Child standing in front of a waterfall with sun peeping on fellside

Cautley Spout Waterfall

Cautley Spout waterfall is a spectacular cascade found near Sedbergh in the Westmorland Dales.

The water tumbling over the rock face makes England’s largest cascade waterfall, standing at 198 metres tall.

It’s steep. Just putting it out there!

Do you want to walk to Cautley Spout?

Because, I mean… why wouldn’t you?! Standing at 198 metres tall, this waterfall holds the title of England’s tallest cascade waterfall. Not to be confused with Hardraw Force, which is England’s largest unbroken waterfall, or Gaping Gill which is England’s largest unbroken waterfall UNDERGROUND. Phew. Glad we cleared that up.

Also, let’s take a minute to just appreciate that all three of the countries’ biggest waterfalls are found right here in the Yorkshire Dales National Park shall we?…

Moment over.

Right then. Enough about the other waterfalls, lets talk Cautley Spout! This walk is really quite jaw-dropping. With the gigantic rolling fells of the Howgills towering above you, this walk brings all the drama. Including the dramatically steep ascent of the side.

In terms of the family friendly factor this is what we would suggest. For younger explorers, head to the base of the falls. They really are stunning, there’s plenty to explore and you’ll get a view of the giant waterfall for the walk along the valley.

For the older explorers, you can take the path up to the top of the waterfall, but we would not recommend doing this in wet or windy weather as the stepped path can be slippery and it is VERY exposed, with steep unguarded drops. It’s also one for those with a strong head for heights. Like I say, it’s steep and I’m not kidding!

Always check the mountain forecast before heading out.

Ultimately, these are suggestions and you know your own limits. Let common sense prevail!

You still in? Let’s find out more.

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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!

I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).

If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!

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Children walking towards Cautley Spout on a sunny summer day

Walk Details for Cautley Spout

Distance: 4.5km (just under 3 miles)

Terrain: Very well walked route, uneven ground. The ascent, should you choose to do so, is extremely steep, climbing just less than 200m in half a kilometre. The path up is roughly stepped but has steep unguarded drops and can be slippery underfoot, therefore great care should be taken in the event you do decide to climb.

Parking: By the Cross Keys Temperance Inn. There is only limited layby parking, so if there is no space, why not try another of our walks in the Sedbergh area. Park respectfully and do not block access.

Public Transport: Yes! There is a bus stop right at the start of this route! Check out the bus timetable on the Western Dales Bus website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control as there is grazing livestock.

Map: OL19 OS Explorer The Howgills affiliate link as an Ordnance Survey Champion

Location: Howgills, off the A683 road between Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen

What 3 Words: maybe.beaks.redouble (parking area)

Toilets/ Baby Change: None. The nearest public toilers are in the centre of Sedbergh at Joss Lane Car Park

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Sedbergh. For places to eat and drink check out our Visit Sedbergh with Kids Guide.

Child standing at the top of a steeply sided gorge with a river snaking in the distance with fells in the background

The descent. The path is stepped, but narrow and steep. But if you get there, you are rewarded with spectacular views.

How to walk to Cautley Spout

Walk instructions are a guide to be used alongside a map

  1. Beginning at the layby parking at the Cross Keys Temperance Inn, head down the steps next to the bus stop to the wooden footbridge crossing the River Rawthey. Cross the bridge to the other side and turn left.

  2. Continue along the path, which follows the river, then as it bends round to the right and enters the expansive glacial valley that leads to the waterfall. In wet weather, the water will be very much visible from the beginning of this walk!

  3. Continue along this path as it crosses several streams (more if you go after very wet weather!) and heads towards the waterfall.

  4. On the approach to the waterfall, you will see an information board telling you about the ancient settlements that once stood before Cautley Spout. Pretty awesome view to wake up to, I say!

  5. If you simply want to head to the base of the falls (you’ll get a pretty decent visual of the steep path upwards, to help in your decision making), then you need to take one of the little offshoot paths that lead to the edge of the beck on your left, as you approach the base of the falls. They begin to appear at around 1km and will lead you down to the waters edge, where there is opportunity to paddle if the conditions are suitable. Once you have explored, head back the way you came!

  6. To head up to the top of the falls, follow the steep stepped path to the top. You will have reached the top, when the path crosses the beck, which makes for a pretty picnic spot with a spectacular view.

  7. Once you have taken in the view, you need to head back to the bottom, just the same way you came.

Most recently walked March 2025.

Looking at the information board with waterfall in the background

The information board in the valley looking towards Cautley Spout

One of the waterfalls at the base of the main waterfalls if you don’t fancy the ascent.

Walking through a large puddle on the path with moors behind

What’s cool for kids at Cautley Spout?

✨ This is a cool place to explore! With LOADS of history to learn about too! The whole valley into which Cautley Spout flows, was scoured out by huge glaciers making it super dramatic with steep grassy sides. Archeololgists have also found the remains of an Iron Age settlement, with a stone edged track leading all the way to the base of the falls where it stops. What this shows is the waterfall was super important to those settlers…. perhaps they were waterfall admirers too!

💦 There are some trodden paths to the waters edge at the bottom of the falls, just make sure you stick to these rather than creating your own to protect the heritage of this place!

🛝 Head to Ravenstonedale for the park!

🍻 There are also two great pubs with beer gardens there too!

🌳 why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Cautley Spout Ordnance Survey

Want to grab the route?

Head to the Ordnance Survey Navigation App where you can download the route!

(Always carry a back up map and know how to use it)

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone 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.

Leaping up in front of Cautley Spout
Child weaving using multicoloured ribbon

Staying in the Sedbergh area?

We have a Visit with Kids guide to provide you with all the family friendly inspiration you need! Think family friendly walks, local attractions and importantly, where to find the ice cream (and the play park!)

Visit Sedbergh and the Westmorland Dales with the Kids

Tap here to head to our visit with kids guides

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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Leave No Trace

The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.

Should you visit, make sure to:

Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.

Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.

Leave everything else as you found it.

Help us to protect our wild spaces.