Paddling in front of Cauldron waterfFalls west burton

Cauldron Falls, West Burton

West Burton is a village in Wensleydale, which is the home to the spectacular West Burton Falls.

The uppermost falls are called Cauldron Falls, and get their name from the pool that churns beneath them when it is in full flow!

This short circular walk is perfect for young walkers!

Where are West Burton Waterfalls?

The West Burton waterfalls are located in the village of West Burton in Wensleydale, just a stone’s throw from Aysgarth Falls. The tiny village is particularly picturesque, with rows of Yorkshire Dales cottages lining the village green. Cauldron Falls is super easy to access from the middle of the village, and you can in fact park up right next to them to go and see them.

That WOULD defeat the object of a family walk though!

This is a short circular walk that’s less than 2 miles and is a great little wander for younger explorers. It’s also a top little spot for a splash when the falls are tame!!

There is also a pub, tearoom and a tiny play area too in the middle of the village.

Splashing in the water of West Burton Falls
Running up a grassy hill in Wensleydale
Throwing a stone into lower west burton falls

What are the walk details for Cauldron Falls?

Distance: less than 2 miles

Terrain: Some quiet road walking, easily identifiable paths. Ascent 200ft.

Parking: On Street, Front Nook, West Burton village centre.

Public Transport: Sadly, this walk is not accessible by public transport. The nearest bus stop is in Aysgarth.

Dog Friendly? Yes, but there may be grazing livestock on this walk (although we are yet to encounter any ourselves)

Location: West Burton, Wensleydale

Map: Ordnance Survey OL30 - Yorkshire Dales Northern and Central

What 3 Words: fabric.daydream.runners

Toilets/ Baby Change: No public toilets.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: West Burton, Fox and Hounds Inn is a family friendly pub (conveniently, right next to the play area!) and there is a tea room - be aware that the pub is likely to close during the afternoon and the tearoom has limited opening hours. To be sure check out their Facebook pages to see what the current opening times are.

Walking along the path that goes to the footbridge

The path that crosses the field to the footbridge

The signpost to Rookwith Bridge

How to get to Cauldron Falls

Directions:

  1. Starting at Front Nook road in the middle of West Burton, keeping the little play area next to the War Memorial on your right hand side. Head West out of the village. Ahead you will see a signpost that says ‘Walden Only’ indicating a fork in the road and that both are a dead end. Take the left fork. This is a very quiet country road but be aware of vehicles (not that we experienced any when we walked this route!) The road bends round to the left and eventually ends in Walden, but you won’t get that far!

  2. After a short distance (around 500 yards), you will see a gate in the wall to your left and a footpath, which is signposted Rookwith Bridge. Take this footpath and follow it across the field until is descends to the bridge over Walden Beck. It heads roughly right-ways and diagonally across the grassy field, passing between a tree and a telegraph pole before it eventually descends to Walden Beck. In less than 250 yards you will see a yellow waymarked footpath sign pointing towards the little wooden footbridge that you should cross to the other side.

  3. Cross the footbridge and follow the signpost pointing towards Riddings. The path heads diagonally leftwards towards the top corner of the field where you will find a stone stile and a further gate. Here in the wall there is a memorial plaque too.

  4. Follow the grassy path as it bends round to the left and as it gradually heads upwards to another wooden gate in the wall.

  5. After this, head past the cottage on your left and through a gap in the wall ahead. Then through the next field to the wooden gate in the field directly opposite. All the while, keeping in a roughly straight on direction.

  6. You will begin to hear the sound of rushing water, as the beck come back into earshot (although you won‘t be able to see it.) There is a perimeter fence on your left and the path runs roughly parallel to it. There is yet ANOTHER gate in the wall ahead (they do love a gated stile) and then after that, you will notice a stony track that heads downhill and to the left. Ignore that and head downhill to…. you guessed it! Another gate in the wall! It’s roughly straight ahead.

  7. The path continues to follow the dry stone wall on your left, and then you will spot a signpost at the corner. Here, you are going to head left. Ahead, there is a further signpost that points in the direction of West Burton. Take that path.

  8. Head downwards, past a farm building on your right, and you will eventually (less than 200 yards) reach the stones steps leading to the bridge crossing Walden Beck. To you left is Cauldron Falls!

  9. If turn back on yourself before you get to the bridge, you can clamber down into a little cave there.

  10. Once you have had a splash and enjoyed the area around the falls, head back into the village where you started!

Last walked August 2023

The footbridge that heads over Walden Beck

One of the many traditional gated stiles. There are SOOOO many in the Dales!

The footbridge over Walden Beck

The path that returns to West Burton

What’s Cool for kids on this walk?

💦 Cauldron Falls are a popular place for a paddle and is a well known wild swim spot. Please do take a look at the helpful info below, and have regard to the water levels. Having swum here myself, the water level around the drop of the waterfall is VERY deep and so should not be attempted by inexperienced swimmers. Around the edge of the pool and beck is shallow and great for paddling. The rocks can be quite slippery though!

The falls are found in a residential area, so please be respectful to those living nearby and leave no trace. Take all your rubbish home.

🧒 A PARK! What walk isn’t improved by a little bit of park bribery?! West Burton has a small play area located on the village green in the centre. Which leads me neatly onto….

🍻 A PUB! The Fox and Hounds is located directly opposite the park and has family friendly food options and ice cream.

🍦 There is also a little tearoom located on the green. It was not open when we visited on a Sunday but does have a Facebook page to check opening times which are seasonal.

🌳 There are some great places to pick blackberries on this walk! But if you need some more help with the walking whinges, then why not check out our walking games pages, or print off a scavenger sheet?

A little cave tunnel where you will catch a glimpse of the lower falls

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

standing under the waterfall at Cauldron Falls
Cauldron waterfalls in the late Summer
Looking at Cauldron Falls in the winter after rain

Cauldron Falls in the late Summer, with lower water levels

During the winter, you cannot get anywhere near after heavy rainfall! But it’s still a beautiful and awesome spot to visit!

Jumping in front of Wensleydale

Looking for a longer walk from West Burton?

Then we have another circular walk that starts and ends at the waterfalls in West Burton, and also takes in Aysgarth Falls too.

So if you fancy taking in a double waterfall wander than you need to head to the West Burton to Aysgarth circular route by tapping the button below!

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