Uldale Force

Uldale Force is a waterfall on the River Rawthey in Cumbria, northern England, set among the Howgill Fells and Baugh Fell near Ravenstonedale, Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen. The valley is steep-sided and narrow here, and the fall rewards walkers who follow the river on foot rather than visitors looking for a roadside stop.

Where is Uldale Force?

The waterfall lies on the upper Rawthey at roughly 54.3565 N, 2.4072 W. This was once border country between the historic counties of Westmorland and Yorkshire, which is why old gazetteers assign it sometimes to Ravenstonedale parish and sometimes to Sedbergh. Today it all falls within Cumbria. A 1922 guidebook captions a picture of it as Uldale Waterfall, eight miles from Kirkby Stephen. Do not confuse it with the village of Uldale in the northern Lake District, which is a different place altogether.

How do you walk to it?

A commonly described route starts at the public car park near Rawthey Bridge, a couple of miles north-west of the falls. Footpaths run south-east through the hamlet of Wraygreen and past Uldale House to Blea Gill Bridge, then on to the falls beside Whin Stone Gill Bridge. Route guides give about 6 miles (roughly 10 km) for the round trip, so allow a good part of a day.

What will you see?

The river drops over a ledge of around 30 feet, about 9 metres. Walkers know the fall well, yet it sees far fewer visitors than roadside cascades because reaching it means a long trek across pasture and moorland. In hard frosts the rock face collects icicles and part of the water freezes, which draws landscape photographers. Around you rise the smooth, grassy ridges typical of the Howgills in eastern Cumbria.

When should you go and what should you bring?

The path crosses grazing land, so it can be muddy after rain. Waterproof boots, a map or offline navigation and your own food and water are sensible, as there are no shops along the way. The fall looks its fullest after rainfall, while winter may bring the icy look. Plan to be back before dark.

FAQ

Where do you park for Uldale Force?

The usual starting point is the public car park near Rawthey Bridge. From there the walk to the waterfall is on foot.

How long is the walk?

Route descriptions quote about 6 miles for the round trip. Most people need several hours, depending on pace and stops.

How high is the waterfall?

Walkers' accounts describe a drop of around 30 feet, or about 9 metres.

Is it the same Uldale as the one in the Lake District?

No. Uldale Force sits on the River Rawthey in eastern Cumbria near the Howgill Fells. The village with a similar name in the northern Lake District is a separate place.

Which towns are closest for accommodation?

Kirkby Stephen, Ravenstonedale and Sedbergh are the nearest places with services, and each can serve as a base for reaching the start of the trail.