Scale Force at Crummock Water is the Lake District’s highest single drop waterfall with a single drop of 170 ft, and two others of about 20 ft. It is hidden away in a deep tree-lined gorge on the way to Red Pike.

Wordsworth described it as ‘a fine chasm, with a lofty, though but slender, fall of water’.

It has been featured on Secret Britain and is visited by hikers, walkers and definitely by photographers. Including me, many times! It has been a favourite spot for me.  You can photograph the lower falls from the bridge on the main path, but if you are feeling confident and adventurous you can climb the rock on the side and reach the view of the upper falls. You might get wet feet if the water is flowing well.

The main attraction is the 170ft drop which flows down the gorge and then cascades over a fallen tree, which when photographing the falls, gives you a lovely focal point at the front of your image. It has always been a favourite scene of mine and I have loved making images in both colour and black and white of the beautiful site.

My last visit was very different. The fallen tree has finally given way and broken apart.

Before and after images taken from the same viewpoint in March 2021 and March 2022.