The terrain around Rossendale's waterfalls is quite diverse. You can expect a mix of well-maintained woodland paths, sometimes muddy sections, and potentially rocky or uneven ground, especially closer to the cascades. Some routes, like the Great Hill Summit Shelter – Roddlesworth Woods loop from Great Hill, also feature open moorland sections, offering expansive views alongside the water features.

Yes, all the featured waterfall trails in this guide are circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the White Coppice Stone Bridge – Roddlesworth Reservoirs loop from Withnell offers a scenic circular journey through varied landscapes, including reservoir views and waterfall sections.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Rossendale, with an average score of 4.43 stars from 315 ratings. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the woodlands, and the rewarding views of the waterfalls and reservoirs. The well-marked paths and the blend of natural beauty with historical elements are also frequently highlighted.

Beyond the waterfalls themselves, Rossendale is rich in landmarks. You can find the impressive Healey Dell Viaduct, a significant historical structure, or the intriguing Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall, which offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past. For natural features, Musbury Tor provides excellent viewpoints over the surrounding moorlands.

While the waterfalls are beautiful to observe, wild swimming in natural bodies of water, including near waterfalls, can be hazardous due to strong currents, hidden underwater obstacles, and varying water quality. It is generally not recommended or officially permitted in many areas. Always prioritize safety and check local regulations before considering any water activities.

Given the often damp and potentially muddy conditions near waterfalls, and the varied terrain of Rossendale, it's advisable to wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather, and a waterproof jacket is essential, especially during wetter seasons. Consider bringing trekking poles for added stability on uneven paths.