Waterfalls in the United Kingdom

Here in the United Kingdom we are spoilt with many gorgeous waterfalls. However, we often forget just how lucky we are as the likes of the Niagara Falls and Angel Falls take the limelight. We should take more time to appreciate the beauty of our very own backyard. So let’s have a look at some of the waterfalls we have here in the UK.

1 – Eas a’ Chual Aluinn

First off is, Eas a’ Chual aluinn, which is actually over three times higher than Niagara Falls when in full flow. This waterfall is located in Scotland. It is the highest waterfall in Britain, with a drop of 658 foot.

Eas a’ Chual Aluinn
Eas a’ Chual Aluinn

Sarah Charlesworth CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2 – Falls on Langstrath Beck

First off, we have the falls on Langstrath Beck. This is a photographer’s dream come true, offering superb picturesque views – you’ll have to get your feet wet though!

Langstrath Beck
Langstrath Beck – By Photochrom Print Collection [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

3 – Stock Ghyll Force

Second is the Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall located in Ambleside. It’s a tranquil location, well worth the visit. There are many great photography opportunities there.

Stock Ghyll Force
Stock Ghyll Force – By Photochrom Print Collection [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

4 – Aysgarth Falls

The Aysgarth Falls is a stunning triple flight of waterfalls. The kind you’d see in a film. The river is surrounded by a forest and farmland in Yorkshire.

Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls

By mattbuck (category) (Own work by mattbuck.) CC-BY-SA-2.0 or CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5 – High Force, Durham

High Force is known as one of the most majestic waterfalls in the United Kingdom. It’s England’s highest uninterrupted drop of water, featuring a 70 foot drop into a plunge pool.

High Force
High Force – By StoatBringer at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

6 – St Nectan’s Glen

St Nectans Glen is located in Trethevy, north of Cornwall. This is certainly one of our favourite waterfalls. The area in general offers excellent scenery, so be sure to take your camera for this trip!

St Nectan’s Glen
St Nectan’s Glen – Andrew Hackney CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7 – Steall Falls

Steall Falls is a popular location, offering beautiful scenery and trails. You’re guaranteed a fun day out when you go to explore the Steal Falls. Interestingly, some of the filming for the Harry Potter films were done nearby.

Steall Falls
Steall Falls – James Gibb CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8 – Pistyll Rhaeadr

Pistyll Rhaeadr is a huge, enchanting waterfall located a few miles from Llanrhaeadr in Wales. It’s the tallest single drop waterfall in the United Kingdom, loved by many visitors.

Pistyll Rhaeadr
Pistyll Rhaeadr – By Velela (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9 – Kilt Rock

Kilt Rock is a well known sea cliff waterfall in Trotternish. It’s a great location, making a good stop between Portree and Staffing. There’s a large car park, making it easy for the photographers to get there, capture the moment and head off to their next location!

Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock – By (WT-en) Nicolesabrina at English Wikivoyage (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

10 – Catrigg Force

Another waterfall located in Yorkshire is the Catrigg Force. Hidden away in a deep gorge, the Catrigg Force waterfall is set back in the trees. There are two main drops of 20+ foot. Apparently, this was Edgar, the famous composer’s favourite spot.

Catrigg Force
Catrigg Force – Peter Bainbridge CC-BY-SA-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Catrigg was Edgar’s favourite spot. What’s yours? What waterfall would you like to visit? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear what you have to say.

We manufacture water monitoring equipment suitable for use in water bodies all over the UK and globally. For more information on our products, visit our water quality monitoring page.