A Full Guide to the Cautley Spout Short Walk
Cautley Spout is a spectacular waterfall located in Cumbria, England. It is situated in the Howgill Fells, near the village of Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
It is one of the highest waterfalls in the county above ground, with a drop of over 650 feet (198m). Cautley Spout is a large open jewel, and you should take advantage of its beauty if you are in the area.
The waterfall is formed by the River Rawthey, which plunges over a cliff face at the head of a glacial valley from The Calf plateau into a deep ravine below.
The surrounding area is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with many footpaths and trails leading through the beautiful landscape of the Howgill Fells. There is an Iron Age settlement found below.
The route to the spout is easy to follow, relatively steady, and about a mile from the Cross Keys Inn (Cross Keys B & B and Tea Room). It is rocky in places and gets quite steep very quickly as you get closer to the waterfall, and the path becomes a series of stone steps that can be slippery after heavy rainfall.
However, the views are worth the steep climb and if you want to avoid going up, heading towards the base of the spout is also a beautiful walk that you can enjoy.
Cautley Spout Waterfall Walk Details
Cautley Spout Short Walk Time: 1-hour-30-minutes – 2 hours
Distance: 4.4 km (2.7 miles)
Elevation: 216m
Map: Ordnance Survey – Explorer OL19 (Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley)
Grid Reference: SD681975
Cautley Spout Parking
The Cautley Spout Car Park is in the laybys to the left after going past the Cross Keys B and B Tea Room and the farmhouse. Alternatively, there’s another smaller layby before reaching the Cross Keys Inn.
Parking is limited, and there is enough space in the parking lot for roughly 12 cars (depending on how well everyone parks).
Do not block the roadway if it’s filled; you will have to return another time instead.
Top Tips for the Cautley Spout short walk
- Visit after heavy rainfall to see the waterfalls at their best.
- The last part (up the steps) is steep but well worth getting close to the falls.
- We recommend walking poles to keep yourself steady and help you get up and down the steeper parts. Especially if you are used to using them – make sure to leave them for this walk.
- The Cautley Spout walk is dog friendly (sheep roam the fells), but you need to keep them on leads.
- Keep to designated paths to help with erosion.
- Ensure you wear appropriate footwear and clothing (it can get very muddy and wet here).
- Carry food and water because there is nowhere to buy them on the route, and take all litter home with you to leave no trace.
Cautley Spout Weather
We usually check different sources before we head out on a walk. For the Cautley Spout walk, we checked the following:
Cautley Spout Walk Directions
Cautley Spout Short Walk from the Cross Keys Inn:
Please note: this is the most direct route and is known to be the easiest.
Step 1: from the Car Park to the Information Point
Near the northern end of the layby, next to the signpost for Cautley Spout, you should go down steps to the wooden footbridge crossing the River Rawthey.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to view the river’s gushing amid a gorgeous landscape.
Cross over the bridge, make a left turn and walk along the path that curves right around the valley.
The path is relatively easy to follow. Eventually, you will come to an Information Point which explains how the waterfall was formed (when glaciers eroded back the mountainside) and how there has been an Iron Age settlement (houses and fields) found below by archaeologists.
It is interesting because the stone-edged track leads towards the base of the falls and then stops. It might mean (although not proved) that the falls were essential to these people.
And you will be able to see the Cautley Spout waterfall in the background.
Step 2: from the Information Point to Cautley Spout
It would help if you kept going along the path that follows the river, and you will be able to see the magnificent Cautley Crag to your left.
The path goes slightly uphill and downhill, and after heavy rainfall, you will have to cross some small streams (but usually, there is a stone to help you get across).
Once you reach the grassy slope close to the waterfall, a small signpost asks you to walk diagonally and traverse up and down to help with erosion.
The grassy bank is steep, and eventually, you will walk up stone steps to get a better view of the waterfall. You can go up as far as the summit of the Howgills.
Step 3: retrace your steps back to the car park.
We went as far as an excellent viewpoint and then began making the return journey by retracing our steps back to the car park. Downhill is arguably more challenging, and the stone steps can be quite slippery if it rains.
Therefore, take your time and enjoy the end of the Cautley Spout walk. You will be back at the Temperance Inn in no time.
Route from Sedbergh – 5.1 miles (8.3km) return (7 Steps)
One of the most popular walks to Cautley Spout starts and ends in the village of Sedbergh. To do this walk, you can follow these simple steps, but as it is more complex than the first route, we suggest you bring a map with you!
- From the Sedbergh Information Centre (book shop), turn left onto Main Street, then turn left on Long Lane, A684.
- Cross the crossing, make a right turn toward Hawes, and take a path behind Settlebeck School. Head towards New Bridge and then to Straight Bridge.
- Just ahead of the bridge, another path runs down the riverbank and then left towards Buckabank farm. Go through the farm and continue along the way to Fawcett Bank. Walk to the left corner of a field and go through the gate.
- The path will take you through the trees on the left side of the fields that follow and then pass through a gate to the fell. You need to keep going and pass all the streams.
- The path continues to climb via a gate to the falls again. Continue along the wall before a gradual descent, and another gate brings you back to the river’s level.
- Follow the wet track to the left and over the grassy ground until you come to the bridge across Cautley Holme Beck and a junction with the trail from The Cross Keys Inn.
- Turn left to reach the bottom of Cautley Spout (choose if you want to walk up the steps), and then retrace your steps back to Sedbergh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cautley Spout
How high is Cautley Spout?
Cautley Spout is England’s highest cascade waterfall above ground at 198m (650 ft).
Where is Cautley Spout?
The waterfall is north of Sedbergh and is located in the Howgill Fells. These are found on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Where do you park for Cautley spout?
There is a car park near Cautley Spout, which is the starting point for many of the walks in the area. To get to the car park, follow the B6270 road out of Sedbergh in the direction of Cautley.
The car park is a layby off the main road and has free parking.
Please note that the car park may get busy at peak times, and arriving early to secure a parking spot is a good idea.
Can you swim in Cautley Spout?
No, it is not advisable to swim in Cautley Spout, as the water is cold and the current can be intense.
Additionally, the rocks around the waterfall can be slippery and dangerous. It is best to admire the beauty of the waterfall from a safe distance and avoid swimming or wading in the water.
How was Cautley Spout formed?
Cautley Spout was formed over thousands of years as a result of the erosion of the landscape by water. Rawthey flows through this area, and over time, it has carved a deep ravine through the rocks and cliffs. As the river flows over the cliffs, it creates a waterfall.
Waterfalls are formed when a river or stream flows over a drop in the land, such as a cliff or steep slope. The water erodes the rock and soil as it flows, gradually deepening and widening the channel. Over time, this process can create a dramatic and beautiful landscape feature like Cautley Spout.
How can I make the walk longer?
Keep following the main path and step up towards the falls. You can follow this beck right up to the top of the fell and even take in the Calders and the Calf. However, walking is not easy, so make sure you have enough time and are prepared.
Where can I eat and drink after the Cautley Spout walk?
After the walk, you can visit the Cross Keys, a 400-year-old National Trust temperance hotel that serves delicious food, including teas, lunches, and dinners. Good to know: there is no alcohol served.
If you are after a drink, we recommend heading to one of the lovely cosy pubs in Sedbergh (there are plenty).
There you have it, a complete guide to the Cautley Spout walk. We hope this information enables you to make the most of your walk and time in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We love it here and revisit it time and time!
For more Yorkshire Dales Walks and waterfalls, please read:
For nearby Lake District walks, please read:
Photo credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
