3 Peak District waterfall walks not to miss

The Peak District National Park is known for its outstanding natural beauty and its lush, rugged landscapes. It's a walking haven, and perfect for cyclists, cavers and photographers too.

What it isn't particularly known for is its waterfalls, and actually that's a bit unfair. There are quite a few waterfalls in the Peak District and, if you know where to look, some are hidden gems.

Off the beaten tourist track they may be, but if you fancy a bit of extra adventure during your trip to Derbyshire and the Peak District then these three waterfalls are definitely worth a visit.

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Kinder Downfall

The Kinder Downfall, on the River Kinder, is the tallest waterfall in the Peak District at 30 metres high. Tonnes of icy cool water tumble over the edge of a moorland plateau of Kinder Scout in the Dark Peak - and to dramatic effect.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the volume of water at the Kinder Downfall (formerly Kinder Scut) can increase from its usual summer trickle into a powerful and impressive force.

On windy days, it's particularly spectacular. When the weather blows in from the west, the falling water blows back on itself and the spray can be seen for miles around (though it's worth noting that the area can become treacherous in bad weather).

^{(Youtube video of Kinder Downfall waters being blown back by high winds)}

Kinder Scout is not only the highest point in the Peak District, but also the highest point in the East Midlands and makes for some terrific walks. You can access the waterfall from the nearby villages of Edale and Hayfield in the High Peak and the 7.5 mile Hayfield circular walk is a particularly good route.

If you fancy a camping holiday in the Peak District, our campsite listings will help you find a good park to stay at. For those of you thinking about camping with fewer creature comforts, have a read of our information about wild camping in the Peak District (bivvying is generally seen as more acceptable).

Below the falls, the Mermaid's Pool is supposedly inhabited by a beautiful mermaid who lures men to their death with seductive singing on Midsummer's Eve. (Still preferable to death by X Factor, no doubt.)

To make the most of your day along the River Kinder, follow the flow to the Kinder Reservoir and Kinder Scout’s second cascading waterfall at Grindsbrook Clough. 

The waterfall is also a worthy stop-off on the Pennine Way which crosses the River Kinder above the falls.

Waterfall Swallet

The Waterfall Swallet is a virtually unknown gem along the side of unassuming road, between the small settlements of Foolow and Eyam. It's easy to simply drive past, as the waterfall is largely hidden from view by a small copse of trees.

Nestled into a charming cleft of limestone, the Waterfall Swallet, which means 'a place where water breaks in on miners' is privately owned - and therefore the plunging water should be viewed from the roadside. In the summer it's possible to access the bottom of the falls through the surrounding wilderness, but the rocky area which surrounds the site is potentially dangerous in colder and wetter months.

After visiting this hidden treat, we recommend driving past Bradwell and along Edale Road to spend the day on Pennine Way for some of the finest upland walking in the UK.

There are a number of excellent walks in Hope Valley too.

Lumsdale Waterfalls

Lumsdale Falls is one of a number of beautiful natural features that you can find along Bentley Brook in the Lumsdale Valley near Matlock - the others include a gorge, three pools and six waterwheels.

There is an excellent short walk through the valley that begins in Tansley just off the A615 by Tansley Tavern pub car park. The waterfall route is great for woodland adventures and finding some hidden treats away from the tourist trail.

Other falls include Padley Gorge and Lathkilldale, but the three listed here are our favourites.

Although the Peak District National Park has been a popular tourist destination for years, its waterfalls still offer a number of unspoilt beauty spots for those privileged few in the know. Leave the guide books in your tent for the day and head out to one of these waterfalls in the Peak District before the hordes take notice!

For more ideas of things to do in the local area, here's a list of our top ten must-see things in the Peak District.