Things to do in Ullswater

Scalehow Force is a charming waterfall located on the western shore of Ullswater in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England. The falls are formed where Scalehow Beck tumbles down the steep fellsides that characterize this dramatic section of Ullswater's western shore. The waterfall typically presents as a series of cascades rather than a single dramatic plunge, with the beck descending through a wooded gill in a sequence of small drops and slides over the local rock formations. The total height of the falls varies depending on where one measures from, but the main visible section comprises several distinct tiers dropping through the tree-covered ravine. During periods of heavy rainfall, the flow can become quite impressive, while in drier summer months the cascade may reduce to a more modest trickle over the mossy rocks. Scalehow Beck itself is a relatively short watercourse that drains the fells rising steeply above Ullswater's western shore. The stream gathers water from the slopes above, flowing through the wooded gill before reaching the lakeside. The catchment area is modest, consisting primarily of the rough fell grazing land and bracken-covered slopes typical of this part of the Lake District. The beck's character changes considerably with the seasons and weather conditions, as is common with the smaller Lake District streams that respond rapidly to rainfall on the surrounding fells. The geology of the area is predominantly Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks, the ancient volcanic formations that create much of the dramatic scenery throughout the central Lake District. The name "Scalehow" likely derives from Old Norse elements common in Lake District place names, with "scale" potentially referring to a temporary hut or shelter (from "skáli") and "howe" or "how" from "haugr" meaning a hill or mound. This reflects the Norse settlement patterns in Cumbria during the medieval period. While Scalehow Force is not one of the Lake District's most celebrated waterfalls and does not feature prominently in historical travel literature in the way that larger falls like Aira Force on the opposite shore of Ullswater do, it would have been familiar to generations of shepherds and farmers working the western fells above the lake. The landscape surrounding Scalehow Force is characteristic of Ullswater's western shore, which is generally steeper and more rugged than the gentler eastern side. The waterfall sits within mixed woodland that clings to the fellside, with native oak, birch, and rowan providing habitat for typical Lake District woodland birds including pied flycatchers, redstarts, and various tit species. The damp conditions around the waterfall create ideal conditions for ferns, mosses, and liverworts, while the beck itself may support populations of aquatic invertebrates. Red squirrels, which still thrive in parts of the Lake District where grey squirrels are less prevalent, may be present in the woodland. The fells above support the hardy Herdwick sheep that are iconic to this region, along with upland birds such as ravens, buzzards, and occasionally peregrine falcons. Access to Scalehow Force is typically gained from the western shore road that runs along Ullswater between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. This narrow, winding road provides one of the Lake District's most scenic drives, though it can be challenging for larger vehicles. Parking opportunities along this section of road are limited, and visitors typically need to find suitable pull-offs or laybys from which to explore on foot. The waterfall can be approached by careful walking through the woodland, though there is no formal maintained path directly to the falls, and the terrain can be steep, slippery, and challenging, particularly after rain. Those wishing to view the waterfall should be properly equipped with appropriate footwear and should take care on the potentially treacherous slopes. For those exploring this area, the nearby village of Glenridding to the south provides the nearest concentration of visitor facilities, including accommodation, cafes, and shops. The western shore of Ullswater offers various walking opportunities, and while Scalehow Force might be visited as a short diversion, many walkers are passing through this area on longer routes exploring the fells above. The Ullswater Way, a walking route that circumnavigates the lake, passes through this general area and provides access to the western shore, though specific access to the waterfall would require a detour from the main route. Scalehow Force represents one of the many smaller, lesser-known waterfalls scattered throughout the Lake District, offering those who seek them out a more intimate experience than the heavily visited tourist honeypots. While it may not command the same attention as its more famous neighbor Aira Force on the opposite shore of Ullswater, it contributes to the rich tapestry of natural features that make this area so appealing to those who appreciate the quieter corners of the Lake District. The waterfall is best viewed after periods of sustained rainfall when the beck is in full flow, transforming from a modest woodland stream into a more vigorous cascade.