Mill Gill and Whitfield Gill Falls

Mill Gill Falls and Whitfield Gill Falls Circular

Destination: Askrigg, Wensleydale. 4 miles.

Another superb weekend walk took us on an explorative journey through Whitfield Gill - a fantastic woodland romp navigating between carpets of wild garlic and wild flowers, and working our way over and around giant bolders and fallen trees.

(Please note: this is NOT a wheelchair or pushchair friendly walk!)

The walk begins in the quaint village of Askrigg, parking in the public honesty box-operated car park. From here we walked down the main street to the beautiful church, turning right just before it and following the quiet lane weaving past rows of lovely cottages.

At the end of the lane, bear right following the signpost for Mill Gill Falls, walking across a field until you meet the stream. Go over the bridge and turn right walking up through the woodland keeping the stream on your right.

After less than half a mile fork off to the right at the signpost for Mill Gill Falls only to the end of the path where you can view the impressive waterfall. Then we returned on ourselves back to the path and turned right to continue upstream through the woodland.

At another fork in the track we went left to see reach Whitfield Gill Falls. Taking great care as it was slightly muddy in places and on the flat section as we approached the waterfall, there are dozens of rock bolders and fallen trees that we had to clamber over but when we reached the falls - wow!!

There is a delightful plunge pool beneath the huge cliff from where the water falls. The best part was the path that enabled us to stand behind the falling water, so close that you could feel the water!

Then we headed back to the path and returned down stream and then followed the signpost for Askrigg, which passes the smaller Lower Whitfield Gill Falls, crosses the stream and heads steeply up the other side of the woodland and joined the rough track known as Low Straights Lane back to Askrigg.

Plus, there are no fences or walls so accessing them all is a dream - you can even shortcut between them by going in and out of the ravines. The ground is soft but stable and once you get to the top of the first fell, access to the other fells is generally of a similar level.

We will definitely be back and look forward to sharing with you more of our adventures in the Howgills soon!!

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