Standing in front of Rutter Force Waterfalls in the sunshine

Rutter Force

Rutter Force is a stunning waterfall in the Eden Valley, which can be seen on this pretty riverside circular walk!

This walk has waterfalls, stunning views over the North Pennines and starts and ends at the pub!

Looking for a super circular waterfall walk, then Rutter Force is your answer!

Rutter Force is found in the Eden Valley, which is just outside of the Northern border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a stunning part of the world where you can find yourself taking in the glorious view of the North Pennines National Landscape, The Lake District as well as (of course) the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Scandalously overlooked in terms of a holiday or tourist destination, the Eden Valley really is a hidden gem and as a result? Super peaceful and quiet in comparison with the nearby parts of the Lake District and some of the Yorkshire Dales. This circular walk starts and ends in the village of Hoff, near Appleby in Westmorland and takes you along Hoff Beck to Rutter Force then returns by a route that gives you mega views across to the North Pennines (formally Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now named National Landscape).

Oh and to top it off, there’s a pub too!

These directions are a guide only and are to be used in conjunction with a map.

Child jumping with the views of the North Pennines behind

Rutter Force Walk Facts

Distance: 6km (Just under 4 miles)

Terrain: Well walked and signposted paths, with little ascent. The path can be muddy and wet in places after wet weather. The latter part of the walk is along an extremely quiet country lane.

Parking: In a small parking area in Hoff (there is room enough for 5/6 cars. Park Respectfully and if you can’t find a spot check out another of our walks in the Westmorland Dales area.)

Public Transport: Sadly, there are no buses.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control

Location: Hoff, near Appleby in Westmorland.

What 3 Words: path.jaundice.scary

Toilets/ Baby Change: no. Toilets at the pub (for customers only)

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Pub in Hoff which has a small beer garden, otherwise Appleby in Westmorland.

How to walk to Rutter Force

Walk Directions (always use a map in conjunction with these instructions)

  1. Beginning from the parking area opposite the New Inn pub in Hoff (what 3 words location above) head down the lane with the pub and B6260 behind you. The lane runs along side Hoff Beck, which is at your left.

  2. Continue down the lane until you reach a dirt track to your left with a signpost. The signpost (pictured) says Rutter Force 1 mile. Turn left down the dirt track. After a short distance this passes through a gate and you will see in the next field, slightly to your left, a footbridge crossing Hoff Beck. Walk to this and cross it (pictured).

  3. At the end of the bridge turn right and head through the gate in the fence. Turn right again and follow the line of the fence at the edge of the Beck which is now on your right. You will at the end of the field, cross a stile and see a bridge on your right. Don’t cross the bridge, but head over the next stile ahead of you.

  4. Continue to follow the Beck upstream, keeping it closely to your right. You will pass over another stile and head past the farm buildings which are on your left and slightly uphill away from you. Continue past the farm until the path crosses over a footbridge to your right. Cross the footbridge and head over the stile at the other side.

  5. Turn left and continue to follow the path as it heads alongside the beck and continues upstream. After a short distance you will notice some residences appear up on the hill to your right, keep following the path until it joins a surfaced lane. Here, there is a collection of houses, and on your left a bridge from which you can see Rutter Force ahead of you. If you cross to the other side, you will find a little information board to read too.

  6. Once you have checked out the information, cross back over the bridge to where you were on the other side, to the lane that crosses the river in a ford. With the beck and ford at your back, continue up the track, as it heads uphill bending round firstly to the right, then to the left. Follow the track as it heads away from the beck. Once you have climbed a bit, if you pause to turn around, you will see spectacular views across to the North Pennines.

  7. After 500m, the track bends round to the right, follow that as it bends round, the views to the Pennines will now be on your right. After a further 300m, the track splits into two. Here, take the right fork, which leads you past a plantation (to your right), and then winds back to a surfaced road. This road is extremely quiet, but be mindful of the possibility of traffic.

  8. Turn right onto the road and follow it for 1.6km (1 mile) as it heads back into Hoff (we walked this on a sunny Easter Sunday, and encountered no traffic on this road).

Last walked April 2024

Child pointing in the direction of walk next to signpost

The signpost at the beginning of the walk pointing in the direction of Rutter Force.

The first footbridge over Hoff Beck

The grassy path which follows the line of Hoff Beck (which is on the right)

Looking at the information board at Rutter Force

What’s cool for kids at Rutter Force?

✨ HISTORY! Ok… maybe it’s just me who thinks that history is cool, but you will see that there is a building next to the waterfall with a waterwheel attached to it (it’s now a holiday let…. and WHAT a place for a holiday right?) This was once a corn mill, first mentioned in 1579, which operated as a mill right up to 1851. The waterfall used to create the power to supply electricIty to nearby Great Asby and was it’s only source of power right up until 1952!

💦 plenty of chances to go and throw stones in the river.

🦆 One for the nature lovers! This walk is packed with birds to spot, with dippers and Oyster catchers being regulars at the waterside. You might also catch sight of a red squirrel too!

🍻 The New Inn serves food and drinks but check for seasonal opening times before relying on it.

🌳 why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Running in a field in the sunshine

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