A fairy-tale village set in the heart of the idyllic Yorkshire countryside, Haworth is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts 🌿
The town is packed with things to explore, and countless walking trails wind through the scenic landscape. Among them, the Brontë Falls Trail stands out as the most famous.
This legendary waterfall walk offers breathtaking views at every turn, making it an adventure that never fails to impress.
Even better, after your adventure, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and explore the quirky shops along Haworth Main Street ☕
To make your visit to Brontë Waterfall easier, we’ve put together this complete guide, giving you all the details you need before hitting the trail.
Why is it called Brontë Waterfall?
The historic village of Haworth is best known for its connection to the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne – three of England’s most celebrated nineteenth-century poets and novelists.
During their time in Haworth, Brontë Waterfall was a favorite walking spot for the sisters and clearly inspired much of their writing 🌸
The nearby ruined farmhouse, Top Withens, is even believed to be the model for Heathcliff’s home in Wuthering Heights.
Named in honor of the sisters, the surrounding countryside is now known as Bronte Country.
Fun fact – while visiting Haworth and Brontë Falls, you might notice many Japanese tourists. Wuthering Heights, known as Arashigaoka in Japan, is one of the most influential novels in the country written by a non-Japanese author!
For these fans, the Brontë Falls walk is almost a pilgrimage. Keep an eye out for signposts along the trail, many of which include Japanese translations.
Where do you park for the Brontë Waterfall walk?
Car park: Haworth, Keighley BD22 8DS
There are a few nearby spots to park before starting the Brontë Waterfall walk 🚗
The main parking area we usually use is the Parsonage Museum car park next to Haworth Main Street. It’s reasonably priced, and you can even pay through a phone app if you don’t have cash.
If you’re looking for free options, a small stretch of road between The Old Sun Inn and Cemetery Road on West Lane has a few spaces. Just keep in mind, they fill up fast, so don’t rely on getting a spot there!
A third option is the free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park. Personally, we don’t usually choose this one, as we like to end our walk in the heart of Haworth to explore the town afterwards 🌳
Brontë Waterfall walk step-by-step guide
There are two main routes to Brontë Falls 🥾
The first is a simple out-and-back path, taking you straight to the waterfall and back the same way.
This well-marked and gentle trail begins along Cemetery Road, continuing straight until you reach a crossroads.
Watch for traffic before crossing straight onto Enfield Sign Road, with Lower Laithe Reservoir visible on your right 🌊
From there, follow the footpath and signs leading to Brontë Falls.
After taking in the stunning waterfall and surrounding scenery, simply retrace your steps back to where you started.
Brontë Falls Trail (circular route)
Alternatively, for those wanting a longer and more varied walk, you can continue past Brontë Waterfall on a popular circular route that loops around the far end of Lower Laithe Reservoir 🌿
After crossing Brontë Bridge, the path splits. Take the gentle hillside trail to the right, which opens up breathtaking views of the valley and the reservoir’s sparkling waters.
Follow the trail along Back Lane, then onto Main Street, passing the reservoir before turning right up Reservoir Road.
From there, you can reconnect with the original path by taking a left onto Cemetery Lane, bringing you back to the heart of Haworth.
Both walks are fairly easy and suitable for most visitors. On our last trip, my pregnant partner had no trouble completing the direct route.
Just be careful near Brontë Falls, as the terrain can get rocky and uneven. The footpaths may also become quite boggy after rain, so walking boots are highly recommended!
How long is the Brontë Waterfall Walk?
The direct walk to Brontë Falls from Haworth typically takes about 45 minutes each way 🚶♂️
However, it’s worth spending extra time at the waterfall to soak in the views, snap some photos, enjoy a picnic, or even dip your toes in the refreshing waters.
With a break at Brontë Waterfall, the direct route usually takes around 2 hours in total.
If you opt for the full circular route, expect your walk to last closer to 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Brontë Falls poem
As you admire the waterfall, look to the right and you’ll notice a poem attached to one of the nearby rocks:
O Lord
How Manifold
Are thy works!
In Wisdom Hast
Thou Made Them All:
The Earth Is Full
Of Thy Riches
Father Almighty wonderful Lord,
Wondrous Creator, be ever adored;
Wonders of nature
sing praises to you,
Wonder of wonders-
I may praise too!
Brontë Bridge
Brontë Bridge is another famed structure located by Brontë Falls.
The original Brontë Bridge was swept away by a flash flood in May 1989 and rebuilt the following year. A plaque next to the bridge commemorates the event 🌉
Looking like something from a fairy tale, this charming clapper footbridge has naturally become a favorite spot for photos over the years.
Top tip – near Brontë Bridge, keep an eye out for the Brontë Chair, a rock shaped like a chair where the sisters once sat and shared stories during their visits.
Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens
For devoted Wuthering Heights fans, a visit to Top Withens is a must 🌿
Just a 30-minute walk from Brontë Waterfall, this now-derelict farmhouse is worth seeing if you have the time.
The route is just over a mile each way from the waterfall: cross Brontë Bridge and take the left path up Enfield Side Road, following the signs for Top Withens.
All in all, visiting Top Withens will likely add another 60–90 minutes to your total hiking time 🥾
I’d definitely recommend bringing some snacks to keep your energy up along the way!
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