There aren’t many villages that can boast their own waterfall, but Ambleside is one of them. The stunning Stock Ghyll Force is located just a few minutes walk from the centre of the village and is a must do for anyone visiting the area.
The picturesque double drop waterfall is located in pretty woodland, and can be accessed via an easy walking trail. The only disappointment is that unlike on our previous visit, you can no longer access the base of the falls, and therefore there is no swimming to be had!
Despite this, it’s still every much worth a visit. Here’s everything you need to know about Ambleside’s Stock Ghyll Force, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Lake District.
The walk to Stock Ghyll Force
The stats
Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2km) circuit - plus 750m each way if walking from the village
Elevation gain: 95m
Difficulty: Easy
There are a couple of ways of visiting Stock Ghyll Force. We chose to walk the circuit, but we’ll mention the quickest route below if you want to do the shortest walk possible. The terrain along one side of the circuit is rougher and quite muddy, with rocks and tree roots to negotiate. On the shorter leg, the path still has a little mud, but it’s not too bad and it’s generally an easy path.
As mentioned, the trail to the bottom of the falls is now closed, which prevents access to the swimming hole. There is now a gate in place to stop you getting there - such a shame because it really was an idyllic spot!
Where to start the trail
The walk to Stock Ghyll Force is easy from anywhere in the centre of Ambleside, but if you’re coming from another village you can also park right by the start of the trail (Stockghyll Lane, postcode LA22 0QT).
There’s no car park for the waterfall, but there are several laybys along the road which offer free parking. You need to display one of the parking discs and make sure you don’t go over the time limit (1 hour unless visiting before 10am, or after 6pm).
These can be picked up from various places around Ambleside, if you don’t have one already, but the easiest is probably the post office which doubles up as a tourist information centre.
If you can’t get into the nearest layby, there are several more a little further down the road. If you’re just going to walk up from town, head up the road between the Salutation Hotel and Doi Intanon Thai restaurant.
Starting the trail: from the village to the trailhead
If you’re walking from the village rather than parking by the trailhead, it will add on an additional 750m each way to your walk.
Much of this is a gradual uphill climb, but it’s still very easy and although it’s beside the road, you’ll pass by Stock Ghyll Woods which have some nice cascades.
You can look on longingly at the people whose houses back on to the water, with little terraces directly over the river - so pretty!
After 750m you’ll see a turning on the left into the woods and this is where the official trail to the waterfall begins.
Heading to Stock Ghyll Force: the short route
You’ll head along a good gravel path in the shady forest. After 100m you’ll see a little tree rooty side trail down to a pretty cascade.
Back on the main path and you’ll continue following the trail, which is signposted with a red arrow, and head right.
The track becomes more uneven, but is still easy enough. Just 100m beyond the cascade you’ll come to junction.
If you want to take the longer circuit track you’ll head down the steps to the left here. If not you would head right, and the main viewpoint is just 300m away.
Following the circuit route does involve a longer walk and rougher terrain, but you’ll see more cascades, which is definitely worth it if you don’t mind negotiating some muddy sections.
It’s worth noting that the best views of the waterfall are all on the other side, so you don’t need to do the longer walk for the best views.
Stock Ghyll Force via the circuit route: to the top of the falls
To follow the circuit head down the stairs and over the wooden bridge. From here the trail begins heading uphill on a series of steps.
You’ll start to get some cascade views after 150m. From this point the trail does become a lot muddier. You can pick your way around it most of the time, but it’s best to wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and that have a bit of grip.
A couple of hundred metres later there’s a short (one minute) detour on the right to a viewpoint, and you’re now just 150m from the top of the falls and the end of the climb.
You’ll reach a bridge over the top of the falls and there are some lovely views of the cascades (but not a clear view of the waterfall itself, which comes on the other side of the circuit).
Completing the circuit: to the best viewpoints
You’ll cross over the bridge and then begin following the trail on the other side of the water. From here you’ll be heading downhill. The track is in better condition than the section you’ve already walked.
It’s just 150m to the upper viewpoint, which has a good view of the falls, and then a further 80m to a lower viewpoint, which is our favourite view of all.
It’s a really elegant waterfall and you get some wonderful views from both lookouts.
The only downside is that you do feel quite far away - but maybe that’s me still being sad about the fact they closed the bottom of the falls, which was my favourite spot!
From the lower viewpoint back to the junction at the stairs by the river is just under 300m.
It’s all downhill, but on a pretty decent track, although it can still be muddy in places. From here you head back along the trail you originally came in on to the road.
Essential information about visiting Stock Ghyll Force
You can visit Stock Ghyll Force at any time and it’s free of charge.
The best time to visit is after rainfall when the waterfall is at its most powerful. However, we visited during a dry spell and the flow was still good, so unlike some waterfalls, there’s no bad time.
Many of the trees in the woodland surrounding the falls turn a variety of beautiful colours during autumn, so the view is at its most special at this time.
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