Paddling in the waterfalls at the River nidd

River Nidd Waterfalls

The waterfalls on the River Nidd make the perfect spot to explore in the Summer, perhaps to even cool off your toes in the water!

This linear there and back again will take you to the falls, or you can stop off on the way to Scar House Reservoir that’s just up the road!

Where are the waterfalls on the River Nidd?

Nidderedale National Landscape is a stunning part of the world. When they were deciding where the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park would lie, Nidderdale only just missed out because they wanted to protect the reservoirs from the number of tourists. Now, walkers are welcome to wander round Scar House Reservoir, which is just up the road from this stunning set of falls and Nidderdale, is a designated National Landscape, because of its total beauty!

And these falls are just that! Beautiful! Found in the little village of Lofthouse, they are just a short wander from the village centre and according to nearby Studfold Adventure Trail are called Fairy Falls! Which in my opinion, only makes them better to visit with the kids!

The perfect adventure for younger adventurers learning to stretch their legs!

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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).

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Child paddling in wellies in a river with a waterfall behind in summer trees full of leaves

Nidd waterfalls in July

Walk details for Nidd Waterfalls

Distance: less than 1 mile

Terrain: Easy footpaths. Flat terrain, well signposted.

Parking: Lofthouse car park.

Public Transport: Yes! There is a bus service that runs through Lofthouse, and on to Scar House Reservoir, but you will need to check the Dales Bus website for more information, as some of the services are seasonal and will vary dependant on when you go.

Dog Friendly? Yes

Location: Lofthouse, Nidderdale

Map: Explorer 298 Nidderdale

What 3 Words: Lofthouse Car Park: eyebrows.yawned.encrusted alternatively, there is some verge side parking at flag.disprove.mailing but please park respectfully, and do not block access.

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Lofthouse, nearest town Pateley Bridge. There is also a little honesty box cake shop half way up the road between here and Scar House reservoir!

A tempting welly wade!

Directions to River Nidd Waterfalls

  1. Well this one’s an easy one! From the Car Park in Lofthouse, turn right onto the road. On the far side you will spot the war memorial. Aim for that. To the left of houses behind the memorial, there is a public footpath sign to Middlesmoor. Head to that and turn right down the little footpath.

  2. Shortly after that, you will reach a bridge. Cross that and on the far side, turn right through the gate into a grassy field. The public footpath hugs the edge of the river, which is on your right. Follow this until it heads down the bank. You will spot the waterfalls up ahead of you. There you go! The pictures have been taken during Summer and after heavy rain in Winter.

  3. Once you have enjoyed the falls, turn round and head back to the car park!

Last walked July 2025.

Child standing reading a stone war memorial surrounded by flowers
Child walking along a path up a riverbank surrounded by green trees

The war memorial in the centre of Lofthouse

The path down and back from the riverbank

Child on a river with the waterfalls in background in winter wearing raincoat

The waterfalls in the Winter after heavy rain

For more safety information and advice head to our dedicated page.

⭐ 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.

Child standing with arms in the air with waterfall in background in winter

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

✨ Nidderdale is a designated National Landscape. And rightly so. It’s blummin’ gorgeous! For a top day out, why not go and visit Studfold Farm’s Fairy Trail, which is literally just down the road. Or head to How Stean Gorge to check out the gorge and cave, or even do something a little more daring…. Via Ferrata anybody? It’s the only one in Yorkshire!

💦 Stone throwing a plenty! The flat beds of the river make this a really tempting paddling spot, but do bear in mind that there is no right to roam here and no public right of way off the footpaths. Should you choose to paddle, then we’d recommend taking water shoes as the shallow rocky river beds are made of a lot of flat rock, which can be slippery. Be aware that the water depths vary across the river.

🍻 For the adults, try the Crown Hotel at Lofthouse.

🍧 For the nearest ice cream head to the Nidderdale Way cafe at Studfold or to Pateley Bridge.

🛝 The nearest play park is in Pateley Bridge down the road.

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

Children sitting next to a clear pond with blue sky reflections with ducks swimming on the water

Looking for a longer walk in Nidderdale?

All of our family friendly walks are arranged in loads of different categories including, waterfall walks, short walks and walks with play parks. So you can find exactly the kind of walk you are looking for!

Scar House Reservoir is right up the road from this set of waterfalls and would be ace to do as well as a stop off at the waterfalls.

But we also have a whole page dedicated to the whole Nidderdale area, so why not check it out?

Tap here to head to our Nidderdale Walks

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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