Viewpoint - Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

A short feature from 2009 describing photographic opportunities along the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk in the Yorkshire Dales. Originally published in Outdoor Photography magazine.

Thornton Force

Thornton Force

My first visit to the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk was when I was 17. Every time I’ve walked it since, something about the path linking the Twiss and Doe valleys at Twistleton Scar End always reminds me of that first walk on a blistering hot summer’s day. It’s certainly not the weather that brings back the memories, however, as my more recent visits have been on more overcast days to photograph the falls, and avoiding the summer crowds. Spring is an excellent time to visit, with fresh green leaves on the trees and spring flowers in the woods along the walk. On this occasion I visited with my sister and brother-in-law, with Keith doing the driving as he had on my first trip all those years ago. After a few days of heavy rain parts of the A65 were flooded, but Keith forged through and we arrived at the start of the Waterfalls Walk in dry but overcast conditions. The path leads north from the village following the River Twiss upstream through Swilla Glen past numerous waterfalls until the valley opens out a little to reveal the mighty Thornton Force. And mighty it was, after the heavy rains, thundering 14 metres over the limestone rocks. Surrounded by lush green trees it looked lovely, so I was glad I’d carried the tripod the 1½ miles from the car. Diane, my sister, pointed out that I’d have to be quick as the darkening sky looked like rain, so I hurriedly set up the tripod and managed to get half a dozen decent shots before the first heavy spots of rain arrived, taking care not to overexpose the water, which was surprisingly bright even in the flat lighting. Fortunately it was just a brief shower and by the time we had climbed up above the waterfall to the base of Twistleton Scar it had stopped. With Thornton Force my main aim for the visit I was happy, but the return walk following the River Doe provided some delightful woodland, with fascinating twisted oak trees and a carpet of bluebells which looked perfect in the overcast conditions. And if that wasn’t enough, we still had Beezley and Snow Falls to admire on the route back to the village.

Location

Near Ingleton on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales. OS map: OL2 Yorkshire Dales (Southern and Western Areas). Grid ref: SD 694 753 (Thornton Force).

Further Information

Official waterfalls walk website: www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk