Scale Force Waterfall — Attraction in England

Beautiful walk to find this gem. We parked in an overflow car park near the Buttermere Court Hotel (prev called the Fish Inn), the pub/cafe servicing here is called, the High Stile Kitchen Pub, Buttermere. Derek, a friendly volunteer for the Mountain Rescue charity showed us to the car park, £5.00 all day, cash. There were other car parks that had machines and charged by the hour. This was a very business village, quite narrow entries in to the village with many vehicles parked along road, causing some sharp intakes of breath. The village itself has a few shops, cafes, pubs, and a couple of campsites. Lots of sheep (keep dogs on lead).

You can access the waterside, suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs and the less able, however walking the whole way around the lake can be difficult in parts, with climbing, clambering over inclines and rocky paths. You can avoid this section by walking in the road, but there is no path, and a lot of cars to watch out for.

My family and dogs chose this base and walked up to Scale Force waterfall, which was even more difficult and challenging underfoot but...

After about a week of constant heavy rain, I revisited Scale Force waterfall in Sept. 2025. On my previous visit (see below) the water levels were low, but on this occasion the rivers and streams were in spate following all the rain. And, therefore, the water fall was flowing in full force. Because of the high rate of flow one could not walk reach the bigger waterfall at the backup, like I had done previously. However, it was an impressive sight seeing it in full force. [the following is my 1st review] A spectacular waterfall, dependent on weather / season prior to visit. After your initial view from the bridge, walk up to the first base point, then if you are up to it climb up the rocks (make sure you are able / capable and confident in scrambling) to the base of the waterfall, where there is a higher pool. You can go for a dip / wild swim in the pool too if you feel up to it. Well worth going early in the morning before the masses arrive (we did it on the way down from a wild camp the night before...

I’m pretty sure that if Fairies existed, you’d find them in the absolutely beautiful places like this. Almost like a hidden secret, you don’t really see it until you get right up to it, and then it’s such a wonderful and peaceful place, full of light and sound that the best of Mother Nature can bring to this Earth.

It is a little off the beaten track, but absolutely worth the wander up the rocky path. You will need good boots for this trail, but even if it takes you twice as long as expected to get it, it’ll make you feel a million times better for doing it,...