Near Garrigill, Alston Moor, Cumbria

Ashgill Force

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

RiversideValleyRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

Ash Gill drops over a rocky shelf into a wooded gorge, with smaller cascades and traces of the area's lead-working past nearby.

Ashgill Force earns its place for the meeting of a dramatic waterfall, wooded gorge and open North Pennines scenery. The falls make a rewarding short outing, while the Garrigill circular offers a more substantial walk; rough, slippery sections mean this is a place to visit with care.

Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild

Find your way

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Near Garrigill, Alston Moor, Cumbria

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The experience

Come for the waterfall and the wooded gorge; stay longer for the Garrigill circular through open fields and along Ash Gill and the River South Tyne. Expect uneven, slippery ground on parts of the route.

Things to do

See Ashgill Force from the gorge

Follow the footpath from Ashgill Bridge down into the wooded gorge to see the waterfall dropping over its rocky shelf.

Walk the Garrigill circular

The listed 3.1-mile loop links Garrigill, Ashgillside, Ashgill Force, Ash Gill and the River South Tyne. Its route description warns of rough, slippery ground and high stiles.

1–1.5 hours

Notice the gorge and downstream cascades

Look beyond the main fall for the wooded gorge, smaller cascades downstream and rocky formations around the water.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Short walk; exact duration not verified

Quick Escape: the waterfall

01
Reach the footpath from Ashgill Bridge.
02
Follow it down into the wooded gorge to view Ashgill Force.
03
Take care on the rough, potentially slippery approach; return the way you came.

Half day · 1–1.5 hours walking; allow extra time for stops

Make a Half Day of It: Garrigill and Ashgill Force circular

01
Start in Garrigill and follow the circular route through fields towards Ashgillside.
02
Visit Ashgill Force and take time to view the waterfall and wooded gorge.
03
Continue beside Ash Gill and the River South Tyne to return to the trailhead.
04
Expect rough, slippery sections and high stiles; use appropriate footwear and check route conditions.

Verified history

The supplied source row describes lead mining as part of the area's history. A supplied attraction summary also mentions nearby ruins associated with historic lead-working. The available evidence does not establish dates or identify specific workings.

Hidden details

Notice the smaller cascades — The attraction summary describes smaller cascades downstream of the main waterfall.

When to go

· Not specified in the supplied evidence.

The supplied source describes year-round visits and says rainfall can strengthen the falls. Winter conditions may make paths slippery.

Take care in wet or winter conditions: the approach and circular route include rough, slippery ground.

What to look for

Watch how the water drops over the rocky shelf into the wooded gorge, then look for the smaller cascades downstream and nearby traces of historic lead-working.

The story

Historic lead-working in the surrounding area.

Best time to go

Year-round; after rainfall the waterfall may be more powerful, while winter conditions can make the paths slippery.

The source describes year-round visits and says the falls can be more powerful after heavy rainfall. In winter, take extra care on slippery paths.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A footpath leads to the waterfall from Ashgill Bridge; a longer circular walk starts in Garrigill. Paths can be rough and slippery, so check conditions and take care.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking arrangements are not verified; check before visiting.

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Toilets

Facilities are not verified; check before visiting.

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Food & drink

Food options are not verified; check before visiting.

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Dogs

The longer circular route has high stiles and is reported as unsuitable for dogs. Check local access information before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The approach includes uneven, rough and slippery ground. The longer circular route includes high stiles; not suitable for all visitors. Step-free access is not verified.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Waterfall and plunge pool; swimming permission is not verified.