Scale Force Waterfall

Location and Access

Getting to Scale Force Waterfall

Scale Force Waterfall is located part way up Scale Fell in the Lake District National Park, near the village of Buttermere. The waterfall lies to the south of Crummock Water and is hidden in a deep, tree-lined gorge. The nearest car park is the Buttermere car park, which is about 2.5 miles away from the waterfall. Visitors can follow signs to the fall from the car park.

To get to Buttermere car park, visitors can take the A66 from Keswick or the A591 from Ambleside. From the car park, visitors can take a moderate 4.2-mile (6.8km) walk to Scale Force Waterfall. The walk is largely flat, but there is a climb towards the end.

The only difficult part of the track is negotiating the bog. Even walking during a hot dry summer, it was boggy and it would be much worse in wetter times.

Visitors can also take public transport to get to Scale Force Waterfall. The nearest train station is Penrith, which is about 25 miles away from the waterfall. From Penrith, visitors can take a bus to Keswick and then transfer to a bus to Buttermere. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Accessibility

The walk to Scale Force Waterfall is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues. The track is uneven and boggy in places, and there are some steep sections. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the walk, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on the walk but must be kept on a lead at all times.

From the Buttermere car park it is a distance of some 2.5 miles – the route there and back needing about 2 hours.

Parking

The closest car park to the trail start for Scale Force Waterfall is at the Buttermere Court Hotel – postcode CA13 9XA, it’s a pay and display car park. It’s not run by the National Trust, so members can’t park free here. The prices are: up to 2 hours: £3.50, up to 4 hours: £6, up to 12 hours: £8, or weekly: £28 and payable every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and bank holidays.

There is limited free parking around the village of Buttermere, but it fills up very quickly on weekends and school holidays.

The car park has toilets which come with a 50p fee.

Buttermere is a 30 minute drive from Keswick, 30 minutes from Cockermouth and 1 hour from Ambleside.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Scale Force Waterfall, so visitors should bring their own food, water, and other supplies. The nearest facilities are located in the village of Buttermere, which is about 2.5 miles away from the waterfall. In Buttermere, visitors can find a variety of shops, cafes, and pubs.

Description

Scale Force Waterfall is a magnificent natural wonder located in the Lake District of England. It is considered the highest waterfall in the Lake District, with a single fall of around 120 feet and a total height of about 170 feet. The waterfall is situated on the mountain stream Scale Beck and is hidden in a deep, tree-lined gorge. Visitors can access it by following signs from the Buttermere car park, which is about 2.5 miles away.

Physical Description of Scale Force Waterfall

The waterfall is a breathtaking sight to behold, with water cascading down the rocks and stone and creating a mesmerising mist. The water falls into a pool at the bottom, which is surrounded by large rocks and boulders. The pool is relatively shallow, and visitors can often see the rocks and pebbles at the bottom. The gorge is narrow, and visitors can get close to the waterfall, but they should exercise caution as the rocks can be slippery.

Flora and Fauna Surrounding Scale Force Waterfall

The area surrounding Scale Force Waterfall is rich in flora and fauna. The tree-lined gorge is home to a variety of trees, including oak, ash, and birch. Visitors can also see ferns and mosses growing on the rocks and boulders. The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is home to fish, and visitors can often see them swimming in the water. The area is also home to a variety of bird species, including dippers, wagtails, and buzzards.

History

Scale Force Waterfall has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The waterfall is located on the stream Scale Beck and is considered the highest waterfall in the English Lake District. Its precise height is still a topic of debate, but it is generally accepted to be around 170 feet (51.8m).

Historical Significance of Scale Force Waterfall

The waterfall has been a popular tourist attraction for many years, drawing visitors from all over the world. The poet William Wordsworth described it as “a fine chasm, with a lofty, though but slender, fall of water.

Scale Force Waterfall has also played an important role in the history of the local area. It was used to power several mills in the 18th and 19th centuries, including a bobbin mill, a woollen mill, and a sawmill. The waterfall was also an important source of water for the local community.

Today, Scale Force Waterfall continues to be a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The surrounding area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red squirrels darting amongst the trees, badgers, and birds of prey.

The area around the waterfall is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Activities and Amenities

Scale Force Waterfall offers visitors a range of activities and amenities to enhance their experience of this natural wonder.

Hiking and Walking Trails

Scale Force Waterfall is situated in the heart of the Lake District, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the UK. There are several hiking and walking trails that lead to the waterfall, including the Buttermere Circular Walk and the Red Pike via Scale Force route. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the route, and to take plenty of water and snacks when embarking on a hike to Scale Force Waterfall.

Picnic Areas and Facilities

There are several ideal picnic areas located near Scale Force Waterfall, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings, or take advantage of the on-site facilities in Buttermere, which include toilets and a small café.

It is important to note that visitors are expected to take their litter with them when leaving the site, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Camping and Accommodation Options

For those who wish to spend more time in the Lake District, there are several camping and accommodation options available near Scale Force Waterfall. The nearby village of Buttermere offers a range of accommodation, including hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages. There are also several campsites in the area, offering a more rustic experience for those who enjoy being close to nature.

It is important to book accommodation in advance, particularly during peak season, in order to avoid disappointment.

Tips and Safety

Tips for Visiting Scale Force Waterfall

Visiting Scale Force Waterfall can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip as the terrain can be slippery and uneven.
• Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho as the waterfall can create a lot of spray.
• Consider bringing a picnic as there are some lovely spots to sit and enjoy the view.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no facilities nearby.
• Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Take a map and compass or a GPS device as the area can be difficult to navigate.

Safety Precautions and Guidelines

While visiting Scale Force Waterfall, it’s important to take some safety precautions:

• Stay on designated paths and trails and do not climb on rocks or trees.
• Do not swim in the waterfall or the surrounding pools as the water can be very cold and the currents can be strong.
• Do not attempt to climb up or down the waterfall or the gorge walls.
• Keep a close eye on children and pets as the area can be dangerous.
• Be aware of the potential for falling rocks and other hazards.
• If you are unsure about the safety of an activity, do not attempt it.

By following these tips and safety precautions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable visit to Scale Force Waterfall.

Facts About Scale Force Waterfall

1. Tallest Waterfall in the Lake District: Scale Force is considered the tallest waterfall in the Lake District with a single drop of 170 feet (approximately 52 meters) and two additional drops bringing the total height to around 120 meters. This makes it an impressive sight, particularly after heavy rainfall.
2. Inspiration for Poetry: The romantic poet William Wordsworth visited Scale Force and mentioned it in his ‘Guide to the Lakes’. Also, the famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote about it, calling it a “fine chasm, with a lofty, though but slender, fall of water”.
3. A Challenge to Reach: It’s located in a deep, tree-shrouded gorge and it’s not immediately visible from the nearest road. A good walk is needed to reach the falls, which makes it a wonderful destination for those who enjoy hiking and nature.
4. Name Origin: The name “Scale” in Scale Force derives from the Old Norse word “skali” which means a hut or summer pasture. “Force” comes from the Old Norse “foss” which means waterfall. So, the waterfall’s name could be interpreted as “the waterfall near the summer pasture”.
5. Surrounded by Nature: The waterfall is located in a secluded and relatively undisturbed part of the Lake District. The area around it is abundant in local flora and fauna, including mosses, ferns, and a variety of bird species.
6. Geological Formation: The waterfall has been formed by the action of Scale Beck, the stream that flows down from the fells. Over thousands of years, this stream has eroded the rock to form the deep, narrow gorge through which the waterfall now cascades. The gorge walls are composed of volcanic rock, specifically Rhyolite, which is resistant to erosion and therefore creates the dramatic height of the falls.
7. In the Heart of the Fells: Scale Force is nestled between the high fells of Red Pike and High Stile. This means that it’s often included as part of walking routes that take in these two peaks. From these high vantage points, you can get a unique view of the waterfall and its surrounding landscape.
8. Inspired Art: Apart from being an inspiration to poets, the waterfall has also been a subject for artists, especially during the 19th-century Romantic period when landscape painting was in vogue. Its striking appearance and the play of light and shadow in the gorge have made it a favorite subject.
9. Scale Force in Winter: In the colder months, the waterfall can partially freeze, creating an amazing spectacle of icicles hanging from the rock face. However, accessing the falls during this period can be quite challenging due to icy conditions.
10. Home to Rare Species: The moist, shaded conditions in the gorge are ideal for certain types of mosses and liverworts that are not commonly found elsewhere in the Lake District. This makes Scale Force an interesting spot for botanists and naturalists.
11. Associated Folklore: Like many places in the Lake District, Scale Force is associated with various local legends and folklore. One such story suggests that a treasure chest full of gold lies at the bottom of the deep pool beneath the waterfall, though of course, this is just a myth!