Stock Ghyll Force, Lake District UK

• 4-star hike
• 1 mile part-loop
• Easy/Medium difficulty | Gain 250 feet
• Ambleside, UK | Cumbria
. A serene forest scene with a waterfall cascading through the middle, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The water flows into a small pool at the bottom, creating a tranquil and picturesque woodland setting

A serene forest scene with a waterfall cascading through the middle, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The water flows into a small pool at the bottom, creating a tranquil and picturesque woodland setting

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4★ Stock Ghyll Force Loop
1.1 mi part-loop, easy/medium, gain 250ft (75m)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Tucked away in a leafy gorge close to the central Lake District town of Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is an impressive 70 foot tall picturesque waterfall that everyone can visit. Signs for this waterfall on the eastern edge of the town lead walkers up a quiet road to an unpaved trail. If you join the trail here and head left where prompted by another sign, you'll be directed over a footbridge to the northern side of the Stock Ghyll stream. This side of the watercourse has less impressive views of the waterfall however.

The best views of Stock Ghyll Force can be found on the south side of the stream, accessed by bearing right at the trail junction. Some of the earliest viewpoints are also the best, so be sure to check them out. The two trails connect at another footbridge that spans the stream just above the waterfall. The unpaved trail on both sides includes some rocks, roots and occasional mud. The south (right) side of the stream has the easier terrain.

We've marked the edge of town as the beginning of this hike and described the hike lengths from here. There are several parking areas located in Ambleside and you'll likely want to put enough time on the meter to explore both the town and the waterfall. Also if you have time, consider a game of lawn bowls on the pristine bowling greens.

Stock Ghyll Force from the south side of the loop.

A group of individuals standing on a wooden bridge over a rocky stream in a lush, green forest. The foliage is dense with various shades of green, and the stream flows over moss-covered rocks, creating a picturesque and tranquil natural setting

Trail bridge behind the waterfall.

“A winding road through a lush green forested area with dense foliage on both sides. Several people are walking along the road, some in groups and one individual walking alone. The scene is serene and picturesque, with a moss-covered rock face visible on the right side of the road.

Walking up a quiet road from Ambleside to the trail.

Tangents:
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Stock Ghyll Force
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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