Moss Force Waterfall In The Lake District

Cascading down over 300 feet, spectacular Moss Force Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls to visit in the Lake District. Here is a complete guide.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Moss Force Waterfall

Moss Force Waterfall is located approximately 8 miles from the town of Keswick in north west England’s Lake District National Park.

The waterfall can be seen from the unclassified road that connects the villages of Braithwaite and Buttermere.

It is in fact just 2 miles from Buttermere just off the road through Newlands Pass, which is between Newlands Valley and Buttermere Valley.

There is a small free car park at the side of the road and a footpath from here runs up the side of the falls giving you a closer look.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Moss Force Waterfall Entrance Fee

It is free to visit this waterfall.

Moss Force Waterfall In The Lake District

Moss Force Waterfall Opening Times

You can visit this waterfall ever day, all year round.

Best Time To Visit Moss Force Waterfall + Tips

This waterfall would be beautiful at any time of the year but especially during the summer, although the car park is sure to fill up pretty quickly during these months.

However, during the colder and wetter months the waterfall will appear more dramatic with the extra water flowing down.

Good shoes are recommended if wanting to climb to the top of the waterfall. The rocks can be quite slippery when wet.

Layer-up with your clothes as it can be quite chilly in the wind.

Don’t forget your camera as the scenery is stunning in this area.

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Moss Force Waterfall History

The word Force actually comes from the Viking word for waterfall ‘Foss’. Not as some people mistakenly think referring to the torrent of water that flows down.

Hence you will find lots of waterfalls called Foss/ Force in the north of England, which is known to have had many Danish settlers many years ago.

Moss Force is also actually part of the ‘Alfred Wainwright Memorial Walk’. Wainwright being famous for his comprehensive Lake District guides, written over a period of 13 years starting in 1952.

What To Expect At Moss Force Waterfall

This stunning waterfall catches your eye as you drive along the road at Newlands Pass and, with the convenience of a car park right next to it, you just have to stop and get a closer look.

Moss Force is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Lake District. The water of Moss Beck (a beck is a river/stream) courses approximately 330 feet down over Moss Force, creating these spectacular falls.

Cascading down in three distinct sections Moss Force Waterfall is not very wide but is still very impressive.

The highest section has a rocky outcrop that splits the flowing water until it comes together in a small pool.

Then, flowing on through the middle section, the water drops into a larger pool until reaching and flowing down the last smaller section.

This beautiful waterfall is surrounded by stunning scenery and there are plenty of great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Where To Stay In The Lake District

Luxury – Lakes Hotel & Spa

This luxurious hotel is perfectly situated with views of Lake Windermere, a short stroll from the village of Bowness-on-Windermere.

The hotel can arrange collection from Windemere station which is just 10 minutes away.

Lakes Hotel & Spa has some of the best on-site facilities in the area, half of the rooms with hot tubs on private balconies. There’s also an on-site spa, a stylish restaurant and a cocktail bar. As well as bike hire, wakesurfing and paddleboading.

There are many walks that you can take straight from the hotel gates, and there are even boats that travel the length of Windermere, making it easy to visit surrounding areas.

Mid-Budget – The George Hotel by Best Western

This traditional hotel stands in the very centre of the bustling market town of Penrith.

Free parking and free Wi-Fi is available at the property. Meals are available to enjoy in the intimate, candlelit Devonshire restaurant which boasts a beautiful open fire.

The wood panelling and old local wall prints combine to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where many generations of loyal visitors have returned time after time.

Budget – Albany House

Located in Penrith, Albany House offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation with free WiFi access throughout.

Guests benefit from free public parking facilities near the accommodation. The property also boasts a 4 gold-star rating from the AA, along with breakfast awards.

Rooms at Albany House B&B come with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and either an en-suite or external bathroom.

Breakfast is available between 8:00 and 9:00 every morning in the common breakfast room.

For more places to stay in the Lake District, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.