Enjoy a Peaceful Hike on the Falling Foss Walk in the North York Moors
To begin your Falling Foss walk, start by parking in the May Beck Car Park. This car park is located at the end of a minor road, which you can reach by turning off the B1416. The B1416 links the A171 with Ruswarp, and the turn-off to May Beck is clearly signposted. The car park offers ample spaces, making it a convenient starting point for your walk.
From the car park, cross the bridge over May Beck and immediately turn left onto the path. Look for the sign pointing towards the Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss (¾ mile). Follow this well-maintained trail north through the woodland. Although the route generally follows the course of May Beck, the stream will occasionally be out of sight. The path is straightforward and easy to navigate, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
After roughly half a mile, you’ll come across another signpost for the Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss (¼ mile). Continue along this woodland trail, which is marked by frequent signposts. The path soon leads you to an attractive arched stone bridge. Cross this bridge and immediately turn right, following the sign once again for Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss.
Continue on the path, passing the Midge Hall café. Shortly after, look for a sign pointing towards Littlebeck (1¼ miles). As you walk uphill, you’ll see Falling Foss waterfall on your left, which is a highlight of the route. The waterfall adds a delightful moment to your Falling Foss walk as you make your way up the trail. Continue along this well-marked and relatively easy woodland path towards Littlebeck.
Soon, you’ll pass The Hermitage on your right. Up until this point, the trail has been pram-friendly. However, after The Hermitage, the path becomes less suitable for prams. The next section of the trail involves small ascents and descents, steps, and some boardwalks. The path’s condition varies, with some compacted gravel sections that are easy to walk on and occasional muddy stretches. Despite these changes, there’s nothing too challenging along this part of the walk.
As you progress, you’ll enter Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve. Continue for approximately half a mile until you reach a gate. Pass through the gate to arrive at the hamlet of Littlebeck. Turn left and follow the road, which bends sharply to the left, leading you to a ford crossing the stream known as Little Beck. Here, you’ll find the Methodist Chapel with a bench nearby, an ideal spot to rest and enjoy the tranquil setting. This point marks the halfway point of your Falling Foss walk.
Next to the bench, an interpretation board provides information about Littlebeck and its history. It highlights key landmarks such as the Methodist Chapel, the Old Woodcarver’s Cottage, the Kelphouse, and Littlebeck Village Hall. These are all interesting spots to explore if you wish to learn more about the area.
Since this is a linear route, you will now retrace your steps back to the car park. Follow the same path through the woods, past the landmarks you passed earlier. On your return journey, you might notice new features or enjoy different perspectives, adding a fresh experience to your Falling Foss walk.
The entire route is approximately 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) in total, with 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) each way. This delightful walk through the North York Moors offers scenic views, peaceful woodlands, and the refreshing sight of Falling Foss waterfall to complete your adventure.
Falling Foss Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Falling Foss Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 4¼ miles
Distance: 6¾ kilometres
Duration: 2¼ hours
Ascent: 862 feet
Ascent: 263 metres
Type: Linear walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North York Moors Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL27, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
About Falling Foss
Falling Foss is a picturesque waterfall located in the north-east section of the North York Moors National Park. The waterfall stands at an impressive height of 67 feet (20 metres) and is situated on a stream known as Little Beck. Its Ordnance Survey grid reference is NZ 888 035, which helps walkers and visitors locate this hidden gem. Falling Foss is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the coastal town of Whitby, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists exploring the North York Moors.
Access to Falling Foss is straightforward, with two car parks managed by the Forestry Commission. One of these car parks is just a 5-minute walk from the waterfall, located along a minor road that branches off the B1416 and is clearly signposted. Alternatively, visitors can use the May Beck Car Park, also signposted from the B1416 but along a different road. From May Beck Car Park, there is a scenic ¾ mile (1.2 kilometres) footpath that follows the course of the May Beck stream, leading walkers directly to the waterfall.
Next to Falling Foss, visitors will find the Falling Foss Tea Garden, situated in Midge Hall. This charming tea garden has an interesting history; Midge Hall was abandoned and left derelict for over 50 years before it was restored and converted into a tea garden in 2008. The tea garden provides a peaceful spot to enjoy refreshments while taking in the beauty of the waterfall and its surrounding woodlands. However, the café operates seasonally and is subject to weather conditions, so it’s best to check its opening times before visiting.
This stunning location, with its beautiful waterfall, scenic woodland paths, and inviting tea garden, makes Falling Foss a must-visit destination in the North York Moors. Of course, the best way to explore Falling Foss is by following my detailed Falling Foss walk on this page!
Falling Foss Walk: My Photos
After parking in May Beck Car Park, we begin our Falling Foss walk by crossing the bridge. The path is clearly marked with signs for the Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss. This well-maintained gravel footpath is easy to walk on, making it accessible for families, the elderly, and even those with pushchairs. It’s a gentle start, with no steep inclines or declines to navigate.
The path meanders through a beautiful woodland setting. It’s autumn, and the forest floor is blanketed in a carpet of fallen leaves, creating a rustic, almost magical atmosphere. We’ve barely begun our Falling Foss walk, but we’re already immersed in the season’s splendour.
As we continue, we notice how well the path is maintained. Lined with a variety of impressive trees, the trail is shaded by a canopy of twisting branches that almost meet overhead. This section between May Beck and Falling Foss feels both tranquil and inviting.
Winding further into the woods, the path leads us past large boulders cloaked in velvety green moss. The deep green contrasts beautifully against the browns and yellows of the fallen leaves. The path subtly curves around the trees and rocks, drawing us further into the heart of the woodland.
Here and there, we encounter the occasional woodland gate, adding a touch of charm to the trail. The mix of golden and green leaves on the gnarled branches catches the dappled sunlight, while the ground remains covered in a rich layer of autumn foliage. Beyond the gate, the path beckons us deeper into the woods.
For part of the Falling Foss walk, the path runs alongside May Beck. The gently flowing stream ripples over moss-covered rocks, creating a soothing soundscape. Tall pines stand sentinel along the route, adding a touch of grandeur to the setting.
When the path splits, we take the left-hand fork, following the signpost for the Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss. According to the sign, we’re only a quarter of a mile away from the waterfall.
As we walk through another section of the woodland, slender tree trunks flank the narrow path. The winding trail offers a sense of depth, inviting us to wonder what lies ahead. We’re thoroughly enjoying our Falling Foss walk so far.
Nearing the waterfall, we come across another wooden signpost by the water’s edge, directing us to the Coast to Coast Path and Falling Foss. The combination of the stream, the sign, and the surrounding woodland creates a welcoming atmosphere.
We continue along a narrow wooden boardwalk, which weaves its way through the woods. Elevated slightly off the ground, the boardwalk keeps walkers away from the boggy ground below, making this part of the Falling Foss walk dry and comfortable.
As we proceed along the boardwalk, we’re struck by the vibrant colours surrounding us. The path is bordered by lush greenery and overhanging trees displaying a stunning array of autumn hues, from deep greens to warm oranges and yellows.
Ahead, we spot a quaint stone bridge, partially obscured by the trees. It’s a sign that we’re nearly at Falling Foss.
Crossing the sturdy stone bridge with its low parapets, we notice the path straight ahead leads to Foss Farm. We, however, turn right towards Midge Hall and Falling Foss. The thick layer of fallen leaves blankets the area, creating a warm and inviting scene.
Standing on the bridge, we look upstream towards Midge Hall. I believe that May Beck transitions into Little Beck near this point.
We cross a small wooden footbridge to reach Midge Hall on the other side of the stream. The atmosphere is serene, and we’re really enjoying our Falling Foss walk so far.
Looking back at the stone bridge over Little Beck, we spot small waterfalls cascading beneath the old arch. The water flows gracefully over rocks, creating a pleasant ripple. The weathered stone and overgrown ivy blend seamlessly with the surrounding woodland. The autumn colours above and around the bridge add bursts of orange and gold.
We reach the highlight of our Falling Foss walk—Falling Foss itself. This waterfall, 67 feet (20 metres) high, cascades down a sheer rock face into a tranquil pool below. It’s a mesmerising sight.
Leaving the waterfall behind, we continue on a woodland path scattered with leaves. Overhanging branches and dappled sunlight contribute to a peaceful, almost immersive experience.
In one section, an old stone wall covered in moss runs alongside the path. Ferns and greenery thrive here, and the wall’s ancient appearance adds a sense of history to the scene.
We reach The Hermitage, about a quarter of a mile north of Falling Foss. This intriguing stone structure, carved from a single piece of sandstone, is thought to date back to the late 18th century.
An inscription above the entrance reads ‘GC 1790’, believed to reference George Chubb, its likely creator. Inside, stone benches are carved directly into the rock, suggesting it was once a place of rest or quiet reflection.
Local stories suggest that Christopher Jeffrey originally built The Hermitage as a secluded retreat or folly. Opposite stands a semi-circular stone seat, a popular rest spot for those exploring the woodland near Falling Foss. During this visit, the structure is filled with fallen leaves.
After leaving The Hermitage, our route heads north through the woods. Stone steps guide us up and down, inviting us to explore further.
The trail meanders downhill, surrounded by slender pines and an undergrowth of ferns. The tall trunks and open path create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive.
Passing through a gap in the wall, we enter Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve. This beautiful reserve covers over 26 hectares of woodland on either side of Little Beck. The steep valley slopes are heavily forested with oaks up to 200 years old, along with ash, alder, hazel, rowan, cherry, and holly. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, including shy roe deer, badgers, foxes, and even otters. Bird species such as green and great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, and nuthatches also thrive here.
The trail through Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve has been improved over the years. Boardwalks now cover once-boggy areas, making the path much more pleasant to walk along.
We continue our Falling Foss walk through the reserve, enjoying the elevated boardwalks that keep our feet dry in the muddier sections.
We come across an artistic feature known as ‘Fallen Giants’—a carved wooden bench made from a large fallen tree trunk. An engraved poem on the bench reads:
The tumult of my heart is stilled
Within this sheltered spot
Deep in the bosom of the wood
Forgetting and forgot
Next to ‘Fallen Giants’ stands a carved tree stump featuring the initials ‘AW’ and an acorn symbol. These initials honour Alfred Wainwright, the creator of the Coast to Coast Walk, which passes through Little Beck Wood. The acorn symbol marks National Trails in the UK, representing officially designated and maintained paths like the Pennine Way and the Cleveland Way.
As we walk, we notice signposts marked with the ‘AW’ initials. Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, devised in the 1970s, stretches for 192 miles (309 kilometres) from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay. It passes through three of England’s most scenic national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.
More steps lead us further into Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve, extending our Falling Foss walk.
Little Beck flows through grey Jurassic shale, which was originally deposited as mud in ancient seas over 200 million years ago. In the 18th century, this shale was quarried for alum, a valuable chemical used in textile and tanning industries. A nearby cave reveals the exposed shale clearly.
A small waterfall tumbles over the dark shale, which has been smoothed by the stream’s flow over time. The exposed rock face, almost black, hints at the area’s geological past.
We continue our Falling Foss walk through Little Beck Wood, heading towards the hamlet of Littlebeck.
At the northern end of Little Beck Wood, an information board welcomes visitors arriving from the opposite direction. Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve truly is a gem.
Emerging from the woods, we find ourselves in the quaint hamlet of Littlebeck. It’s a delightful place with much to explore.
We cross a ford over Little Beck and sit on a nearby bench to enjoy coffee and lunch. It’s the perfect spot for a break.
Next to the bench, an interpretation board tells the story of Littlebeck and its surrounding area. Three hundred years ago, this hamlet played a key role in the alum industry. Alum was crucial for dyeing cloth and making leather. Extracting it was labour-intensive and involved burning huge mounds of shale rock. The board highlights six notable locations in Littlebeck: the Methodist Chapel, the Old Woodcarver’s Cottage, the Kelphouse, Littlebeck Village Hall, Thomas Whittaker’s Old Workshop, and the Old Mill.
The Methodist Chapel, which opened in 1890, remains a focal point for the local community.
The Old Woodcarver’s Cottage, once the Bay Horse Inn, was home to Thomas Whittaker from 1944 until his death in 1991. It’s believed that the alum works manager may have lived here too.
The Kelphouse played an important role in processing seaweed, which was vital for the production of alum.
Villagers have met at Littlebeck Village Hall since 1929, although the current building dates to 1955.
Thomas Whittaker’s Old Workshop, built by Whittaker himself, still overlooks the dale. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a clear view of it.
The Old Mill, which operated until the 1930s, once served the local area by grinding corn. Although the grounds are now private property, we enjoyed admiring it from a distance.
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