What’s not to love about the Forest of Bowland? 🌳

Packed with endless trails and hidden natural gems, this legendary ancient woodland has always been a favorite spot for both ramblers and mountain bikers.

The celebrated ancient woodland has long remained a haven for ramblers and mountain bikers alike.

One spot in the forest we’d been itching to explore finally revealed itself on our last adventure – the breathtaking and hidden Gisburn Forest Waterfall. 🌊

True to its name, this secret treasure sits deep inside Gisburn Forest, tucked behind thick foliage at the base of a steep valley, where the calm waters of Bottoms Beck quietly flow.

we finally managed to track down the stunning and secluded Gisburn Forest Waterfall.

Hidden deep within the forest, most visitors have no clue this waterfall even exists. 🌲

It makes sense – there are no trails or signs leading the way, and the tricky scramble down to this secret spot can easily discourage anyone from trying.

Still, if you’re confident with a little adventure and want to witness this hidden Forest of Bowland waterfall, finding it isn’t too tricky – as long as you know where to look.

Forest Of Bowland Waterfall Walk Route Info

Gisburn Forest Waterfall Walk Map

Route Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles)

Route Time: 1-2 hrs

Parking: Stocks Reservoir Car Park, School Ln, Clitheroe BB7 4TS

Where to park for the Gisburn Forest Waterfall Walk

The easiest place to park when visiting the Gisburn Forest Waterfall is Stocks Reservoir Car Park. 🚗

Parking at Stocks Reservoir costs £3 for the day and sits just a short stroll from the forest trail that leads to the falls. 💸

If you’re looking to save a bit, there’s free parking by the bridge on Hole House Lane, which you pass just before the reservoir.

It’s only about 500 meters from the main car park, but spaces are limited, so it’s wise to have some change handy just in case!

There is free alternate parking by the bridge on Hole House Lane which you’ll cross just before reaching Stocks Reservoir.

Forest Of Bowland Waterfall Walk

1. Leave Stocks Reservoir Car Park and head up School Lane, following the road until you spot a fingerpost directing you to turn right into the forest. 🌿

Exit Stock Reservoir Car Park and make your way up School Lane.

2. Climb over the dry stone wall using the steps and continue along the trail winding through the forest. 🌲

Use the steps to clamber over the dry stone wall and follow the trail through the forest.

3. Keep an eye out for a sudden drop in the footpath about 300 meters in. Step carefully over it and follow the trail until you reach a crossroads. ⚠️

Watch out for this sudden drop on the footpath around 300 metres in.

4. Go straight at the crossroads, stay on the main path, and take the first left onto the ‘Gisburn Bike Trail (Green)’. 🚴

Head straight ahead and stick to the main path, taking the first left onto ‘Gisburn Bike Trail (Green)’

5. Follow the winding trail until you arrive at the bridge over Bottoms Beck. 🌊 Don’t cross it – instead, turn right onto the ‘Gisburn Bike Trail (Blue)’ just before the bridge.

Follow the winding trail until you reach the bridge over Bottoms Beck.

6. Stay on the trail and take the left fork to follow the path alongside Bottoms Beck. 🌿

Keep to the trail, taking the left turning at the fork so you stick beside Bottoms Beck.

7. Follow the footpath, watching closely to your left. Soon, you’ll spot the hidden scramble trail. 🪨

Head along the footpath, keeping a keen eye to your left.

8. Carefully and slowly make your way down the hill, keeping safety your top priority. ⚡

Carefully, slowly and safely navigate your way down the hill.
Carefully, slowly and safely navigate your way down the hill

9. At the bottom, the Gisburn Forest Waterfall will appear to your left. 🌊 Push through the thicket and soak in the breathtaking views!

From the bottom you should see Gisburn Forest Waterfall to your left.

Safety when visiting the Gisburn Forest Waterfall

As mentioned, the scramble down to the waterfall can be tricky, so only attempt it if you’re fit and confident handling the steep valley both down and back up. 💪

Safety when visiting the Gisburn Forest Waterfall

The climb can get slippery, even on dry days, so avoid it in wet conditions. 🌧️

No matter the weather, parts of the trail can be boggy, so a solid pair of walking boots is a must, rain or shine.

How hard is the Forest Of Bowland Waterfall Walk?

This walk is a chilled 6-kilometre trail with mostly flat, easy-to-follow paths, making it perfect for almost anyone. 🌿

The Forest Of Bowland Waterfall is Walk

The scramble down to the waterfall is risky, so take extra care and only attempt it if the weather is good and you’re confident in your climbing skills. ⚠️

At a relaxed pace, most people can complete this route in about an hour and a half, depending on how long you linger at the waterfall.

This route shouldn’t take most people much longer than one and a half hours

More waterfalls?

Comparing our photos with images on the Explore Bowland website, it seems we might have stumbled upon a different waterfall than the one usually called Gisburn Forest Waterfall! 🌊

Still, the waterfall we found sits on the same stretch of Bottoms Beck, so they’re all close together and reachable via the same trail.

the one commonly known as Gisburn Forest Waterfall!

Official or not, we had an amazing time discovering this hidden spot and can’t wait to return. 🌿

Its beauty and peace make it perfect for a picnic, and next time, we’ll be on the hunt for the other waterfall too!

we can hunt down the other waterfall also!