We love discovering the waterfalls of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is just something about being in nature and watching water cascading over waterfalls that transports your mind to another place and brings joy. Or is that just me?
Here are three North Yorkshire locations where our family has enjoyed discovering the beauty of waterfalls over the past year. So very often the setting of these waterfalls is accompanied by woodland, which I find brings a real sense of adventure, beauty and even story-telling amongst our little people as their imagination is ignited...are fairies real or not?
I hope we shall continue our discoveries of waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales - there are certainly many more gems to discover.
And if it's every been raining aplenty, we are in the north of England after all, well - the WONDERFUL news is that waterfalls often look their best after a good downpour. Just remember sturdy footwear, full waterproofs and to check the weather forecast before you set out.
Ingleton Waterfalls Walk - including Pecca Falls and Thornton Force
The 4.3 mile (7km) circular waterfalls walk from Ingleton is a local gem. A 30 minute drive from Newton Grange Cottages, it is a very enjoyable day out. You can find out all the latest information and guidance ahead of your visit here including how to buy your ticket.
Two of the waterfalls that you'll see along the route are Pecca Falls and Thornton Force.
Which is your favourite?
Or perhaps it will one of the smaller Falls along the Trail, as there are several.
Can you guess the season that these photographs were taken in?
Malham - Janet's Foss
Take a 25 minute car journey, or hike (approximately 10 miles) along the Pennine Way National Trail, to find Malham - the second location for a waterfall worthy of mention.
This is, of course, Janet's Foss in Malhamdale.
I say that because Malham is a well known destination for visitors from around the world, and rightly so. If you've never been to Malham before, do go.
We think you'll love discovering the ancient woodland on the path to find Janet's Foss waterfall with its plunge pool.
And perhaps, pause awhile, with your flask of coffee and watch the cascading water.
How beautifully clear does the water look there?
In what season do you think we visited?
Stainforth - Catrigg Force
Okay, so this was one of my recent favourites. I've probably given the season away there although you'd be forgiven for thinking (given the quantity of water) that it might have been another time in the year.
This was a real gem.
There are many reasons to love discovering Catrigg Force, near Stainforth - to the north of Settle. You can reach Stainforth in under 30 minutes from Newton Grange Cottages. There is a visitor car park in the village, and public toilets - as there are in both Ingleton and Malham mentioned earlier.
The path follows the Pennine Bridleway uphill and very soon affords far-reaching views towards Three Peaks Country with the summits of both Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent in view. And then you see a little signpost and Catrigg Force written on a wooden gate.
You can follow the path down to woodland, and then, there it is - wow!
Am I the only one thinking that fairies might live here too?
Happy Waterfalls discovery. I'd love to hear what gems you find on your adventures in the Yorkshire Dales.
The blog post was written by Rachael Berry.
Rachael loves nothing better than a day in the outdoors exploring on foot and discovering new places to walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Rachael works with the team at Newton Grange Farm to look after their collection of holiday cottages in Bank Newton, near Skipton. The cottages are located on a working sheep farm and situated in a tranquil location adjacent to the Leeds Liverpool Canal and the Pennine Way National Trail in North Yorkshire.