Whorneyside Force Walk — Hidden Langdale Waterfall Guide

Whorneyside Force Walk — Hidden Langdale Waterfall Guide

Waterfall Walk · Great Langdale · Hidden Gem

Waterfall Walk · Great Langdale · Hidden Gem

The Whorneyside Force walk from Old Dungeon Ghyll — a quiet route up Oxendale to a hidden Langdale waterfall, ending at a legendary hikers' pub. Free GPX and tips.

Distance 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
Ascent 191 m
Time 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Difficulty Moderate-difficult
Dog Friendly Yes

Walk Description

Whorneyside Force is one of Great Langdale's true hidden gems — a spectacular waterfall tucked into the wild amphitheatre of Hell Gill, where the beck pours over a rock lip in a broad veil before racing down into upper Oxendale. While the crowds stream up to Stickle Tarn and the Langdale Pikes, this quieter walk slips away into the head of the valley to find a cascade that stays completely concealed until the very last moment. Starting from the iconic Old Dungeon Ghyll, the route follows the flat valley floor beneath the soaring skyline of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes, then climbs beside the tumbling waters of Oxendale Beck into increasingly rugged, tranquil surroundings. The reward is a magnificent, little-visited waterfall in a rocky bowl ringed by crags — and, best of all, the walk ends right back at the ODG's legendary Hikers' Bar, a spiritual home of Lakeland walking and climbing. Rugged, peaceful and rounded off with a proper pint by the fire, it's the perfect half-day escape from the Langdale crowds.

Starting Point Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale (LA22 9JY)
Key Landmarks Mickleden, Stool End Farm, Oxendale Beck, Hell Gill Amphitheatre, Whorneyside Force
01

Old Dungeon Ghyll to the Valley Floor

Set off from the Old Dungeon Ghyll and take the broad, level track that leads west along the floor of Great Langdale towards Mickleden. This gentle opening is one of the finest valley walks in the Lakes, hemmed in by an amphitheatre of giants — the Langdale Pikes soaring to your right, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags closing the head of the dale ahead. It's an easy warm-up on good ground. After a short distance, watch for the path branching left towards Stool End Farm, the working hill farm that guards the entrance to Oxendale — this is where you leave the main Mickleden track and turn into the quieter side valley.

02

Into Oxendale

Pass around Stool End Farm (following the waymarks and keeping dogs under control near livestock) and pick up the path climbing into Oxendale, a rugged hanging valley that most Langdale walkers never see. The route now steepens gently alongside the rushing Oxendale Beck, crossing a footbridge and winding up over rougher, wilder ground. The terrain here can be soft and boggy after rain, so waterproof boots earn their keep. As you gain height the valley narrows and the crags crowd in, the sound of falling water growing louder somewhere ahead — though the falls themselves stay hidden.

03

The Hidden Amphitheatre & Whorneyside Force

The path leads on into the rocky bowl at the head of Oxendale, where Whorneyside Force finally reveals itself — concealed behind a rocky outcrop until the last moment, so follow the roar of the water to find it. The fall pours over a broad rock step into a clear plunge pool, cradled in the wild Hell Gill amphitheatre beneath towering fellsides. It's a magnificent, lonely spot, a world away from the busy Langdale honeypots, and a perfect place for a quiet lunch or (for the hardy) a bracing cold-water dip. Take care on the wet, rocky ground near the pool.

04

The Return & the Post-Walk Pint

From the falls, retrace your steps carefully back down Oxendale to the valley floor, rejoining the main track for the easy stroll back towards the welcoming lights of the pub. (Strong, experienced walkers can continue higher into Hell Gill towards the Crinkles or Three Tarns, but that turns this into a serious mountain day — the described route is an out-and-back to the falls.) The walk conveniently ends where it began at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, whose famous Hikers' Bar — all real ale, roaring fire and climbing history — is the ideal reward for discovering Langdale's best-kept waterfall secret.

Route Essentials

  • Terrain: the ground in Oxendale is soft and boggy after rain, with rocky, uneven sections near the falls. Waterproof boots with good ankle support are strongly recommended.
  • Finding the falls: Whorneyside Force is tucked behind a rocky outcrop and isn't visible from the main track — listen for the roar of the water to guide you into the final amphitheatre.
  • Parking: use the Old Dungeon Ghyll or the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car parks (LA22 9JY). Both fill very early on weekends and in peak season, so arrive first thing or consider the 516 Langdale Rambler bus from Ambleside.
  • Navigation: the path into Oxendale can become indistinct on the softer ground. Carry the OS Explorer OL6 map and a compass, and don't be tempted to push on into the higher fells unless you're equipped for a full mountain day.
  • The post-hike pint: the walk ends at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, whose Hikers' Bar is a legendary Lakeland institution famous for its real ales, hearty food and roaring fire.
  • Best after rain: the falls are far more impressive a day or two after wet weather; in a dry spell the flow drops considerably.
  • Safety Notice: The GPX file and route information on this page are for general guidance only. Always carry an OS map and compass, check the weather forecast, and tell someone your plans before setting out. You walk at your own risk.

Route Map

Distance
-- km
Ascent
-- m
Difficulty Moderate-difficult

What to Bring

  • Waterproof boots with ankle support (boggy ground)
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
  • Warm layer, hat and gloves
  • OS Explorer OL6 map and a compass
  • Water and a packed lunch
  • Phone with the OS Maps app
  • Camera for the hidden falls
  • Dog lead for the Stool End Farm section
  • A towel if you fancy a cold-water dip
  • Cash or card for the pub afterwards

Best Time to Visit

Whorneyside Force is at its most dramatic a day or two after heavy rain, when Oxendale Beck is in full spate, so autumn, winter and early spring often show it at its best. Late spring and summer bring easier, drier walking underfoot and greener surroundings, though the flow can be gentler in a dry spell. Whatever the season, the Oxendale path holds water and mud, so waterproof boots are essential. Go midweek or early in the day to enjoy this quiet corner of Langdale at its peaceful best, well away from the crowds on the Pikes.

Local Weather (yr.no)

Three-day weather forecast for Whorneyside Force Walk — Hidden Langdale Waterfall Guide

Forecast provided by yr.no

Safety Information

Important: The GPX file and route description on this page are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a sole means of navigation. GPX tracks are approximate and may not reflect current ground conditions, path diversions, or seasonal changes.

Always carry an Ordnance Survey map and a compass, and know how to use them. Check the weather forecast before setting out, tell someone your planned route and expected return time, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.

UKLakeDistrict.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of route information or GPX files provided on this site. You walk entirely at your own risk.

Route Essentials

Route Resources

📥 Free Download GPX File 🗺️ View on OS Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you park for Whorneyside Force?

The best parking is the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park or the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park (both near LA22 9JY) at the head of Great Langdale. From here the walk into Oxendale is straightforward to follow. These car parks fill very quickly on weekends and in peak season, so arrive early — or take the 516 Langdale Rambler bus from Ambleside for a car-free day.

Is Whorneyside Force a difficult walk?

It's rated moderate to difficult. The valley-floor start is flat and easy, but the climb into Oxendale involves uneven, rocky and often boggy terrain, and the path can become faint on the softer ground. It covers about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) with 191 m of ascent and takes 2.5–3.5 hours. It's a much quieter, wilder alternative to the busy Stickle Tarn trail nearby.

What pub is at the end of the Whorneyside Force walk?

The walk begins and ends at the world-famous Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (the 'ODG'), a spiritual home for Lake District walkers and climbers. Its Hikers' Bar serves a fine selection of Cumbrian real ales and hearty food, and it's the perfect place to dry your boots by the fire and soak up the Great Langdale atmosphere after finding this hidden waterfall.

How do I find Whorneyside Force — it's not signposted?

The falls stay hidden behind a rocky outcrop and aren't visible from the main Oxendale path, which is part of their appeal. The trick is to follow the sound — as you climb the head of Oxendale beside the beck, listen for the roar of the water, which guides you into the final Hell Gill amphitheatre where the fall reveals itself. Carry the OS map and use the GPX track on this page to stay on line.

Can you swim at Whorneyside Force?

There is a clear plunge pool beneath the falls that tempts hardy wild swimmers, and it's a beautiful, secluded spot for a cold dip. The water is genuinely cold year-round, the rocks around it are slippery, and levels rise fast after rain, so take great care, never swim alone, and get in and out carefully. Always check depth and conditions before entering — you do so entirely at your own risk.

Is the Whorneyside Force walk suitable for children or dogs?

It suits reasonably sturdy older children and fit dogs who are comfortable on rough, boggy ground; it's less ideal for toddlers or pushchairs. Keep dogs under close control or on a lead around Stool End Farm and its livestock, and near the beck and falls. Bring spare layers for children — the head of the valley is exposed — and allow plenty of time for the uneven return.

How tall is Whorneyside Force?

Whorneyside Force drops roughly 40 feet (about 12 metres) over a broad rock step into its plunge pool at the head of Oxendale. It's the wild, hidden setting within the Hell Gill amphitheatre — ringed by crags and rarely visited — that makes it so memorable, rather than sheer height. After heavy rain it broadens into an impressive veil of white water.

Is Whorneyside Force quieter than the other Langdale walks?

Much quieter. The vast majority of Langdale walkers head up to Stickle Tarn and the Langdale Pikes, leaving Oxendale and Whorneyside Force blissfully peaceful by comparison. If you want the grandeur of Great Langdale — the Pikes, Bowfell and Crinkle Crags all around you — without the crowds, this hidden-waterfall walk is one of the best short escapes in the valley, especially midweek.