Stainforth Force

Stainforth Force is a 2.5‑metre cascade waterfall on the River Ribble at Stainforth, just 3 miles north of Settle. In autumn, it becomes the stage for one of the Dales’ most spectacular wildlife sights - Atlantic salmon making their daring leap upstream. Time your visit for late September through to November, when autumn rains swell the River Ribble and triggers the annual salmon run as they return to their spawning grounds upstream.

Close to the village of Stainforth, this magnificent waterfall is easily reached from the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park. Follow the Pennine Bridleway signs under the road, through a picnic area and over the railway. After crossing the narrow packhorse bridge, take the footpath through the fields and you’ll arrive at one of the area’s most popular beauty spots.

From here, you can continue along the riverside path to Settle - a peaceful, largely flat 3‑mile walk through classic Dales countryside accompanied by the sound of the River Ribble.

Top tip: the falls are at their most dramatic after heavy rain. Please follow the safety instructions and do not enter the water. Rocks and the surrounding field can be slippery underfoot so please take care and monitor children at all times. Dogs are welcome.

Parking at Stainforth Force itself is very limited, with narrow road access. We recommend using the nearby Yorkshire Dales Stainforth car park, where you’ll also find public toilets. From here, it’s a 10‑minute downhill walk along a well‑signposted footpath to the falls.