Force Gill on the side of Whernside

Force Gill, Whernside

Force Gill is a spectacular waterfall on the side on the highest of the Yorkshire Peaks, Whernside.

But don’t worry, to go and see this beauty of a waterfall, you don’t have to climb to the top of the peak, so it’s a great one for a budding explorer!

Where is Force Gill?

Well, Force Gill waterfall is located right on the side of the highest of the Yorkshire three peaks, Whernside! It is not only a classic climbable mountain, but it is home to this SPECTACULAR waterfall.

We have now been to see Force Gill in the height of Summer and the depths of an icy Winter, and yet still have encountered not one soul there! So for an epic paddle or dip spot, this is the wander for you!

Sure, you can see it from the path headed up Whernside, but seriously? This is one that is worth the extra quarter of a mile takes to get there and back. When you’re there you’ll find a sheltered grassy spot, with a path that leads down to the base of the waterfall.

BUT this is not all about the epic waterfall! Oh no. This walk takes you past the Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor Tunnel and if you’re lucky you might get to see a steam train!

Walking past the Ribblehead Viaduct
Jumping in front of Ingleborough Mountain
Reading the map in front of Ingleborough

What are the walk details for Force Gill?

Distance: 5.5 miles. This is a there and back again, linear walk.

Terrain: Wide, easily identifiable and well walked paths in the main. The offshoot to the waterfall, is smaller, but still clear.

Parking: Ribblehead viaduct

Public Transport: The Ribblehead train station is located right next to the start point of this walk. There are also buses that run to the area, but they are subject to seasonal timetables so check out the Dales Bus website for further information.

Location: Ribblehead, Yorkshire Dales. The falls are located on Open Access Land and so you can exercise your right to roam.

Map: Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western OL02 OS Explorer

What 3 Words: conducted.engine.recline

Toilets/ Baby Change: Station Pub and Ribblehead Station (toilets for customers only)

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: The Station Pub. There are also usually ice cream vans and sometimes a bacon sandwich van at the parking area (although from our experience the van isn’t the finest….) We recommend the pub! The beer garden has a cracking view and plenty of kid friendly options there on the menu too.

Ribblehead viaduct with Whernside in the background

How to walk to Force Gill

Directions:

  1. Starting from the parking area at Ribblehead Viaduct, take one of the many paths that leads you to the great arches, and take a moment to soak in this incredible piece of architecture and engineering!

  2. Don’t cross under the arches, the path you need heads along the right hand side, and heads upwards towards Blea Moor sidings and the signal box. Keep heading straight on, keeping the railway tracks to your left, and ignoring any offshoots to the left or right. You will pass the Blea Moor signal box and its dilapidated cottage (which upon update in 2023 is actually for sale…. in case you need a serious fixer upper!) and cross over a couple of streams.

  3. After approximately 2 miles, you will reach the Aqueduct, which takes the water from Force Gill over the railway tracks, here you can see the entrance to Blea Moor tunnel, where the railway heads underground before it reappears in Dentdale.

  4. Cross over the railway lines at the Aqueduct, and continue along the path which begins to climb the Eastern slopes of Whernside. Force Gill will become visible after around 200m, on your left. The little path offshoot begins at the gate on Smithy Hill. Don’t go through the gate, but skirt round the wall on the left, walking in the direction of the waterfalls. The path here is clear, and after about another 200m you will reach them! These are the lower falls, there are further waterfalls further up, but you will need to head back to the path to try and get to them.

  5. Once you have taken in all the waterfally glory, head back the way you came and enjoy the insane views across to Ingleborough, another of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

Last walked January 2023

Walking to Blea Moor Signal bix in the ice in golden hour

What’s Cool for kids on this walk?

💦 It is possible to paddle in the water of the falls but be careful of the pool directly surrounding the drop, it takes a steep dip in depth and this one isn’t called Force Gill for nothing, it definitely is a force! So expect a face full of spray! Always supervise children around water. Please be aware that water levels can change rapidly, and this fall will be very different after periods of prolonged heavy rain.

🚂 This one is a train lovers dream! The Ribblehead viaduct is on the Settle to Carlisle railway and is full working order. If you’re lucky an occasional steam train can be seen too! (We’ve been lucky only once, but you can check out the Settle to Carlisle website to see the times of the steam excursions if you’re keen!)

👻 I do love a ghost story, and there are plenty about Blea Moor and Ribblehead! Built back in the 19th Century, the construction of the Ribblehead Viaduct was not only a monumental achievement in terms of engineering, but also in terms of man power. The workers set up camps across the moors surrounding the building site, but the conditions were bleak, hard and an endurance test in themselves. Sadly, many lost their lives to smallpox, brawling and in the construction process, which has led to stories of several hauntings in the area. One at the Blea Moor Signal Box, where ghostly phone calls were heard. One at Blea Moor Tunnel where an oppressive atmosphere is felt in the train carriages as they pass through, and many more from the moorland. This walk takes in all of them! Read more about the Ghost Stories of the Yorkshire Dales or the Dark History of the Dales by heading to the blog!

🌳 After some distractions to keep those whinges at bay? Why not try some of our whinge busting walking games, or a scavenger sheet?

Sunset through the Ribblehead Viaduct
Sitting in front of Force Gill waterfall

Force Gill in the Summer

Force Gill in the Winter!

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.

Looking down onto the train tracks of Ribblehead
Jumping in the snow on the side of Whernside

Want to climb Whernside itself?

You can head to our walk page for Whernside, where you’ll find the full route description and all the kid friendly details of the walk!

It’s not for the faint hearted, but a fantastic achievement for a budding adventurer!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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