The Forces
The Forces is a secluded waterfall located on a tributary stream of Deepdale Beck in the Fairfield area of the Lake District, England. Situated at OS grid reference NY373122, this cascade lies east of Fairfield itself, nestled within the dramatic landscape of the eastern fells. The waterfall consists of a series of drops where the tributary stream tumbles over rocky ledges in its descent toward the main Deepdale Beck below. The character of the falls varies considerably with seasonal conditions, becoming particularly impressive after periods of heavy rainfall when the flow increases substantially, while in drier summer months the cascade can reduce to a more modest display. The surrounding geology consists of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group rocks characteristic of the central Lake District fells, with the stream having carved its course through these ancient volcanic formations over millennia.
The tributary stream that forms The Forces originates in the higher reaches of the fells east of Fairfield, gathering water from the steep-sided valley slopes before making its descent. Deepdale Beck itself drains a substantial catchment area between Fairfield and Saint Sunday Crag, eventually flowing northward to join Goldrill Beck and subsequently Ullswater. The tributary's course is relatively short but steep, creating the conditions necessary for the waterfall's formation. The catchment area experiences high rainfall typical of the Lake District uplands, ensuring that the stream maintains flow throughout most of the year, though the volume fluctuates considerably between wet and dry periods.
The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the Lake District's high fell country, with steep valley sides clothed in rough grassland, bracken, and scattered areas of native woodland at lower elevations. The ecology of the area reflects the upland nature of the location, with hardy plant species adapted to the thin soils and exposed conditions. Birdlife in the vicinity includes typical upland species such as wheatears, ring ouzels, and ravens, while the streams support limited populations of aquatic invertebrates. The remoteness of the location and the relatively challenging terrain mean that the waterfall sees far fewer visitors than more accessible Lake District cascades, contributing to a sense of wildness and solitude.
Access to The Forces requires a substantial walk into the fells, with the most common approach being via Deepdale from Patterdale village at the southern end of Ullswater. Walkers typically park in Patterdale, where there are public car parks and basic facilities including a village shop and accommodation options. From Patterdale, a clear path leads into Deepdale, following the main beck upstream. Reaching the tributary and The Forces involves leaving the main valley path and ascending eastward, requiring good navigation skills and appropriate fell-walking experience. The terrain is rough and pathless in places, and conditions underfoot can be challenging, particularly in wet weather. Visitors should be equipped with proper walking boots, waterproof clothing, and OS maps or GPS navigation tools.
The relative obscurity of The Forces means it lacks the historical documentation and folklore associated with more famous Lake District waterfalls such as Aira Force or Scale Force. However, the Deepdale area has long been traversed by fell walkers and shepherds, and the waterfall would have been a familiar landmark to those working the fells over centuries. The name "The Forces" itself uses the local Cumbrian dialect term for waterfall, derived from the Old Norse "fors," reflecting the region's Viking heritage. This linguistic connection serves as a reminder of the Norse settlers who established themselves in the Lake District valleys during the medieval period, leaving an enduring mark on the area's place names and cultural landscape.
The location east of Fairfield places The Forces within one of the quieter corners of the central Lake District, away from the more heavily visited honeypot sites. Fairfield itself, at 873 meters, is a popular summit reached via the classic Fairfield Horseshoe walk from Ambleside, but the eastern approaches including Deepdale see considerably less foot traffic. This relative remoteness has helped preserve the wild character of the area, though it also means that facilities and maintained paths are limited compared to more accessible locations. The waterfall represents one of numerous cascades scattered throughout the Lake District fells, most of which remain known primarily to dedicated fell walkers and those willing to venture beyond the most popular routes.