Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
857 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.0 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead

Calf and Cautley Spout Walk

Calf and Cautley Spout Walk
Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

Table of contents

The Calf and Cautley Spout Walk takes you on a beautiful stroll to the highest waterfall in the United Kingdom, which sits at an impressive 650ft high and is nestled among beautiful rock formations. The views from the Cautley Home Beck will dazzle you as this area showcases both familiar English countryside views as well as a somewhat desert landscape.

Route Description for Calf and Cautley Spout Walk

The Calf and Cautley Spout Walk takes you on a magical journey that displays familiar English countryside views and incorporates desert-like landscapes. This walk has steep uphill and downhill areas and is rated as a challenging walk, so experienced walkers should only attempt it.

The path has stunning views of the surrounding area, but you can expect rough terrain as you work towards the vistas. There is a lot of reward for the risk on this path as the scenery is like nothing else and goes on for miles into the distance.

Beginning at the roadside parking area near Cross Keys Public House, start along the footpath sign for “Cautley Spout” and cross the wooden footbridge that sits over River Rothay. You will come across a wooden swing gate, pass through this, and then hop on the gravel path to the left. You will see Pickering Gill, which runs from Great Dummocks, which is the route back to the Calf.

The track heads towards Pickering Gill and Cautley Holme Beck, but swings to the right, heads around Ben End, and then begins to make its ascent. You will have great views of Cautley Spout ahead of you and Cautley Crags. As you walk up the grassy path, you will pass a small plaque that explains the history of the area. As you continue, you will come to the base of the massive falls that pour from above. You will continue along the grassy slope after taking in the beauty of the falls and follow the human-made steps. Along the hillside, you can see amazing views of Cautley Holme Beck as it joins the River Rawthey, onto Baugh Fell.

You will reach the top of the falls and cross the path along the Red Gill Beck stream as it goes up the valley. Continue along the path through the valley and you will see the path from Bram Rigg and Calf meet. Head right here and follow the path to the triangulation point on the Calf. It is here that you will be able to see expansive views of Great Dun Fell, Mickle Fell, Wild Boar Fell, Pen-y-Ghent, and so many more amazing places in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Following the path, you will begin to head down where the path from Force Gill Beck meets the Bram Rigg Top to the Calf Path. Continue straight and you will reach Bram Rigg Top and move onto Calders. Moving along, continue straight across Great Dunmacks, and then head right, crossing the Great Dunmacks, and then follow the path to the top of Cautley Crags. Make sure you are careful at this point as this is rough terrain that drops off the cliff and visibility may not be good, depending on weather conditions. You will then begin heading downhill on a steep path to Pickering Gill. Take in the views of the three peaks and then continue heading down to the wall. You will then see a track by a barn, head down to this and follow to the left, passing a gate and a wooden footbridge that enters the outbound path. Turn right and follow this to the footbridge, and then to the roadside parking.

Insider Hints for Calf and Cautley Spout Walk

  • Parts of this path have sheer drops, so ensure you are alert and have the appropriate footwear
  • Head to the Fairfield Mill to explore arts and crafts
  • Book a night at the Dalesman Country Inn
  • Grab food at the Three Hares Cafe

Getting to the Calf and Cautley Spout Walk Trailhead

To get to the Calf and Cautley Spout Walk from Sedberg, head east on Main Street/A684 toward Joss Lane and turn left onto Long Lane/A684. Continue onto A683 and in 3.4mi, turn left. Make an immediate left, and in 0.4mi, you will arrive at your destination.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    May - September

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Calf and Cautley Spout Walk Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews

0.0
No reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

10Adventures Trail App

Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

Download for free today.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter