Moss Force

Moss Force is a waterfall inside the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, northwest England. It tumbles beside Newlands Hause, the high pass about 10 km southwest of Keswick that links the Newlands Valley with the Buttermere Valley. In the Cumbrian dialect a "force" is simply a waterfall.

Where is Moss Force?

The falls sit right by the road over Newlands Pass, between the Newlands Valley and the lake of Buttermere. Driving from Keswick takes a short while, and Buttermere village is a quick hop in the other direction. The coordinates are roughly 54.546 N, 3.249 W.

How do you get there and where do you park?

Driving to the top of the pass is the easiest option. There is rough, unsurfaced parking at Newlands Hause that is normally enough, though it fills up on sunny weekends and in school holidays. The road is very narrow in places and is not gritted in winter, so avoid it in ice or snow. If you would rather start from Buttermere, the village has several car parks: one free with few spaces, one pay-and-display run by the national park, and one belonging to the National Trust.

How long is the walk to the falls?

Very short. From the roadside it is only about 150 to 200 metres to the water. Allow around an hour for the whole stop, including time to look around and take photos. The path is not suitable for pushchairs.

What will you see?

Water cascades down a rocky face above the road. Anyone wanting to reach the base of the upper drop must scramble over wet rock. The falls have a literary and walking pedigree: the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge praised their beauty, and Moss Force features on the Wainwright Memorial Walk, named for Alfred Wainwright, author of the classic Lakeland walking guides.

When is the best time to visit?

After rain. In a dry spell the stream shrinks to a trickle, while after heavy showers the falls are a real spectacle, and the spray means you will not stay dry. Bring a waterproof and shoes with good grip, because the rocks are slippery. Keep back from the edge and stay out of the current when the water is high.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay to see Moss Force?

No. The waterfall is beside a public road and free to view. Only some car parks in nearby Buttermere charge.

Is Moss Force suitable for families?

Yes, as the walk is brief. Children need watching near the water because the rocks are slick, and pushchairs will struggle on the path.

Does the waterfall flow all year?

The flow depends on the weather. It is noticeably weaker in dry periods, so the day after heavy rain is the ideal moment.

What can you combine it with?

From the pass you can drive down to Buttermere for a stroll around the lake, or head back towards Keswick, about 10 km away.