Scaleber Foss waterfall in the Summer

Scaleber Force, Settle

Scaleber Force is a spectacular 40 foot waterfall, located just outside of Settle in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is well worth a stop off to explore!

For such a short family friendly walk, you’ll find the best paddle spot ever!

Where is Scaleber Force?

Heading out of Settle on the road that leads to Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, you will find a wooded gorge, which is the home to the stunning waterfall, Scaleber Foss (or Force, the two are interchangeable!) On drier days, there is the opportunity to scramble up to the waterfall drop and explore the pool beneath it which is shallow and great for a splash.

It’s a super short waterfall walk, but requires steady feet as the path around and down the gorge is both narrow and steep and can be slippery when wet.

Up close to Scaleber Foss waterfall
The remains of a lime kiln at Scaleber Foss
Playing in the water of Scaleber Foss

Scaleber Force Walk Details

Distance: Less than 1 mile

Terrain: Very steep narrow stepped path, rough underfoot. Some unguarded drops.

Parking: Verge side parking and layby parking. Don’t block any routes, or access points into fields.

Public Transport: There is a train station and bus stops in Settle, but this waterfall is not easily accessible by public transport.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: Just outside Upper Settle

Map: OS Explorer OL 2 Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y ghent

 What 3 Words: lingering.snapper.exhaled

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Settle

How to get to Scaleber Force

  1. This is a well signposted route so it’s pretty difficult to go wrong! When we walked this, we managed to park in the layby at Scaleber Bridge. Wherever you manage to park, head to Scaleber Bridge as your starting point.

  2. You will see the walled in woodland with two gates accessing the area. We chose the one nearest to the bridge and Scaleber Beck. Head towards the signpost indicating that to access the Foss you need to use the upper path. Then do what it says on the sign! At the top of the waterfall there are the remains of an old lime kiln.

  3. Head up to the top path, which takes you around the edge of the gorge, which will soon start to steeply descend around to the left. The path here is narrow, but some rough steps have been installed to make the descent a bit easier!

  4. At the bottom, you will see the waterfalls ahead! When we visited, it was after a period of dry weather, so we were able to easily scramble up the stone ledges to get right up close and personal to the waterfall! This is an absolutely brilliant picnic and paddle spot. The water in the pools is clear and beautiful! Please do have regard to the conditions when you visit and bear in mind after rainfall the uppers pools may not be accessible. Exercise due care and attention in all circumstances and have regard to the conditions when you visit.

  5. Once you have splashed to your heart’s content, head back up the way you came!

Last walked August 2022 (All pictures taken in Spring/ Summer after dry weather)

⭐ 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.

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

💦 The pool underneath the falls is crystal clear, and it is a top spot for a paddle and a splash, maybe even a picnic! Do be aware that the photographs taken were after a period of dry weather, and that the falls will change after periods of rainfall. The falls themselves are about 40 feet high, so are truly spectacular.

🌳 This walk is short AND sweet, but if you need to boot out the walking whinges, then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Swimming in Buckden waterfalls

Looking for more waterfall walks?

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