Waterfalls around Whitworth offer diverse natural and historical attractions. The area features various cascades, often found within natural monuments, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints. These locations provide opportunities to explore the region's landscape and heritage. The guide highlights 8 waterfalls around Whitworth.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
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 • Natural Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more waterfalls around Whitworth.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Here the Old Brook river cascades down the Pingot Quarry Waterfall, creating a beautiful scene as you pass through Crompton Moor. Wet weather will bring more drama at this beautiful location, but it's still very picturesque no matter what the weather.
1
0
After a few days rain there is a lovely waterfall next to the car park of the pub, which is nice after a hike
1
0
After a few days rain there is a lovely waterfall next to the car park
1
0
The White House stands like a land mark high on the Pennine hills, with panoramic views of the surrounding moors and Hollingworth Lake far below. The old coaching house dates from 1671 and is situated 1,300 feet above sea level. The Coach and Horses (the original name) is where “the young bloods of Littleborough having guarded the mail coach from highway men would seek recompense for their labours with vigorous applications to strong liquors” The famous Pennine way passes this hostelry, which is featured in the Good Pub Guide and CAMRA good beer guide.
0
0
Built in 1786, it was run by John Kay initially as a fulling mill. This is the procedure where woollen cloth is mechanically beaten by large wooden mallets, driven by a water wheel. This enables the wool fibres to become locked together, while at the same time driving out excess hair and fat from the fabric. By 1809, we know that the mill was being used to perform a whole range of textile procedures. An advert in the Manchester Mercury has the mill placed up for auction and details its contents. These include a carding engine (used to prepare a woollen fleece for spinning), a ‘billy’ (an improved form of a Spinning Jenny), a ‘teaser’ (a circular drum covered with heads from the spiky teasel flower to improve the texture of the cloth by raising its nap) and a blueing house (where the cloth was hung and sulphur dioxide fumes from a brimstone stove would bleach it).
3
0
Pit stop for a beverage before heading up to Blackstone Edge.
1
0
The waterfalls around Whitworth are generally smaller cascades found within natural monuments, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints, rather than large natural falls. For example, you can find the cascade at Pingot Quarry Waterfall where the Old Brook river flows, or the series of cascades within Buckden Wood.
Yes, you can visit Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall. This site features the ruins of a mill built in 1786, originally a fulling mill, where a water wheel would have driven machinery. There's also a waterfall nearby, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Many of the waterfalls, such as Pingot Quarry Waterfall and the cascade next to The White House Inn, are at their most dramatic after a few days of rain. For the enchanting stretch of woodland at Buckden Wood, spring is considered the best time to visit when wildflowers are in bloom.
Yes, The White House Inn is noted as family-friendly, and it features a lovely waterfall next to its car park, especially visible after rain. This makes it an accessible spot for families to enjoy a waterfall view.
The area around Whitworth offers various outdoor activities. You can explore running trails, such as the Cowm Reservoir loop, or longer routes like the View of Watergrove Reservoir loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like 'The Drop Off Café – Fast Descent with Sharp Bend loop' or gravel biking options such as 'Hurstwood Reservoir – Cant Clough Reservoir loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Whitworth, Road Cycling Routes around Whitworth, and Gravel biking around Whitworth guides.
At Fairy Bridge and Waterfall, Healey Dell Nature Reserve, you can discover a hidden waterfall. Walk a few yards further to the right of the bridge, and you'll find it.
Yes, The White House Inn is a pub and restaurant that also features a waterfall next to its car park after rainfall. It's a convenient spot for a pit stop or a meal after exploring the area.
Given that many waterfalls are more dramatic after rain, it's advisable to wear waterproof or water-resistant clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip. The terrain can be wet and potentially muddy, especially in areas like Buckden Wood or near quarry sites.
While some locations might offer opportunities for cold dipping, such as near Cheesden Lumb Mill Ruins and Waterfall, it's important to exercise caution. Always check local regulations and water conditions, as wild swimming can carry risks.
The areas around Whitworth's waterfalls often feature woodlands, such as the enchanting stretch of Buckden Wood, and natural reserves like Healey Dell. You'll also encounter viewpoints and areas where rivers like the Old Brook cascade through the landscape, as seen at Pingot Quarry Waterfall.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical context. Many enjoy the soothing sound of cascades in woodlands, the dramatic views after rainfall, and discovering hidden waterfalls within nature reserves. The opportunity for cold dipping at some sites is also a highlight for some.

