We’re lucky to have the Peak District right on our doorstep, it’s easily reached by car or train from Manchester so there’s no excuse not to enjoy the stunning scenery it has to offer.
It’s a beautiful landscape made up of impressive hills, valleys and dramatic gorges, not to mention all of the charming villages dotted throughout the national park.
Hidden among the crags and areas of woodland are some gorgeous waterfalls which are worth seeking out.
Whether you’re planning a hike up the famous Kinder Scout or fancy a stroll through the woods, there’s probably a waterfall nearby you can look out for.
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Below are some of the best waterfalls you can visit in the Peak District, along with an interactive map so you can find them.
Kinder Downfall
This is the highest waterfall in the Peak District, with water cascading down an impressive 30m drop.
But what you see at Kinder Downfall is completely weather dependent. The best time to go is after heavy rain or snow when the waterfall is free-flowing. If you head there in summer it can be dried up.
Visit on a wet and windy day and you’ll even see the water blow upwards, a sight which can be spotted from a distance.
Padley Gorge
Following a trail through the valley, Padley Gorge is a family-friendly walk where you’ll pass through magical woodland full of moss-covered trees.
You’ll walk over a charming wooden bridge over Burbage Brook, which gently weaves its way through the trees before spilling over boulders at Padley Gorge.
Lumsdale Falls
Not far from Matlock, you can follow the Bentley Brook as it flows through the historic Lumsdale Valley. It passes through a wooded gorge and you can spot hidden pools, the remains of waterwheels and old mill buildings.
Eventually it reaches a disused mill pond and cascades over a stone wall into a stream below, the perfect place where nature and ruins meet.
Crowden Brook Waterfall
Another waterfall you can visit near Kinder Scout is the Crowden Brook waterfall, which you can find if you take the Crowden Clough path up to the top.
Not as dramatic as the Kinder Downfall, it's still a pretty waterfall to see.
Wessenden Reservoir
This waterfall is one to catch if you’re following the Pennine Way from Wessenden Head.
Although it's quite difficult to get to, the waterfall is tucked away in the moorland and makes for a peaceful spot.
Jacob’s Ladder Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall which cuts through the moorland, this waterfall can be found at the bottom of Jacob’s Ladder if you follow the water upstream.
There’s a lovely pool where the water flows into and it’s a great spot to stop and recharge your batteries.
Waterfall Swallet
A hidden gem of a waterfall, this one is tucked away among the trees. Close to Eyam, this is the second highest waterfall in the Peak District and features a rugged limestone crag with water flowing down into a small pool.
There is a path you can follow which comes close to the waterfall, or you can view it form the roadside - but the waterfall itself is on private land.
Lathkill Dale
A few miles away from Bakewell, Lathkill Dale is a beautiful stretch of land with the River Lathkill flowing through it.
It cascades into several waterfalls when it reaches the dale, although it’s more impressive after recent rainfall and can be reduced to just a trickle in the summer. You can follow the water until you reach Head Cave, the source of the river, which you can explore if it's dry.
Rivelin Valley
Rivelin Valley is a tranquil stretch of woodland full of captivating details like old stone bridges, the remains of water mills and a stream which weaves its way through the trees.
Head deeper into the valley and you’ll come across several small waterfalls. The trail is family-friendly and fun - there are even some stepping stones you can hop along.
Middle Black Clough
This is a gorgeous 10m-high waterfall which lies in between the Near Black Clough and Far Black Clough.
It’s quite accessible but you do need the appropriate gear as you’ll have to cross a river to get to the waterfall and you won’t be able to reach it after heavy rainfall.
Grindsbrook Clough
Another waterfall on Kinder Scout, at Grindsbrook Clough water flows down on the rocks. You can scramble up Grindsbrook to reach the top of the Kinder Scout plateau.
Three Shires Head
Named after a section of the River Dane where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire all meet, the Three Shires Head is made up of two waterfalls which flow into the Panniers pool.
There are two stone bridges over the waterfalls, making it a picturesque spot. You can reach the Three Shires Head by walking from Gradbach.
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