Scale Force
OS grid ref. NY150171
Spectacular Scale Force, to the south of Crummock Water, and near to the village of Buttermere, is situated on a stream which flows into the lake, is the highest waterfall in the Lake District. It consists of a single drop of water of 120 feet and other drops, which in all plunge 170 feet down a wooded ravine.
A Walk to Scale Force from Buttermere
Distance - 4.1 miles (6.6km)
Ascent - 650ft (200m
Duration - 4 hours
*Commencing from the Fish Hotel in Buttermere, follow the route to Scale Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right, follow the path across a number of streams until reaching Near Ruddy Beck. Cross the beck via the footbridge and drop down to the lower path, which leads to another footbridge crossing Scale Beck.
* After crossing the bridge, continue along the path which passes some ruined sheepfolds, the path rises gently, passing the junction of Scale Beck and its tributary Black Beck A few hundred metres on Scale Force comes into view.
*Pass between two iron posts at the top of the spur and cross the wooden footbridge, before scrambling upwards to view Scale Force.
*Return to the footbridge and through the gap in the wall to take the higher path back to Buttermere. Cross the wooden footbridge over Far Ruddy Beck, continuing for about 15m before turning right, then ascending steeply to a further waterfall. Retrace your steps back to Buttermere.