Gisburn Forest waterfall sits on Bottoms Beck in the heart of Gisburn Forest. It is a vast woodland area which is very popular with mountain bikers, but there also some great walks in amongst the cycle tracks.
Park up at the ‘Stocks Reservoir Car Park’ which is just a little north of the causeway and walk up School Lane for about 500m. The road ascends slightly and you’ll see a fingerpost sign helping you make a right turn into the forest. The track is reasonably visible but can be a little boggy, so make sure you have good footwear.
The route meets one of the main forest thoroughfares and after about 500m make a left, heading in a northerly direction. This road is probably a good opportunity to let your dogs have a run about because it is rarely used by vehicles, just the odd maintenance vehicle.
The road takes a few sweeps left and right but stay on it and you’ll eventually come to a bridge over Bottoms Beck. Don’t cross the bridge, take a right just before and follow the track heading in a southerly direction.
The path splits after about 500m but I stayed to the left, choosing to walk as close to Bottoms Beck as I could. This was mainly because I wanted to visit the waterfalls. And sure enough I could hear the sound of roaring water a little further downstream.
Back to the main route, for roughly 1km this path follows the course of the meandering Bottoms Beck and you’ll eventually be treated to nice views of Stocks Reservoir. Shortly afterwards you meet the main road, Hole House Lane. Turn right here and make your way back to the car park.
