High Park Scar
High Park Scar is a waterfall located on Cragdale Water in the remote Raydale valley near the hamlet of Stalling Busk in the Yorkshire Dales of North Yorkshire, England. The waterfall lies at OS grid reference SD913853, approximately 54.2637°N, 2.1343°W, in a landscape characterized by limestone geology and upland pastoral scenery. The feature takes its name from the geological term "scar," which in Yorkshire dialect refers to a cliff or steep rocky outcrop, typically formed from exposed limestone strata. The waterfall itself represents a point where Cragdale Water descends over resistant rock layers, creating a cascading drop that varies considerably with seasonal rainfall and the water levels of the surrounding moorland catchment.
Cragdale Water is a small upland stream that drains the moorland areas east of Raydale, flowing westward to join the larger watercourse system associated with Semer Water, England's second-largest natural lake located just to the north. The stream's catchment encompasses rough grazing land and open moorland typical of the Yorkshire Dales uplands, with water levels strongly influenced by precipitation falling on the surrounding fells. During periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter, the waterfall can display impressive flow volumes, while in dry summer months the stream may reduce to a modest trickle. The underlying geology consists predominantly of Carboniferous limestone with associated shale bands, creating the stepped profile characteristic of many Yorkshire Dales waterfalls where differential erosion of harder and softer rock layers produces distinct ledges and drops.
The surrounding landscape of Raydale and Stalling Busk represents some of the most isolated and least-visited terrain in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stalling Busk itself is a tiny settlement that has diminished considerably from its historical population, with only a handful of working farms remaining in what was once a more populous agricultural community. The valley's remoteness has preserved much of its traditional character, with dry stone walls delineating ancient field boundaries and scattered stone barns dotting the landscape. The area is predominantly given over to sheep farming, and the moorland surrounding High Park Scar supports typical upland vegetation including heather, bilberry, and rough grasses, with patches of bracken on lower slopes.
The ecology of the immediate vicinity reflects the harsh conditions of this upland environment. The watercourse itself may support typical upland aquatic invertebrates and provides drinking water for sheep and other moorland wildlife. Bird species characteristic of Yorkshire Dales uplands can be observed in the area, including curlews, lapwings, and meadow pipits on the open moorland, while the rocky areas around the waterfall might occasionally host grey wagtails or dippers. Red grouse inhabit the heather moorland on surrounding heights, and buzzards are frequently seen hunting over the valley. The botanical interest of such sites typically includes lime-loving plants where limestone is exposed, though the acidic peat overlying much of the moorland supports a different plant community adapted to nutrient-poor conditions.
Access to High Park Scar requires determined effort, as this is not a heavily promoted or easily reached waterfall compared to better-known Yorkshire Dales cascades. The location lies away from main roads and established tourist routes, with visitors typically needing to approach via minor roads serving Stalling Busk and surrounding farms. The Raydale valley can be reached by narrow single-track roads from either Bainbridge to the north or via equally minor routes from other directions, and parking opportunities are extremely limited, generally restricted to respectful roadside parking where this does not obstruct farm access or passing places. Any visit requires careful consideration of the rights of working farms and private landholding, as much of the surrounding land is in agricultural use.
Walking to the waterfall necessitates either following public rights of way where they exist or seeking permission from landowners where paths cross private land. The terrain is typical of Yorkshire Dales upland country, with uneven ground, potentially boggy areas, and the need for appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Visitors should be prepared for changeable weather conditions characteristic of upland environments, where mist, rain, and wind can develop rapidly even when valleys below remain clear. The nearest facilities of any kind are likely to be found in Bainbridge, several miles to the north, which offers limited services including accommodation and refreshment options, while more substantial facilities are available in Hawes, the main market town for the upper dales area.
The historical context of this remote area reflects the broader story of Yorkshire Dales upland settlement, where small farming communities established themselves in marginal locations during medieval and early modern periods. The landscape bears evidence of centuries of human activity through its field systems, walls, and scattered farmsteads, though depopulation and agricultural consolidation have left many locations, including the vicinity of Stalling Busk, much quieter than in previous centuries. The name Stalling Busk itself derives from Old Norse elements reflecting the Viking settlement of the Dales, with "busk" likely referring to a bush or small wood, indicating that even this now-treeless landscape once supported more woody vegetation before extensive clearance for grazing.