6 Peak District waterfall walks with the wow factor

The Peak District National Park is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy long walks and hikes to experience the region's celebrated stark beauty. Whether you choose to explore the dramatic Dark Peak or the rolling White Peak for a moorlands walk, you’ll be spoilt for choice wherever you go.

But for a day out in the region that offers the wow factor in abundance, seek out one of the Peak District’s waterfalls. The natural elements of the national park come together at these sites to create huge torrents of water that plunge from craggy heights, resulting in a spectacle that is too good to miss.

We’ve picked out six of the Peak District’s most breathtaking waterfall walks; visit just one or tick off all of them with a big road trip as you discover the Peak District – the choice is yours. And if you’re searching for a cosy Peak District cottage to relax in afterwards, just click the button below to find your perfect place to stay.

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Kinder Downfall – the tallest one

If there’s one Peak District waterfall that you must visit on your next holiday, it’s this one. Kinder Downfall is one of the best Great British waterfalls, where a 30-metre torrent of water tumbles from a moorland plateau at Kinder Scout. It’s best visited on a windy day after heavy rain when it’s possible to see the waterfall blowing back on itself, creating a huge spray! 

To get there, turn left from the car park and head up Kinder Road towards Kinder Reservoir. You will soon arrive at the foot of a steep hill called White Brow – look out for a signpost. At the top, you will find Kinder Reservoir on your right-hand side and eventually, you will reach a little wooden bridge. Cross over the bridge, carrying straight on up the sheep path. Turn right as you reach the top to find the crest of Kinder Downfall.

Panniers Pool – the off-the-beaten-track one

This waterfall is a bit tricky to get to but is well worth the effort. You’ll have to tackle some rough trails and some boggy patches before arriving at Panniers Pool, situated close to the point where the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet. Under the stone bridge, the water flows down a gentle step before joining a stream; if wild swimming is your thing, why not take a dip?

To get there, head left from the car park before turning onto Love Lane. Follow the sign towards Bennetshitch Farm followed by Hole Edge Farm. Look out for The Roaches – an iconic jagged rock formation – and further on, the remains of Greenhill Colliery towards the stream. Cross the bridge at Robin’s Clough and, once through the gorge, follow the public footpath until fields give way to an area of moorland and a rough track. Eventually, the track bends and descends a ravine to the Panniers Pool Bridge. Return to Gradbach Car Park via Turn Edge Ruins (follow the signposts) or go back the way you came.

Lumsdale Falls – the historic one

If you feel like stepping back in time, visit Lumsdale Falls, only 2.5 miles from vibrant Matlock. The area features the ruins of 17^th-century mill buildings, grinding stones and a wheel pit, and the moss-clad ruins create a timeless atmosphere in the already beautiful Lumsdale Valley. 

From the parking place, walk along Lumsdale Road for 0.5 miles in a southerly direction past Lumsdale House. The pathway to Lumsdale Falls is 100 metres beyond this. Climb 73 steps past the old mill ruins and you will be close to the top of the waterfall.

Padley Gorge – the family-friendly one

The journey to this Peak District waterfall has an enchanting, fairytale feel, making it perfect for a fun day out as a family. Once there, you’ll discover the beautiful waterfall cascading over giant stones. The walk is around an hour each way, but there are plenty of picnic spots where you can all refuel, as well as areas for little feet to safely paddle in the chilly water.

Walking from Grindleford Station, head north along Windses Estate. On the right-hand side, you will encounter the entrance to the Padley Gorge Trail. The gorge is visible on the left-hand side where you can see Burbage Brook below. If you have more time, walk a further 3 miles to Surprise View.

Rivelin Valley – the photogenic one

Make sure you pack your camera when you visit this waterfall in the Rivelin Valley, as it’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Peak District. Follow the nature trail through the park and woodland where you’ll find dams, reservoirs, brooks and a series of very pretty waterfalls. The walk is fairly flat and only 2 miles long and you can refuel at the café in the park afterwards.

Follow the river from the Rivelin Valley Car Park via the road path towards the city. Walk 2 miles to Rivelin Valley Park and turn around. Once you are back at the car park, why not walk a few hundred metres in a westerly direction, still following the river, to Rivelin Dams? The dams are a great place for bird spotting.

Waterfall Swallet – the secret one

Blink and you’ll miss it – Waterfall Swallet is hidden from view behind some trees between the villages of Foolow and Eyam. In the summer months, you can scramble through the wilderness to get to the bottom, but it’s too treacherous in the winter. The waterfall is situated close to the Pennine Way, so it’s a lovely beauty spot to visit before or after a walk on the famous long-distance footpath.

Follow the track along the unnamed lane headed north from the road that runs east/west between Eyam and Foolow. Down the lane, you will encounter a gate on the right. Through the gate, descend the stone steps to the foot of the gorge. The distance from the gate to the waterfall is just 100 metres. We recommend wellies year-round as the ground is very boggy at the bottom of the gorge.

A map of the top Peak District waterfalls

Stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in the Peak District

If you love the great outdoors, the Peak District should be top of your list of must-visit destinations. Find more days out in the national park with our guide to Peak District caverns and caves, or click below to browse our full collection of cottages.

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