A683, Sedbergh LA10 5NE, Cumbria
Cautley Spout
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
6.9
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.9A long, broken cascade tumbles down the Howgill Fells into a steep valley, visible from far across the landscape.
Cautley Spout makes a dramatic focal point in open fell country, with a short approach for a close look and a much steeper climb beside the falls for those seeking wider views. An Iron Age settlement discovered nearby adds a deeper layer to the landscape.
Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapA683, Sedbergh LA10 5NE, Cumbria
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
See the cascade from the valley on a short walk, or take on the steep climb beside it for a higher perspective. The National Park Authority cautions that reaching the top is quite a feat.
Things to do
View Cautley Spout from the valley
Walk from near the Cross Keys Inn towards the falls. The National Park Authority says the feature can be seen from miles away.
Short walk; check before visiting
Look for the Iron Age landscape
The National Park Authority reports an Iron Age settlement and a stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of the falls. Their location and visibility to visitors are not specified, so do not assume the remains are readily identifiable.
Consider the steep climb
A path beside the waterfall climbs towards the top, but the National Park Authority describes the grassy slope as very steep. Check conditions and suitability before attempting it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Short walk; check before visiting
See the falls from the valley
- 01
Park close to the Cross Keys Inn, as recommended by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
- 02
Walk towards Cautley Spout for a view of the cascade from the valley.
- 03
Return the same way; check local conditions and access before setting out.
Half day · Check before visiting
Climb beside the cascade
- 01
Start from near the Cross Keys Inn.
- 02
Approach the waterfall and assess the conditions before deciding whether to continue.
- 03
Only attempt the steep grassy slope beside the falls if it is appropriate for your ability and conditions.
- 04
Return by a route you have confirmed is suitable.
Verified history
Archaeologists have discovered an Iron Age settlement in the valley, with a stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of the falls. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority says there may have been some form of ritual or worship around the waterfall; this is presented as a possibility, not an established fact.
Hidden details
A stone-lined avenue towards the falls — The National Park Authority reports an Iron Age stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of Cautley Spout. The source does not establish whether visitors can see it on a visit.
When to go
· Check conditions before travelling; no specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify a best season. The steep slope makes checking conditions especially important.
The slope beside the waterfall is very steep. Check the forecast and local conditions before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Cross Keys Inn
The National Park Authority recommends parking close to the inn for the short walk to the falls and describes it as a place for lunch. Check parking arrangements and opening before visiting.
Sedbergh
The supplied sources identify Sedbergh as the nearest town. No specific nearby attraction or itinerary is verified here.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the broken cascade drops from the fell into the steep valley. The National Park Authority also reports an Iron Age settlement and a stone-lined avenue towards the foot of the falls
- 02
these archaeological remains may not be obvious on the ground.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Check conditions before setting out; the steep grassy slope may be challenging in poor weather.
Choose conditions that make the steep approach manageable; check the forecast and current access information before setting off.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority recommends parking close to the Cross Keys Inn for a short walk to the falls. Reaching the top involves a very steep grassy slope. Check current access and conditions before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority recommends parking close to the Cross Keys Inn. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Park Authority identifies the Cross Keys Inn as a nearby place for lunch. Check opening and availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The approach is on foot, and the slope beside the waterfall is very steep.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cautley Spout
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
