Discover the best Peak District waterfalls from Kinder Downfall to Lumsdale Falls.
There is nothing quite like the freedom of the open road in the Peaks. Whether you're battening down the hatches of your motorhome or zipping up the canvas of your roof tent, the weather is part of the adventure. When chasing waterfalls, remember that the same dramatic ravines that create these falls often act as a funnel for the wind. On a blustery day, you’ll feel the power of the Peaks long before you see the water.
This is the most atmospheric way to see the tallest fall in the Peaks, standing at 30 metres high. For the most dramatic experience, visit after heavy rainfall to see the falls at their most powerful. The fall has also been known to freeze, leaving a stunning icy spectacle. Instead of the easier Pennine Way, this route takes you through a dramatic rocky ravine before reaching the plateau.
The wind factor: Be aware that Grindsbrook Clough acts as a natural funnel. As you ascend the ravine, the wind can accelerate significantly, often reaching the plateau with surprising force. If you're sleeping under canvas back at the site, check the gust forecast before you head up!
Distance to waterfall: Approximately 5.5 miles (one way from Edale).
Accessibility rating: Challenging. This involves a significant climb onto the Kinder Scout plateau. Expect rocky, uneven terrain and steep sections.
Stay at: Castleton Club Campsite, Castleton, Derbyshire.
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park near Matlock, take a journey through time where Bentley Brook tumbles past ivy-clad 18th-century ruins. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot where nature is slowly reclaiming the stone.
The route: The Bentley Brook Heritage Trail. From Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite, you are just a five-minute drive (or a moderate walk through the village of Tansley) to the start of the falls. The trail follows the brook upstream through the ruins of several water mills.
The wind factor: Because these falls are tucked into a steep-sided, wooded gorge, they offer a fantastic "wind-break" on stormy days. While the tops might be howling, the gorge stays relatively sheltered, making it a great choice when the plateau is too wild.
Distance to waterfall: Less than 2 miles from the site.
Accessibility rating: Easy to Moderate. The woodland paths are generally good, but the stone steps around the ruins are steep and can be very slick after rain.
Stay at: Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite, Matlock, Derbyshire.
Lathkill Dale is a limestone masterpiece. The "waterfalls" here are a series of beautiful, wide weirs that look like a crystal-clear staircase.
The route: The Monyash to Over Haddon Loop. From Chatsworth Park Club Campsite, drive to the village of Monyash. Enter the Dale via Lathkill Head Cave. The route follows the river downstream through a deep limestone gorge. The waterfalls appear as you head toward Over Haddon. For a circular route, climb the steep path up to Over Haddon and return via the high fields for incredible views over the valley.
The wind factor: The dale is deep and narrow, meaning the wind often whistles down the length of the valley floor. It creates a dramatic "wind-tunnel" effect that ruffles the deep pools and adds to the wild atmosphere of the limestone cliffs above you.
Distance to waterfall: It is a 5.5-mile drive to the Over Haddon trailhead, then a 1.5-mile walk to the falls.
Accessibility rating: Moderate. The initial descent into the valley from Over Haddon is very steep, though the path along the river itself is relatively level.
Stay at: Chatsworth Park Club Campsite, Baslow, Bakewell, Derbyshire.
Stay at: Buxton Club Campsite, Grin Low Road, Ladmanlow, Buxton, Derbyshire.
A secret 15-metre drop into a limestone swallet near the village of Eyam. It feels like a private, prehistoric grotto hidden right under the nose of the road.
The route: The Eyam & Foolow Circular. From Buxton Club Campsite, drive to the historic 'plague village' of Eyam. Walk west towards the village of Foolow. Just off the road (hidden by a screen of trees in a deep dell), you’ll find the falls. After viewing, continue into Foolow for a drink at the pub before looping back to Eyam via the high paths of Eyam Edge for a panoramic finish.
The wind factor: Tucked into a deep, limestone hollow, this spot is remarkably quiet. However, the walk from Eyam Edge to get here is highly exposed. If you’re touring in a high-sided motorhome, take care on the edge roads leading to the village when the "funnel" effect is in full swing across the moors.
Distance to waterfall: It is an 8-mile drive to the Eyam/Foolow area. The walk is 3.5 miles (circular walk).
Accessibility rating: Easy.
Stay at: Buxton Club Campsite, Grin Low Road, Ladmanlow, Buxton, Derbyshire.
