The 10 most spectacular waterfalls in the UK

The UK boasts many wonderful waterfalls but several stand out as particularly spectacular, whether for their impressive height, incredible beauty or both. Below we list the 10 most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the UK, all of which can be visited by you.

Gaping Gill

Fancy seeing a waterfall underground? Head to Gaping Gill located around an hour and a half’s walk from Clapham in Yorkshire. Gaping Gill is Britain’s biggest cavern, made all the more incredible because a waterfall flows into the cavern dropping around 330 feet to its floor. Cavern access is usually restricted to experienced cavers only, but members of the public can descend to the bottom of the cavern at the end of May and August via the Gaping Gill winch.

Pistyll Rhaeadr

The tallest waterfall in Wales is Pistyll Rhaeadr which is located in the Berwyn Mountains, around a 4-mile walk along Waterfall Street from the village of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant. There is a delightfully situated tearoom nearby which provides refreshments before or after your visit.

High Force

High Force situated at Forest-in-Teesdale in Durham is a magnificent sight from any angle as it flows over 70-foot high rocks into a plunge pool below. The waterfall is reached via a gravel path through equally eye-catching woodland. Facilities nearby include a car park, toilets, picnic areas and a seasonal gift shop that sells refreshments.

Mealt Waterfall

Guaranteed to impress anyone who sees it, the stunning Mealt Waterfall can be found on the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. This waterfall features a dramatic sea cliff setting and the wind is sometimes so strong here that the water from the fall doesn’t reach the rocks below but is instead blown away.

Sgwd Yr Eira

Located in Waterfall Country near the village of Ystradfellte in the Brecon Beacons is the gorgeous Sgwd Yr Eira or Fall of Snow. One of the key attractions of this waterfall is the footpath behind it that enables visitors to stand behind the water looking outwards as it flows down into the pool below.

Steall Falls

If being surrounded by stunning Scottish scenery sounds like your cup of tea, the walk to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis near Fort William in the Highlands will have you in your element. The walk isn’t difficult but make sure you have good footwear as the trail gets rocky.

Falls of Glomach

The Falls of Glomach give Steall Falls a good run for their money when it comes to breathtakingly beautiful Scottish landscapes. Located in the Highlands near the village of Kyle of Lochalsh, the waterfall can only be reached on foot, but the hike is just as stunning as the falls themselves. Glomach means ‘gloomy’ but don’t let this put you off. The name is a fitting physical description since there is often mist around the falls. However, a visit to this striking waterfall is sure to do nothing but lift your spirits.

Aysgarth Falls

The picturesque Aysgarth Falls are located near the village of Aysgarth in the Yorkshire Dales. The waterfall flows over three steps to form upper, middle, as well as lower falls, and featured in the film Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves.

Aira Force

One of the most renowned waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force is in the Ullswater valley and boasts a captivating woodland location. There is a bridge at the top of the waterfall which is a great place to take photos from and nearby picnic spots provide a stunning location to enjoy a packed lunch.

Eas a' Chual Aluinn

Britain’s highest waterfall is an incredible sight to see as it flows within its beautiful Highlands setting near Loch Glencoul in Assynt. Visitors should be reasonably fit as a fair amount of walking is involved to reach Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, but the fantastic landscape along the way makes each step well worth the effort.

Waterfalls that are guaranteed to wow

These spectacular waterfalls will all provide a wonderful day outdoors, getting up close to magnificent nature in all its gushing glory. It’s advisable to plan in advance to make the most of your trip by ensuring you have good footwear that is suitable for walking over rough and potentially slippery terrain, as well as making sure you know the route to follow before setting off. Packing some refreshments in a backpack is great for enjoying a picturesque picnic near the waterfalls and a camera should definitely be brought with so you can capture the falls in all their splendour.