Ritson's Force

Ritson's Force is a group of small waterfalls in the Mosedale valley beside Wasdale Head, inside the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, north-west England. The name also refers to the stream running down the valley towards the Wasdale Head Inn. It makes an easy short outing, set among fells that climbers and hillwalkers know well.

What will you see at Ritson's Force?

Expect a run of cascades and rocky steps rather than a single tall drop. These are not among the biggest falls in the Lakes, and they lack the crowds of Aira Force, but the setting makes up for it. Fells around the valley include Scafell Pike and Scafell, England's two highest summits, and Great Gable, often called the cradle of British rock climbing.

Who was Ritson?

The falls recall Will Ritson, a long-serving landlord of the Wasdale Head Inn. He had a reputation as a teller of tall tales, so some historical accounts treat his link with the waterfall as local lore rather than settled fact.

How do you get there?

Start at the Wasdale Head Inn. A path follows the beck upstream into Mosedale, passes a small stone bridge and reaches the cascades. One visitor even describes cutting through the inn's beer garden to pick it up. The walk is short and easy, though it can be slippery and boggy in places, so wear boots with decent grip. There is a car park close by.

When is the best time to visit?

The falls look best after rain, when the beck carries more water, which is common in the Lakes. Summer gives a drier path, though some stretches stay muddy. Choose a clear day if you want views of the high fells above the valley as well.

Can you combine it with a longer walk?

Yes. The Mosedale Horseshoe starts at Wasdale Head and links Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar in one full day. The clockwise version described in walking guides, coming down by Black Sail Pass, runs to about 18 km (11 miles) with more than a kilometre of climbing. It finishes beside the inn, so you can visit Ritson's Force at the end. The pub next door is handy for a meal afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ritson's Force a big waterfall? No. It is a series of small cascades, best visited for the walk and the valley scenery.

How long is the walk from the Wasdale Head Inn? It is a short stroll along the beck, usually a matter of minutes each way depending on pace and ground conditions.

Is the path difficult? No, but the ground can be slippery and marshy. Sturdy walking shoes are enough.

Where can you park and eat? A car park lies close to the inn, and the pub there serves food, so you can rest after the walk.

Where is Ritson's Force? In Mosedale near Wasdale Head, in the western Lake District, Cumbria.