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Northumberland is a region known for its rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes. It is also home to some of England’s most stunning natural features, including a collection of breathtaking waterfalls.
Northumberland’s waterfalls offer a variety of scenic gems, from the dramatic cascades of Hareshaw Linn to the secluded beauty of Linhope Spout. In this guide, we will highlight our favourite Northumberland waterfalls and the terrain you might encounter to visit them.
Continue reading to take a look at our favourite waterfalls in Northumberland…..
Linhope Spout Waterfall is one of the biggest and most popular Northumberland waterfalls. with 18m of water dropping down into a plunge pool below, it is a magnificent spectacle to view. If you don’t mind the cold, why not take a dip in the water below as well?
Yes, there is a waterfall near Hadrian’s Wall! Crammel Linn Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Northumberland and a must-visit while admiring the craftmanship of Hadrian’s Wall. Learn more about it in our guide.
Now this might be controversial but I am starting our guide to the best waterfalls in Northumberland with a waterfall just outside the region; High Force Waterfall. But bear with me on this because as you can see from the above image, this gorgeous waterfall can’t be missed!
Just 15 miles outside the national park, close to the little market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, High Force Waterfall is regarded as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the UK. This incredible creation attracts walkers, artists and photographers who marvel at the power of nature, which makes for fantastic photos like the one above.
Begin at the High Force hotel, and head along the waterfall woodland trail until you reach the falls. If you want to see the waterfall from a different angle, turn left from the car park into a field until you reach Holwick Head bridge, turn right across the bridge and continue on the Pennine Way until you reach the waterfall where you’ll find a several great vantage points for the perfect picture.
One of the best times to visit is during autumn, as the colours of the trees change and create that warm atmosphere in the images. Between late September and March, stargazing is popular here of stargazing; you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights if you are lucky!
A couples ticket to visit the waterfall is £7.00 and a family ticket for 2 adults and 3 children is £11.00. Purchase your tickets here. Less than 2 miles south of High Force Waterfall is another fall, aptly named Low Force Waterfall, if you cross Holwick Head bridge and instead turn left along the Pennine Way trail, it will take you towards Low Force Waterfall.
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2-3 miles
Postcode: DL12 0XH
Parking: High Force Waterfall car park
Parking charge: £3.00
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Linhope Spout Waterfall is next on the list of the best waterfalls in Northumberland, this incredible waterfall heads down the rockface about 18 metres and is a great option to visit in the north of the national park.
The nearest car park to the waterfall is Bulby’s Wood Car Park, this sees the walk being around 3.5 miles from the car park to the waterfall. There may be spaces along the side of the road closer to the waterfall but if it is later in the day it might be busier. Plus, with it being a single-track road it will be much harder to park.
The walk takes you along the single road from the car park, alongside the River Breamish, you will pass a farm on the right-hand side, as you get to an area with 3 buildings, head left just as you pass the first building, the track will then sweep around to the right-hand side, follow it up until you reach a split in the paths, continue following right close to the tree line, this path will then take you to Linhope Spout Waterfall.
While you’re marvelling at the spectacle that is Linhope Scout, keep an eye out for red squirrels here, which can be seen along the woodland areas.
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 3.5 miles
Postcode: NE66 4LT
Parking: Bulby’s Wood Car Park
Parking charge: No charge
Another fantastic waterfall in Northumberland to visit is Hareshaw Linn, just north of the village of Bellingham. The surrounding areas of the waterfalls were once the site of an ironworks in the mid-1800s.
This 3-mile walk from the car park sees you crossing multiple of bridges and it can get pretty steep in parts so be careful. Making sure you have the right footwear with you is essential. However, it is all worth it when you reach these awe-inspiring falls!
Be on the lookout for a wide variety of wildlife on display around this area, from birds such as dippers, and woodpeckers to red squirrels and bats. Hareshaw Linn is known to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it has been designated this for its rare ferns and lichen. Northumberland National Parks has more information on the full route!
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Postcode: NE48 2BZ
Parking: Hareshaw Linn car park
Parking charge: No charge
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Hindhope Linn Waterfall on the outskirts of Rochester, is another of the best waterfalls in Northumberland and can be easily reached by a mile walk along the Hindhope Linn walking trail!
The walk through the dense woodland area to reach the falls, is all part of its charm. Keep your eyes peeled for Scots Pine and Larch as well as the wildlife that call the woods home. Once you reach Hindhope Linn Waterfall take some time to appreciate its beauty. Be sure to pack a picnic too as there are two picnic areas as well as a toilet block open between April and October so you can spend all day exploring.
This epic waterfall in Northumberland lies near the historic Catcleugh Reservoir which runs guided tours throughout the summer months, so be sure to time your visit right!
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.25 miles
Postcode: NE19 1SW
Parking: Blakehopeburnhaugh Waterfall car park
Parking charge: No charge
This waterfall may be classed as being in County Durham but seeing as though it straddles the border, I am including this in the list as well. Wharnley Burn waterfall is only a small waterfall but is certainly a spot to visit on your travels.
Your adventure begins in Allensford Park Car Park, where you take a right on the exit before reaching crossroads where you take another right and join the public footpath. This takes you all the way to this spectacular Northumberland waterfall. Enjoy the sounds of the water meeting the river before continuing your adventure onto the nearby village of Castleside. You could also turn around here and head back to the car park.
I had to include Wharnley Burn in this guide to waterfalls in Northumberland as it is slightly smaller and less popular, meaning you can bask in the tranquillity of nature without the sounds of other explorers. You might say it’s somewhat of a hidden gem!
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
Distance: Around 1-2 miles depending on how far you walk
Postcode: DH8 9BA
Parking: Allensford Park car park
Parking charge: No charge
Lying on the outskirts of Gisland a village on the border between Northumberland and Cumbria, Crammel Linn is a fantastic double waterfall, that just had to be included in our guide to the best Northumberland waterfalls.
Getting down to the waterfall can be quite tricky and steep, with some of the ground being boggy and quite slippery on the stones especially if there has been any rainfall. So please take care around this area. But after your trek down, you’ll be rewarded with views across these magical falls.
The nearest main car park is around 3 miles away in the little village of Gilsland, you can walk from the village here and head to the waterfall, this version of the circular walk is around 10km. Perfect for a day of exploring! While you’re in the area, you can also head to Hadrian’s Wall, considered one of the best walks in the UK, where you can see the remains of the Roman fortifications.
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate to High
Distance: Around 1.7 miles
Postcode: CA8 7AS
Parking: Roadside parking
Parking charge: No Charge
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Resting paces away from the Scottish border, The Hen Hole Gorge is home to some of the most isolated Northumberland waterfalls as it lies in the shadow of The Cheviot, the highest point in Northumberland National Park.
Given its isolated location, parking is a little difficult to come by, however, the nearest car park can be found on the outskirts of Hethpool where you can follow the burn to Mounthooly Bunkhouse before following the track to the bottom of Hen Hole.
These waterfalls can be difficult to reach so the appropriate clothing and footwear is a must. However, it is worth it! Bask in the beauty of the Three Sisters Waterfall before reaching the top of the gorge where the final waterfall awaits; marking your ascent back to The Pennine Way. This collection of Northumberland waterfalls are a must for keen ramblers and waterfall enthusiasts.
If you are looking for another challenge, why not take on the Hen Hole and Cheviot circular walk?
Key information about these Northumberland waterfalls
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 9 miles
Postcode: NE71 6TW
Parking: Small car park on the outskirts of Hethpool
Parking charge: No charge
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Resting close to Hen Hole, Davidson’s Linn is another of the best waterfalls in Northumberland and is perfect for those looking to lose themselves in nature.
The remote location of this waterfall makes it one of the more difficult falls to reach and is best suited to experienced walkers who have all of the aids and equipment to complete this trail. Stretching around 10 miles, this walk begins at Wedder Leap Car Park in Barrowbarn where you can head north to find the source of the Usway Burn.
You’ll eventually reach this magnificent waterfall, where you can take a moment to soak in your surroundings. Perhaps pack a picnic and enjoy it beside the cascading falls before making your way back to the car park.
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: Around 10 miles
Postcode: NE65 7BP
Parking: Wedder Leap Car Park
Parking charge: No charge
The final entry in our guide to the best waterfalls in Northumberland is Routin Lynn, not to be confused with the other nearby waterfall, Roughting Linn.
There are no nearby car parks, so your adventure begins on a small grassy verge near the waterfall. Park here and follow the signpost for Routin Linn Farm, here you can follow the track for 100 metres where the sound of running water will greet you.
Enjoy the beauty of Routin Lynn waterfall and if you’re brave enough, why not enjoy a spot of Northumberland wild swimming in the pool that the 20-foot waterfall plunges into? After enjoying the waterfall, take a short walk to the outcrop of grey sandstone where you might be able to spot ancient rock carvings that are thought to date back 4000 years, a spectacular insight into the past.
Key information about this Northumberland waterfall
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Less than a mile
Postcode: TD15 2QF
Parking: Roadside parking
Parking charge: No charge
If these majestic Northumberland waterfalls have inspired you to book your next adventure in the region, then book one of these wonderful Northumberland holiday cottages and check out our Northumberland Travel Guide for more inspiration.
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