Mighty and magnificent - the waterfalls around Ingleton

10:20am Sunday 9th August 2009

By Gazette News Room

THIS inspiring walk, which involves some steep ascents and descents, passes four major waterfalls plus a number of boulder-strewn torrents. The route cuts through wooded or scree dominated glens classified as SSSI’s (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and across the bed of a former lake ground out by glacial action. It threads its way through the Craven Faults, which have fascinated geologists over many years and through the historic village of Ingleton which has Anglo-Saxon origins.

There is no shortage of places to eat and geared to all budgets. There are plenty of places to picnic en route. The Wheatsheaf is the oldest hostelry and is probably earlier than the 17th Century. It was first popular as a coaching inn and was also important during the railway age. Ingleton was the dividing line between the Midland Railway with its station at one end of a large viaduct and the Western Railway with its station at the other end. Passengers wishing to change stations had to carry their bags and the Wheatsheaf was ideally situated between the two!

To get to Ingleton go along the A65 between Settle and Kirkby Lonsdale. The Waterfalls Trails and its pay and display car park are clearly signed from the A65.

The walk: 1 From the Waterfalls Trail car park follow the obvious track and keep the River Twiss on the right. Cross a substantial gate and enter the scenically inspiring Swilla Glen. This is the place to study geology and natural history. There are many rare ferns found here and the bird life includes dipper, grey wagtail plus green and greater spotted woodpecker.

2 At Manor Bridge turn right over the river then left to the Pecca Falls. This section follows the line of the North Craven Geological Fault and exposed areas of shale, sandstone and limestone can be seen. These rocks erode at different rates and are the reason why there are so many spectacular falls. Look to the left to see a ‘cave,’ which was actually dug in the 19th Century during a fruitless search for lead.

3 At Pecca Bridge cross the river and then turn right with the river and falls on the right. This section is very steep but at this point it becomes obvious why an entry fee is required. Money has been well spent on the provision of wooden steps and safe viewing areas. At the summit of this steep climb go through a gate and pass the Lemonade Hut on the left. Descend towards Thornton Force; the name ‘force’ is a reminder that the area was once settled by the Vikings. Their name for a waterfall was force. Take your time on this descent and prepare for another steep climb.

4 Ascend by means of wooden steps with Thornton Force to the right. At the top is Raven Ray, which is the flat stony bed of what was once a substantial glacial lake. Turn right over a bridge and follow the obvious track towards the River Doe. Pass through Beezley Farm on the right to reach the river.

5 Turn right on to the riverside path and keep the river on the left to reach the Beezley Falls. This is another impressive area and with no pollution in any of the watercourses this area is very rich in aquatic invertebrates, which are eaten by the resident dippers.

6 Continue onward to Snow Falls where the water is whipped up into a white froth - hence its name.

7 The route bears slightly right and then left into Twistleton Glen. Here is another area much loved by botanists. Be sure to take a pocket-sized flower book with you and be prepared to take your time - and a picnic!

8 Beyond the Glen a neat bridge spans the river. Cross this and turn right along the scenic path to Ingleton. Time should be spent in the village to explore the church and the information centre. St Mary’s Church is delightfully placed on a hill overlooking the rivers.

The nearby information centre provides details of the village and its history. Market day is on Friday and shows evidence of a long established farming community. There are also renovated cottages once occupied by coal miners who worked pits in Ingleton until the last one closed in 1937.

Caution: Map makers still disagree regarding the naming of the Rivers Twiss and Doe. The OS now uses the names shown on the map shown here despite the fact that Twistleton Hall and Twistleton Glen are actually on the Doe.

Distance: 5 and 3/4 miles Time: Allow at least 3 hours Map: OS Landranger 98 GR 695733 NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.