Gill Force

Waterfall in Cumberland Copeland

England

Gill Force

Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria The oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. Wainwright described it as "The most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges" and My Cousin told me we were going to see a "Wonder". Both were correct! As to a build date I would think it's Late 1600's maybe using stone from the nearby Abbey (closed 1536) But if it was built by the Monks then this would give a lot earlier date.  

It's also listed as Matty Benn's Bridge. Martha "Matty" Benn (1831-1888), who used the bridge to get to and from market on horseback. She was known to return in a state of inebriation but still managed to cross the bridge!
Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria Credit: Brian Deegan

Gill Force is a stunning waterfall located in the village of Cumberland, nestled within the picturesque Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The waterfall is often referred to as Cumberland Waterfall due to its location in the village.

Gill Force is a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking natural beauty. The waterfall is fed by the waters of the River Caldew, which flows through the surrounding hills and forests. As the river cascades down a series of rocky steps, it creates a mesmerizing display of rushing water, mist, and spray.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to its charm and providing a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can admire the waterfall from various viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of its grandeur. The sound of the crashing water creates a soothing ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and meditation.

To reach Gill Force, visitors can follow a scenic trail that winds through the enchanting countryside, offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The walk is relatively easy, making it accessible to both seasoned hikers and casual walkers.

Gill Force is a true gem of Cumberland, captivating visitors with its natural splendor and providing a memorable experience in the heart of the Lake District. Whether it's to admire its beauty, enjoy a peaceful walk, or simply reconnect with nature, Gill Force is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.

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Gill Force Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.487578/-3.4421518 or Grid Reference NY0611. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria The oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. Wainwright described it as "The most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges" and My Cousin told me we were going to see a "Wonder". Both were correct! As to a build date I would think it's Late 1600's maybe using stone from the nearby Abbey (closed 1536) But if it was built by the Monks then this would give a lot earlier date.  

It's also listed as Matty Benn's Bridge. Martha "Matty" Benn (1831-1888), who used the bridge to get to and from market on horseback. She was known to return in a state of inebriation but still managed to cross the bridge!
Monks Bridge Crossing the River Calder, Cold Fell, Cumbria
The oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. Wainwright described it as "The most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges" and My Cousin told me we were going to see a "Wonder". Both were correct! As to a build date I would think it's Late 1600's maybe using stone from the nearby Abbey (closed 1536) But if it was built by the Monks then this would give a lot earlier date. It's also listed as Matty Benn's Bridge. Martha "Matty" Benn (1831-1888), who used the bridge to get to and from market on horseback. She was known to return in a state of inebriation but still managed to cross the bridge!
Bridge over River Calder below Monk's Bridge near Egremont
Bridge over River Calder below Monk's Bridge near Egremont
Summit cairn on Latter Barrow with view towards Lank Rigg
Summit cairn on Latter Barrow with view towards Lank Rigg
Monk's Bridge on the R Calder, E of Egremont Monk’s Bridge on Cold Fell is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria, and crosses Friar Gill where it passes through a narrow deep chasm. It was built for the monks of Calder Abbey, who would have crossed it on their many journeys. Iron ore would have been carried over it from Ennerdale to smithies on the fells to be smelted. The bridge is also known as Matty Benn’s Bridge, after the family Benn who lived nearby.
Monk's Bridge on the R Calder, E of Egremont
Monk’s Bridge on Cold Fell is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria, and crosses Friar Gill where it passes through a narrow deep chasm. It was built for the monks of Calder Abbey, who would have crossed it on their many journeys. Iron ore would have been carried over it from Ennerdale to smithies on the fells to be smelted. The bridge is also known as Matty Benn’s Bridge, after the family Benn who lived nearby.
Cattle Grid
Cattle Grid
Burn Edge
Burn Edge
Swath Fell Swath Fell from Lowther Park car park
Swath Fell
Swath Fell from Lowther Park car park
Lowther Park
Lowther Park
Bridge over the Calder The footbridge doubles as a farm bridge over the Calder near Friar Gill and is close to the much more photogenic Monks Bridge See<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3027194">NY0610 : Monks Bridge</a>
Bridge over the Calder
The footbridge doubles as a farm bridge over the Calder near Friar Gill and is close to the much more photogenic Monks Bridge SeeNY0610 : Monks Bridge
Monks Bridge Wainwright called it the most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges. Also known as Matty Benn's Bridge it is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. 
It was built by the monks of Calder Abbey (dissolved in 1536)
See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3027147">NY0610 : Bridge over the Calder</a>
Monks Bridge
Wainwright called it the most charming of Lakeland's packhorse bridges. Also known as Matty Benn's Bridge it is the oldest packhorse bridge in Cumbria. It was built by the monks of Calder Abbey (dissolved in 1536) See NY0610 : Bridge over the Calder
Coldfell Gate
Coldfell Gate
Lowther Park plantation The Sleven Beck runs down beside the trees.
Lowther Park plantation
The Sleven Beck runs down beside the trees.
The entrance to Lowther Park plantation
The entrance to Lowther Park plantation
Sillathwaite Wood and the Fell Road The fell in the distance, right of centre, is Grike.
Sillathwaite Wood and the Fell Road
The fell in the distance, right of centre, is Grike.
Heading north from Cold Fell
Heading north from Cold Fell
Burn Edge My ninth Birkett summit of nine on a frosty morning.  Very flat summit; rock 12m NE at NY 06930 12603 is as high, says Abney level.
Name: Burn Edge
Hill number: 3809
Height: 320m / 1050ft
Area: Lake District - Western Fells
Class: B
Grid ref: NY 06921 12593
Summit feature: no feature
Drop: 22m
Col: 298m  NY 0651 1231
Burn Edge
My ninth Birkett summit of nine on a frosty morning. Very flat summit; rock 12m NE at NY 06930 12603 is as high, says Abney level. Name: Burn Edge Hill number: 3809 Height: 320m / 1050ft Area: Lake District - Western Fells Class: B Grid ref: NY 06921 12593 Summit feature: no feature Drop: 22m Col: 298m NY 0651 1231
Latter Barrow Summit Latter Barrow summit with the lower larger cairn in the distance.  Now with wet feet after fording the River Calder to bag my second Birkett of nine on this frosty morning's circuit.
Name: Latter Barrow
Hill number: 3799
Height: 354m / 1161ft
Area: Lake District - Western Fells
Class: B
Grid ref: NY 07436 11476
Summit feature: boulder
Drop: 13m
Col: 341m  NY 0756 1153
Largest cairn is 80m SW at NY 07377 11419.
Latter Barrow Summit
Latter Barrow summit with the lower larger cairn in the distance. Now with wet feet after fording the River Calder to bag my second Birkett of nine on this frosty morning's circuit. Name: Latter Barrow Hill number: 3799 Height: 354m / 1161ft Area: Lake District - Western Fells Class: B Grid ref: NY 07436 11476 Summit feature: boulder Drop: 13m Col: 341m NY 0756 1153 Largest cairn is 80m SW at NY 07377 11419.
Ford of Comb Beck Path to Whoap crossing the ford of Comb Beck
Ford of Comb Beck
Path to Whoap crossing the ford of Comb Beck
Show me another place!

Gill Force is located at Grid Ref: NY0611 (Lat: 54.487578, Lng: -3.4421518)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Copeland

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///efficient.stretcher.tinny. Near Egremont, Cumbria

Nearby Locations

Gill Force Swarth Fell

Related Wikis

Cold Fell (Calder Bridge)

Cold Fell is a hill in the west of the English Lake District. It is easily climbed from the road between Ennerdale Bridge and Calder Bridge. This road...

Lank Rigg

Lank Rigg is a fell in the English Lake District. It stands to the south of Ennerdale in the Western Fells. A sprawling hill with gentle grassy slopes...

Ennerdale and Kinniside

Ennerdale and Kinniside is a civil parish in Copeland, Cumbria, England. At the 2011 census it had a population of 220.The parish has an area of 8,763...

Blakeley Raise

Blakeley Raise is a fell in the English Lake District, standing at 389m. Unlike its neighbours Grike, Crag Fell and Lank Rigg it is not listed as a Wainwright...

Kinniside Stone Circle

Kinniside Stone Circle (or Blakeley Raise Stone Circle) is a reconstructed stone circle in the civil parish of Ennerdale and Kinniside in Cumbria, England...

Wilton, Cumbria

Wilton is a hamlet in the Copeland district, in the county of Cumbria, England. It is near the small town of Egremont. In 1870-72 it had a population of...

Flat Fell

Flat Fell is a hill located on the edge of the English Lake District, standing at 272m. It is included in Alfred Wainwright's Outlying Fells of Lakeland...

Ennerdale Rural District

Ennerdale was a rural district in the county of Cumberland in England from 1934 to 1974. It was created in 1934 by a County Review Order, by the merger...

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.487578,-3.4421518
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.4847932/-3.4432391
Gill force
Waterway: waterfall
Lat/Long: 54.4875851/-3.4421674
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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