The Top 20 Gorges in Cumbria
Gorges are incredibly beautiful places, and you’ve got 20
to choose from in Cumbria. Just browse our list of the best gorges below and see photos, tips and extra info to help you visit one of these beautiful places on your next adventure in Cumbria.
to choose from in Cumbria. Just browse our list of the best gorges below and see photos, tips and extra info to help you visit one of these beautiful places on your next adventure in Cumbria.
Last updated: November 4, 2025
High Cup Nick
Highlight • Gorge
High Cup Nick is the best example of a glaciated u-shaped valley in Northern England. Situated high on the western flanks of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, …
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Cauldron Snout Waterfall
Highlight • Natural Monument
Cauldron Snout is a rocky ravine below Cow Green Reservoir that the infant River Tees descends through spectacularly. The falls, which nestle within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural …
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Scaley Beck Rock Step
Highlight • Climb
A sudden rock step presents itself on the western side of Scaley Beck. Although only short, it presents a tasty little challenge to unsuspecting walkers and a little extra excitement …
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Foxes Rake (Foxes Tarn Gully)
Highlight • Gorge
Foxes Rake is a scramble route between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell. Stick to the gully itself which has water running down it from Foxes Tarn. In winter the water …
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Fairy Steps
Highlight • Natural Monument
The Fairy Steps are shrouded in numerous legends, with one prevalent tale suggesting that if you manage to ascend or descend the steps without making contact with the sides, the …
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Stickle Ghyll Waterfalls
Highlight • Natural Monument
Stickle Ghyll flows steeply down from Stickle Tarn to the Great Langdale Beck in the valley. It's a rocky ghyll with lots of waterfalls and pools, perfect for a paddle …
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Ashgill Force
Highlight • Gorge
This beautiful waterfall provides a picturesque view when seen from below, as it is located just beneath the B6277 bridge.
By the way, you can access it from both the …
By the way, you can access it from both the …
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Lord's Rake
Highlight • Climb
A brilliant grade 1 scramble, we dropped down from the top of Scafell pike to go up Scafell via this route, I would suggest if you are a confident and sure footed hiker then this is the route for you.
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Barbondale Valley
Highlight • Gorge
My happy place. The descent of Barbondale heading South West toward Barbon has to be one of the most beautiful in the country. It's a tough climb from Gawthrop, but worth it!
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Black Moss Pot
Highlight • Gorge
Black Moss Pot is a pool on Langstrath Beck where the water cascades into a small ravine. With high rock walls and a deep pool to jump into, it's is …
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