CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE!
LOOKING TO COMPLETE THE CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL?
CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE!
HOW LONG IS THE CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL?
Starting from Buttermere, our Crummock Water walk to Scale Force waterfall is 3.3km, approximately taking 1 hour to get to the waterfall.
We would allow for 2.5 hours for this return walk, allowing for some stopping time at Scale Force waterfall.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL?
Overall, this Crummock Water walk is a fairly easy to moderate Lake District walk for beginners.
Halfway through the trail, you briefly climb uphill for a few moments to then continue along a gentle and gradual incline uphill up to Scale Force waterfall.
There are also areas (as with most places in the Lake District) where there is a lot of large rocks jutting out of the landscape, so just watch where you’re stepping!
POINT 1
Park up in Buttermere village, whether that be for free along Newlands Pass verge or at the designated ‘Pay and Display’ car park at Buttermere Court hotel.
Walk through the large wooden gate to the left-hand side of the Buttermere Court hotel. Follow this gravel pathway for approximately 100 metres.
POINT 2
The gravel path will give you two footpath options right next to each other. The left path goes to Buttermere Lake, whereas the other right path goes towards Crummock Water.
Take the right-hand side path leading you to Crummock Water.
POINT 3
Walk down the path, which is next to a field full of Herdwick sheep.
Cross over the quaint stone bridge at the end. After the stone bridge, you will immediately see a wooden gate.
Walk through the wooden gate and turn right to follow the path to Crummock Water. If you were to go left, this would take you to Buttermere Lake in the opposite direction.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
Herdwick Sheep
Iconic from their white faces and fluffy grey body, Herdwick Sheep are incredibly hardy, able to withstand the harsh weather of England’s highest and toughest mountain peaks! They are also very smart, with reportedly a great sense of direction. They are born completely black and grow into their adult colours.
POINT 4
Follow the flat path for approx. 10 minutes. After a brief few minutes beneath light woodland, the path will eventually open up and begin to reveal Crummock Water.
POINT 5
You will then reach a very obvious, stand alone wooden bridge (the second along the trial) which is positioned very close to Crummock Water.
Cross the bridge and immediately turn left and walk along the stream. This won’t initially seem correct as it diverts off the clearly marked path.
However, after 20 metres or so you will see another marked path beginning to venture uphill, which was originally hidden from view at the bridge.
POINT 6
After the initial steeper climb, the hill top flattens out slightly and changes into a constant but gradual incline.
The path then ranges from flattened long grass to collections of large boulders, which can make the trail slightly slower.
Enjoy this slower pace and take in the now heightened views of Crummock water!
POINT 7
The path will begin to wrap around the fell in the opposite direction to Crummock Water. Walk along here for 5 to 10 minutes towards the slate wall.
As you reach the slate wall, you will then come to a single wooden gate. Walk through the gate (and remember to close it for the loose livestock!)
As soon as you pass the gate, you will see a bridge. You have made it to Scale Force waterfall!
POINT 8
Venture down the left-hand side path to see Scale Force waterfall, the Lake District’s tallest single drop waterfall at 52m high, in all its glory!
Walk back the way you came, you can venture downhill earlier to reach the shoreline of Crummock Water faster or if you have more time, extend your walk over to Buttermere Lake by going straight instead of left when you arrive back at Point 3.
POINT 9
An absolute must after completing your Crummock Water walk to Scale Force waterfall is trying the best cream tea in the Lake District!
Pop into the infamous Syke Farm Tea Rooms in Buttermere village for a delicious cream tea, with clotted cream made fresh from the farm daily!
PARKING FOR THIS CRUMMOCK WATER WALK
The best place to park for the Crummock Water walk to Scale Force waterfall is Buttermere village. There are a few parking options to park in Buttermere:
PAID PARKING OPTIONS IN BUTTERMERE: π³
Directly in the village is a designed ‘pay and display’ car park located next to the Buttermere Court hotel: Β£3.50 for 2 hours, Β£6 for 4 hours, Β£8 for 9 hours. There are public toilets here, pay 50p to use by contactless card.
If full, there is an additional National Trust car park located just outside Buttermere village, another Pay and Display.
FREE PARKING OPTION IN BUTTERMERE:π
However! You can park for free in Buttermere village along the verge of Newlands Pass road. Before you enter into Buttermere, turn right at the signposts just before the church. As it is so popular, you will most probably see cars already parked there. Ensure you get there early in peak times!
CRUMMOCK WATER WALK PACKING LIST
IN THE WARMER MONTHS
- Loose comfortable clothing. T-shirts, thin activewear leggings / shorts.
- Refillable water bottle!
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
- High factor sun cream.
- Additional sun protective clothing, including a sun cap and sunglasses.
- A packed lunch / snacks to enjoy with a view when you reach Scale Force waterfall! Take all your rubbish back with you.
IN THE COLDER MONTHS
- Lightweight day jacket, we love our Regatta jacket!
- Lots of layers of loose clothing to take off / keep on dependant on how cold it is. We would recommend full-length leggings, t-shirts, fleece layer, thick socks, gloves, scarf, bobble hat, etc.
- Refillable water bottle!
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
- A spare pair of normal shoes to change into before you get back in the car! It is likely your boots will get a bit muddy here especially in the Winter months.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
β Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (2 people, premium)
β The Mary Mount Hotel (2 people, premium)
β Lyzzick Hall Hotel (2 people, mid-range)
β Tarn Rigg Cottage (holiday home, 4 people)
CRUMMOCK WATER WALK TO SCALE FORCE:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT SCALE FORCE WATERFALL?
Scale Force waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Lake District. It is also the Lake District’s tallest single drop waterfall at 52 metres high!
As it is slightly off the usual beaten path, it is less busy with the usual hoard of tourists, who will flock to more accessible waterfalls such as the Aria waterfall.
HOW DO I GET TO SCALE FORCE WATERFALL?
Scale Force waterfall is tucked around the hillside parallel with Crummock Water with (obviously) no vehicular access. The only way to reach it is by walking there.
Our step-by-step guide above details the easiest and fastest route to Scale Force waterfall, passing Crummock Water and starting at Buttermere village.
WHERE IS BUTTERMERE AND CRUMMOCK WATER?
Buttermere village and its three beautiful lakes (Buttermere Lake, neighbouring Crummock Water and further away Loweswater) are snuggled cosily in the narrow Buttermere Valley with dramatic towering fells either side.
Buttermere Valley is located in the South West of the Lake District National Park.
ABOUT BUTTERMERE VILLAGE
Buttermere village dates back to at least the Viking age, when the majority of settlers fished and farmed cattle for a living.
Today, it is one of the most picturesque areas in the Lake District for visitors of all fitness levels and ages to enjoy, from low-level lakeside walks to intense technical hikes up to Red Pike!
Buttermere Lake and Crummock Water are very close together, both on the doorstep of Buttermere village, giving plenty of opportunities to explore around both of these beautiful lakes.
ABOUT CRUMMOCK WATER
Crummock Water and Buttermere Lake used to historically be one post-glacial lake, but gradually were separated by sediment brought down the mountain streams over thousands of years!
Today, this glistening body of water stands proudly alone, stretching 2.5 miles (4 km) long and 0.6 miles (1km) wide.
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:
βSkyscannerβ for the best flight deals
Easy to compare, clean, uncluttered website.
Booking.comβ to stay somewhere amazing
Most free cancellation on anything from glamping to luxury stays.
Viatorβ for unforgettable experiences
All the best tours & activities in one easy place! Free cancellation on most.
Staysure Travel Insuranceβ to feel safe & confident
Easy, stress-free, reliable insurance with excellent customer service. (UK only)
OR…
