Scaleber Force
A stunning 40ft waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for photography and wild swimming, surrounded by damp woodland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More dramatic water flow
Scaleber Force
Best Time
More dramatic water flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 40ft waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, perfect for photography and wild swimming, surrounded by damp woodland.
"A brilliant little place, tucked out of the way with gorgeous views and a nice little area at the bottom for playing."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential!
🚗 Limited Parking
Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scaleber Force Waterfall
Near Settle, Yorkshire Dales
A stunning 40ft waterfall cascading down limestone crags, surrounded by damp woodland and mosses.
Wild Swimming Spot
Base of the falls
A popular spot for a refreshing dip, especially on warmer days. Be mindful of the slippery rocks.
Woodland Walk
Surrounding Scaleber Wood
Explore the damp woodland, home to diverse mosses and bryophytes, offering a tranquil natural escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Water Flow & Best Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! +1
🚗 Limited Parking
Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away.
💧 Check Weather for Flow
Waterfalls are best after rain. Dry spells mean less water.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
This spot attracts photographers, especially in autumn. Be patient for your shot!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path down can be very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential! +1
🚗 Limited Parking
Roadside parking is scarce. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from further away.
💧 Check Weather for Flow
Waterfalls are best after rain. Dry spells mean less water.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
This spot attracts photographers, especially in autumn. Be patient for your shot!
🏊 Wild Swimming Fun
A great spot for a dip, but be cautious of the slippery rocks at the base.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Scaleber Force is a beautiful, tucked-away waterfall offering gorgeous views and a refreshing wild swimming spot. Visitors appreciate its natural charm and photographic potential, especially in autumn. However, the limited roadside parking and the steep, slippery path down to the falls are significant drawbacks, making it challenging for families with young children or those with mobility issues, and the water flow can be disappointing during dry spells.
"Brilliant little place, tucked out of the way with gorgeous views, nice little area at the bottom for playing pooh sticks or throwing stones. Stones are a little steep could be slippy but we managed it on a dry sunny day with a 4,5 and 7year old. Also in regards to parking there are limited spots you park at."
Kim Simmons
"A nice little waterfall a few minutes walk from the road. Parking is a bit hit and miss as you’re just parking on the verge at the side of a single track road. Very steep to get down to the bottom of the falls and I imagine tricky if it’s been raining/wet underfoot"
Dave Walters
"As its been dry weather, the waterfalls weren't as spectacular as they could be.
A little bit of roadside parking if driving there, and a clear sign pointing the way. Steep path down the waterfalls, would be difficult with small children of those less able.
Worth a stop if passing by."
Jo Davies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scaleber Force is located near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. The most common way to access it is by car, parking on the verge of the single-track road leading to the falls. It's a short walk from the parking spot to the waterfall itself.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. You would likely need to take a bus or train to a nearby town like Settle and then arrange local transport or a taxi.
Look for a clear sign pointing the way, often near a quirky style over a wall. The entrance is not always obvious, so keep an eye out.
Cycling is possible to the general area, but the final approach to the falls involves a steep, potentially slippery path that may not be suitable for bikes.
Due to the steep and often slippery path down to the falls, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Scaleber Force is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to visit. 
As a natural outdoor location, Scaleber Force is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no dedicated visitor center at Scaleber Force. Information is primarily gathered from online resources and local signage.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the steep and slippery path, and the lack of lighting.
The main considerations are respecting the natural environment and being mindful of the landowner's wishes if applicable. Always stick to marked paths where available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the roadside parking to the waterfall is short, around 300 meters, but it involves a steep descent that can be very slippery, especially after rain. +1
Yes, Scaleber Force is a popular spot for photographers, particularly in autumn with the changing leaves and the dramatic waterfall.
Scaleber Force is known as a spot for wild swimming. Visitors can enjoy a dip at the base of the falls, but caution is advised due to slippery rocks.
The falls are most impressive after periods of heavy rain. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while summer can be good for swimming.
There are no facilities directly at Scaleber Force. You would need to visit a nearby town like Settle or utilize facilities at other attractions like Aysgarth Falls if you're on a broader tour.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
For capturing the waterfall's motion, use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/2 second to several seconds) with a tripod to avoid camera shake. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on wet rocks.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the entire cascade and surrounding woodland, or use a telephoto lens to focus on specific details of the water flow and rock formations.
The main viewpoint is from the path leading down to the base of the falls. Be aware that other photographers may be present, so be patient and respectful.
A tripod is highly recommended for long exposures. A rain cover for your camera is also advisable, especially if visiting after rain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
If visiting with children, ensure they wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. Consider carrying very young children or opting to view the falls from the top of the path if the descent seems too risky. The area at the bottom is good for playing pooh sticks or throwing stones on drier days, but supervision is paramount due to the water and uneven terrain.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The waterfall itself is a beautiful subject for photography and a great spot to simply enjoy the power of nature. While not a long hike, the steep descent and potential slipperiness add an element of challenge. It can be combined with other nearby attractions in the Yorkshire Dales, such as Victoria Cave or Jubilee Cave, for a more extensive day of exploration.
📸 Photographers
+1To get the best shots, bring a tripod for long exposures to capture the silky water effect. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a polarizing filter to manage reflections. Be prepared for the slippery path down and protect your gear from moisture. Visiting during the 'golden hour' (early morning or late afternoon) can yield spectacular lighting.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Scaleber Force
+1The accessibility of Scaleber Force is part of its charm, yet also a key consideration for visitors. While it's a relatively short walk from the roadside parking, the path leading down to the waterfall is notably steep and can become very slippery, especially after rainfall. This makes sturdy footwear and caution essential, particularly for families with young children or those with mobility issues.
Despite its sometimes challenging access, Scaleber Force is a popular destination for its natural beauty, offering opportunities for photography, enjoying the sounds of cascading water, and even a bit of wild swimming for the adventurous. Its secluded feel, despite being close to a main road, adds to its allure as a hidden gem within the Yorkshire Dales.
Best Times to Visit for Water Flow
During drier spells, particularly in summer, the water flow can be considerably reduced, leading to a less impressive cascade. While still a beautiful spot, the 'force' of Scaleber Force might be diminished. Visitors planning a trip during these times might find the experience more about the tranquil woodland and the unique rock formations rather than a roaring waterfall.
Therefore, checking local weather forecasts and recent rainfall in the Yorkshire Dales is a crucial step for anyone hoping to witness Scaleber Force at its most magnificent. This foresight can significantly enhance the visitor's experience and ensure they capture the best possible views and photographs.
Photography at Scaleber Force
+1To capture the best shots, a tripod is almost essential to allow for longer exposure times, which smooth out the water's movement and create that ethereal, silky effect. Using a polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet rocks and enhance the saturation of the greens in the woodland. Early morning or late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' can provide soft, flattering illumination, minimizing harsh shadows and bringing out the textures of the landscape.
+1Visitors should be prepared for the challenging path down, which can be slippery, so protecting your gear from moisture is also wise. Patience is key, as the area can attract other photographers, and finding the perfect, unobstructed angle might require waiting for your turn. The effort, however, is usually rewarded with breathtaking images of this Yorkshire Dales gem.
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