Best waterfalls around Caldbeck, a village in the Lake District, offers a variety of captivating waterfalls and cascades. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, including limestone gorges and fells like Great Calva and Bakestall. Visitors can explore a range of watery attractions, from dramatic drops to series of cascades. The landscape provides diverse experiences for those seeking natural features and trails.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more waterfalls around Caldbeck.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Caldbeck
Lake District National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland
A Walk in the Parks – hikes across all of England’s national parks
Fells and lakes for little explorers — Family walks in the Lake District
Less remote by bike: Rides in the Lake District
Hiking around Caldbeck
Gravel biking around Caldbeck
Road Cycling Routes around Caldbeck
Running Trails around Caldbeck
MTB Trails around Caldbeck
A bit of a surprise on an otherwise flat route. A scramble needed to get down. Extra caution needed in wet weather.
0
0
Take this in as part of what I think is the best route when ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge
0
1
A pretty stream and waterfalls offering a shady spot on a hot day!
0
0
A short scramble down (or up) towards Scaley Beck.
0
0
A beautiful waterfall with pools for dipping higher up.
1
0
Dash Falls are a series of cascades, as the Dash Beck tumbles between the shoulders of Great Calva and Bakestall. It's a conspicuous sight on this part of the Cumbria Way. The legendary fellwalker, illustrator and guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright remarked that 'there are many finer individual waterfalls in Lakeland, but for a grand succession of falls the first place must undoubtedly go to Dash Falls.'
0
0
A sudden rock step presents itself on the western side of Scaley Beck. Although only short, it presents a tasty little challenge to unsuspecting walkers and a little extra excitement on the path along the foot of Blencathra. I'd say that it's difficulty is comparable to a grade one scramble.
0
0
Beyond the well-known spots, consider visiting Dash Falls, a series of cascades conspicuous on the Cumbria Way, or Blease Gill Waterfalls, a tranquil spot on a less-traveled route offering great views. The Howk, just outside Caldbeck village, is also a spectacular limestone gorge with an impressive waterfall and historical significance.
Yes, The Howk offers an easy riverside trail from Caldbeck village center, taking only about 10 to 15 minutes. This walk is suitable for many and provides a blend of natural beauty and historical interest.
The Caldbeck area is rich in natural beauty. You'll find limestone gorges, fells like Great Calva, Bakestall, and Blencathra, and diverse vegetation including rare ferns. Water features range from dramatic drops and cascades to whitewater rapids, such as the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew.
Yes, The Howk, located just outside Caldbeck village, features the remains of an old bobbin mill. This mill, which operated from 1857 to 1924, once housed the largest overshot waterwheel in the country, adding a fascinating historical dimension to the natural spectacle.
While the waterfalls are beautiful year-round, autumn and winter often provide the clearest views of The Howk, as dense greenery can obscure parts of the falls at other times. The water flow is also typically more powerful after rainfall.
Yes, some visitors brave the river pools for swimming near the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew. Additionally, Dash Falls is noted for having pools suitable for dipping higher up.
The Caldbeck area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking routes, including trails that lead to or pass by waterfalls. There are also mountain biking trails and running routes available in the wider region.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Scaley Beck Rock Step presents a 'tasty little challenge' for walkers along the path at the foot of Blencathra, comparable to a grade one scramble.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and the sense of discovery. Many enjoy the powerful sound of the water, the picturesque scenery, and the opportunity to pause and take in the views, especially at spots like Blease Gill Waterfalls.
Yes, Scales Beck Waterfall and Stone Steps is a great place to stop off on the way up Blencathra and is considered part of a notable route when ascending Blencathra via Sharp Edge.
Near the Whitewater Rapids on the River Caldew, there is a small parking space almost at the end of the paved road in the Caldew River Valley, located right by the river.


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