Galleny Force Waterfall — Attraction in Great Britain

Here’s a snapshot of the enchanting Galleny Force, also known as the Fairy Glen, nestled in Borrowdale near Stonethwaite. It’s a beautifully secluded waterfall with inviting pools for wild swimming and exploring.

Getting There & Parking

Park in Stonethwaite (Closest Option)

The most convenient place to leave your car is in the small hamlet of Stonethwaite. There are a few off-road spaces by the iconic red phone box (postcode CA12 5XG) .

These spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays .

Along Chapel Howe Road just before the village, there’s limited roadside parking—also worth aiming for early .

During summer, the Stonethwaite Farm Campsite offers parking for about £5 per day, via an honesty box system (cash only), though it's best to confirm ahead as access can be restricted and there is no mobile signal .

Park in Rosthwaite (More Reliable Option)

For more assured parking, head to Rosthwaite’s National Trust pay-and-display car park (postcode CA12 5XB). Rates can be up to around £9, and NT members may park for free .

This car park also has public toilets and a tea room, handy if you're starting with little ones or need a refreshment break .

Walking to Galleny Force

There are two popular walking routes depending on your parking choice:

Option A: From Stonethwaite (Quickest, about 15–20 minutes)

Park by the phone box or roadside.

Walk through the village toward the campsite, keeping to a farm track that soon becomes a path through the campsite .

Follow this winding valley trail. You'll hear the waterfall after only a few minutes of walking. Keep your eyes and ears tuned! .

The walk is relatively easy but transitions into uneven and rocky terrain close to the pools. Not fully pushchair-friendly .

Option B: From Rosthwaite (Approximately 4 miles round-trip)

Park at the NT car park in Rosthwaite.

Head back along the road you came in on to B5289, turn left, then right onto the signed track toward Stonethwaite/Hazelbank Hotel .

You’ll join the Cumbria Way, a mostly level path that wanders through valley fields and gates. After crossing a bridge and navigating some gates and signs, the Fairy Glen pools appear .

Continue along the path following the beck to reach Galleny Force waterfalls and plunge pools. The terrain gets rougher near the waterfall—stepping stones, uneven ground, and occasional climbs,...

Beautiful place. Parked up outside the village as to not upset the villagers. Easy walk through the pretty village which has a lovely pub that serves food and a beer garden.There is a tiny cottage across the road that serves teas,coffee etc. The walk to the falls was mostly easy with a couple of steep rocky/tree root ways up and down. Once at the falls it was so pretty and peaceful and not to busy. We had a lovely swim in both the pools and it was fun climbing over the little falls and rocks then sliding back over them. Definitely one of our favourite days...

Nice small tumbling river and great scenery . But very Rocky path . We drove into campsite along a very rocky road and very narrow , luckily we did not meet anything , then walked through the wooden gate at the back of the site a Rocky climb the other side of the gate but then the path gets better eventually you come to a bridge to cross to other side but to get back to the camp site you have to walk into the village and then back up the Rocky road . Bit too much for us being in our late sixties and...