Cautley Spout Tongue

Valley in Yorkshire South Lakeland

England

Cautley Spout Tongue

View of moorland through field gate at High House Credit: Roger Templeman

Cautley Spout, located in the picturesque valley of the River Rawthey, is an impressive waterfall situated in the village of Sedbergh, Yorkshire. Also known as Cautley Tongue, it is considered England's highest cascade waterfall, with a total drop of approximately 650 feet (198 meters). This natural marvel attracts visitors from far and wide, drawn by its breathtaking beauty and the surrounding stunning landscape.

The waterfall is formed by the water flowing down the steep slopes of Cautley Holme Beck, an adjacent stream. As the water plunges down the rocky face, it creates a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during periods of heavy rainfall when the cascade is at its most powerful. The waterfall is flanked by craggy cliffs, covered in lush greenery, which further enhances the scenic charm of the area.

To reach the foot of Cautley Spout, visitors can embark on a relatively challenging hike, following a path that winds through the valley and offers stunning panoramic views along the way. The trail is well-maintained but requires a moderate level of fitness, making it a popular spot for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.

The surrounding area of Cautley Spout offers ample opportunities for exploration, with several other waterfalls and scenic walks nearby. Nature lovers can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, including rare alpine plants that thrive in this unique environment.

Overall, Cautley Spout Tongue stands as a testament to the natural wonders of Yorkshire, captivating visitors with its grandeur and beauty.

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Cautley Spout Tongue Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.371305/-2.4891875 or Grid Reference SD6897. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View of moorland through field gate at High House

Roger Templeman

Moorland on north side of barn at High House

Luke Shaw

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1355.9 feet above old datum. Some gardening was necessary to reveal it, but the covering of moss had prevented any weathering.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Boulder bearing an OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1557.8 feet above old datum. A close-up of the bench mark is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1557.8 feet above old datum. The angle of the sun, and the weathering of the rock, makes this bench mark very hard to image. See SD6797 : OS Bench Mark for a wider view.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1613.7 feet above old datum. A close-up is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Close-up of the OS cut bench mark above Cautley Spout in the Howgill Fells shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark. 1613.7 feet above old datum.

Phil Johnstone

'Standing stone'

The 1895, 1910 and 1920 6" OS maps mark a 'Standing Stone' here, although it is not in the Gothic typeface used to indicate an antiquity. All that remains is a few rocks on a small mound. An OS bench mark is also shown a few metres to the north-west - see SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark near The Calf in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 2194.2 feet above old datum. This is coincident with the 'standing stone' seen in SD6797 : 'Standing stone', but old maps show the bench mark a few metres to the northwest. The rock bearing the bench mark was face-down, so has presumably been moved to make this small pile. What has happened to the standing stone is a mystery.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1581.8 feet above old datum. A close-up is shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

Close-up of the OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells shown in SD6797 : OS Bench Mark. 1581.8 feet above old datum. The survey point is a cross rather than the usual ‘dimple’. Some cleaning was necessary.

Phil Johnstone

OS Bench Mark

OS cut bench mark above Bowderdale Head in the Howgill Fells, from the first, 19th century, levelling. 1467.4 feet above old datum. The survey point is a cross rather than the usual ‘dimple’, but quite faint.

Phil Johnstone