Linton Falls in the winter when they are really full

Linton Falls and Stepping Stones

Have you even BEEN to the Yorkshire Dales if you haven’t popped over to see Linton Falls?!

This super popular set of waterfalls is located in the picturesque village of Linton and within arms reach of the equally as popular Grassington.

If you are in the area, this family friendly circular walk around Linton falls to the stepping stones is for you!

Where are Linton Falls?

This circular family friendly walk is located in Wharfedale, in the most South Eastern part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is quite frankly PACKED with stunning villages, waterfalls, and lofty peaks!

Linton Falls is well known for being fearsome in the Winter and really is a sight to behold when it’s in full flow! The village of Linton is a beautiful and found in the heart of Wharfedale, with Linton Falls being just a 10 minute walk from the very popular Grassington, well known for its association with the TV series All Creatures Great and Small.

This walk can either start from the small pay and display parking area at Linton, or in the larger pay and display area in Grassington where you’ll also find the park!

Be aware that if you find the falls as they are pictured above, then it is unlikely that the stepping stones will be passable, but you can still do this walk as a linear ‘there and back again’ walk or take the alternative winter route!

The path running towards Linton in to the Yorkshire Dales

What are the walk details for Linton Falls and Stepping Stones?

Distance: 2 miles

Terrain: Easy identifiable paths. Mainly flat terrain. A little warning for those who are not keen on our bovine friends, there are some cows located in the area by the riverside. They have never bothered us, but a heads up is always worth it!

Parking: Linton Falls car park or Grassington Car Park (If you choose Grassington, there’s also a park at Town End field, next door!)

Public Transport: Yes! There are regular buses to Grassington, check out the Dales Bus website for timetable information.

Location: Linton, Wharfedale, The Yorkshire Dales

Map: OL 02 Explorer - Yorkshire Dales Southern and Western

What 3 Words: conducted.entitles.regaining

Toilets/ Baby Change: At Grassington Yorkshire Dales Centre at Grassington Car Park

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Grassington for cafes, pubs and shops. Our favourite is The Retreat!

Crossing the Stepping Stones at Linton

How to get to Linton Falls and Stepping Stones

If visiting the falls after a period of wet weather, we recommend doing this route in reverse so as to not be disappointed.

OR you can check out our alternative winter route!

Directions:

  1. Beginning at Grassington, head to the far end of the car park, heading away from the village and main road in. There is a gate located in the far left hand corner, near a small cluster of houses. Turn right onto the stone track that heads down to Linton Falls (pictured above!). Before the bridge and the falls, turn left over the stile into the grassy field.

  2. Beginning at Linton Falls Car Park, head towards the entrance to the car park area, where you will see Linton Falls signposted. Follow the path to the edge of the river and over the bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn right over a stile.

  3. Follow the path along the side of the river for around half a km. Here is where you might find some grazing cattle. There is also an area to get down to the edge of the water to throw stones. You will soon reach a stile in the wall of an access road (this is a residential access road, and is very quiet). Turn right, and follow the road past the fish farm (always good for a quick q and a about what on earth a fish farm is!) This road will lead you to the banks of the river, and the stepping stones.

  4. Take the steep path down the bank to the stepping stones and cross. The path you need to return to Linton heads towards the church, which is clearly visible in the distance.

  5. Take this, following it through the churchyard, and back to the car park where you started. If you came from Grassington, head back along the path signposted to the falls, and cross the bridge back over to where you started!

Last walked August 2023

The churchyard at Linton
Standing next to Linton Falls when they are in flood

Alternative directions if the stepping stones are not accessible

  1. Start Point Grassington: Head to the far end of the car park (heading away from the vehicle entrance) to a gate in the wall on the left. Turn right and head down the walled path to the bridge over Linton Falls. Cross the Bridge. Here, turn right and continue along the narrow path until you reach a little stone bridge over the beck on your right.

  2. Start Point Linton Falls pay and display: Head out of the car in the direction you came in and continue until you see a sign post and stone steps descending to a path on your right. The sign post points in the direction of Grassington. Head down the steps and continue until you reach a stone bridge on your left.

  3. Head over the bridge and through the little stone ‘squeeze’ at the end then walk straight on towards the hydro-electricity station. This was originally built in 1909, but was restored in 2011 so that it now provides power to Grassington and the surrounding areas ever since.

  4. Head through the gate on the left of the building and continue along the path until you reach the road. Here turn right and continue to the road bridge that heads into Grassington. Turn right and walk into the centre. If you want to explore Grassington and head to the cafe, now’s your chance!

  5. Continue on the footpath that heads along the road in the direction of Hebden as it bends to the right taking you past the Yorkshire Dales Visitor Centre (and the park!)

  6. If you started in Grassington, this is your end!

  7. If you started in Linton head to the far end of the car park (heading away from the vehicle entrance) to a gate in the wall on the left. Turn right and head down the walled path to the bridge over Linton Falls. Cross the Bridge and turn right and you’ll end up where you started!

Last walked January 2024

Walking over a stone bridge in autumn in Linton
Linton Falls when they are low

Linton Falls during a dry summer with low river levels

Linton falls in February when they are in flood

 

Linton Falls in February in flood

 What’s cool for kids on this walk?

💦 There are lots of opportunities for a splash on this walk, but bear in mind this is a river. During a period of prolonged wet weather, the stepping stones will not be accessible. Be aware that river levels can rise rapidly, and always supervise children. Depths can change suddenly. For any further advice head to the Royal Lifesaving Society.

🧒 There is a play park next to the pay and display car park in Grassington, head out of the car park, turn left and after a short distance before you reach the town, there is a gate to the playing fields on the left.

🦆 There are often a few friendly ducks on this walk, why not take your own duck food to feed them?

👻 Linton is a beautiful village, which has a bit of a spooky reputation! Despite it being home to only 176 residents, it reportedly has 2 ghosts…. A headless horseman (classic) and the ghost of a monk, who haunts the churchyard of St Michaels. I mean, I’m sceptical when it comes to a good old fashioned ghost story, but the monk was reportedly spotted by King George V, whose account was backed up by the Marquis of Hartington. Now I’m not one to argue with royalty…. so keep your eyes peeled for that monk!! For more Ghost Stories head to our blog!

☕ There are plenty of cafes to try in Grassington, why not take a look at our Pubs and Cafes page for more information!

🌳 There is plenty of cool stuff for the kids on this walk, but in case you need to beat the walking whinges, then why not check out our walking games!

Splashing hands in the water at Linton

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.

A rainbow over the weir at Linton Falls
Walking through the street in Grassington

Want to find out more about Grassington?

Grassington is a fabulous place to visit with the kids, so why not check out our Visit Grassington with kids guide that will tell you all about it!

Including where to get ice cream…

And where the play park is!

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