Goit Stock Waterfall – One Of The Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems: How To Get There & Where To Park
Western Yorkshire doesn’t nearly have as many waterfalls as the north, but Goit Stock is an unmissable gem in the area. This waterfall is somewhat of a badly kept secret and is perfect for those wanting to enjoy nature and the beauty that this area of England has to offer.
To make sure your hike to Goit Stock waterfall is an unforgettable experience, you should know a few things before you go, such as where to park, what to bring and how to find this hidden spot.
Where Is Goit Stock Waterfall?
Goit Stock Waterfall is located in western Yorkshire, just under an hour away from the city of Leeds and seven miles from Bradford. The closest nearby town is Bingley which is well worth a visit for its historic houses, art galleries, and markets. The waterfall sits in a beautiful forested area that is popular among local hikers.
How To Get To The Waterfall
Parking And Public Transport
If you’re visiting Goit Stock Waterfalls in Yorkshire for the first time, you might have trouble locating the trail and figuring out where to go. The start of the hike is considered to be at the Malt Pub, which is located on Wilsden Road. The easiest way to get there is by car although there is also a bus station located nearby. The 616, 619, and K17 buses stop here, so if you do not have access to a car, this could be an option.
There is limited parking available at the Malt Pub, so if you do have your own car, you need to be arriving early to find a space. There are usually some available along the side of the road, but on weekends when more people hike in the area, you might have trouble finding one. Don’t look for parking options plate in the day and if there are no other options park at Stephen Smith’s Garden and Leisure Centre which is located just a 5 minute walk away.
How To Find The Trail To Goit Stock Waterfall
Once you’ve arrived at the Malt Pub, you’ll want to look for a small road called Goit Stock Lane. It’s easy to miss, so take your time to find the correct place before you begin walking. The road is narrow and might look like a driveway to you, but you’ll be in the correct place. After a few minutes, you’ll have walked past the houses and will catch your first glimpse of the Harden Beck, which is the stream that feeds Goit Stock Waterfall.
The Hike To Goit Stock Waterfall
The hike continues along the paved road through a beautiful forested area. This part of the trail is very easy to manage and could even be done with a stroller, however, it will become a lot more uneven after a while.
Once you see more houses, it will be time to turn off and head into the forest. Now the trail will be narrow although still easy to manage. You’ll have left the paved road and officially entered the woodlands. Make sure you can still hear the Harden Beck close by, and you’ll be in the right place.
The last bit of the hike is steep and very rocky. For a few meters, you’ll almost feel as if you’re climbing, which means the waterfall is near. You’ll be very close to the water of the stream, so be careful that you don’t fall in. The path is mostly made up of large rocks, which can be slippery, so take your time and don’t rush. You’ll finally have reached the Goit Stock Waterfall.
Don’t Miss The Second Secret Waterfall
A lot of people end their hike at this impressive waterfall, but there is actually more. After you’ve had a rest and enjoyed the beautiful view, follow the metal railing, which will lead you up the hill next to the falls. This part is also very steep, but you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the upper Goit Stock Falls. These are a lot smaller than the main waterfall but usually less crowded.
Once you’ve had enough of the waterfalls, you can either head back the way you came, which is the shortest route or continue following the trail. If you decide on the latter option, you’ll be heading back a different way and will reach the Malt Pub in around one hour of walking.
How Long Is The Hike To Goit Stock Waterfall
The hike to Goit Stock Waterfall is very manageable and only around 25 minutes long. If you’re up for a longer trip, you can extend your hike and walk through the forest a bit longer after you’ve reached the falls. This round-trip will take just over an hour and is highly recommended for those wanting to see more of western Yorkshire. Additionally, you can explore the nearby St David’s Ruin, which is located just a short walk from where you’ll be parking your car.
Be aware that the trail leading to the waterfall is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. It’s uneven in some places and should only be attempted by people with a reasonable fitness level. The elderly or those who have trouble walking might not be able to complete the hike. The first half of the hike goes along a paved road which might make it seem like it would be easily manageable, but the trail changes after a while and becomes rocky and steep.
What To Pack For The Hike
Even if the weather is predicted to be nice, you always need to be prepared for rain when hiking and exploring waterfalls in Yorkshire. Pack a light raincoat that fits in your backpack just in case.
Even if it hasn’t rained in a while, the hiking trail can be slippery in places. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes which you don’t mind getting dirty. The forest is always muddy, and especially if you’re hiking with children, things might get messy. It’s also recommended to bring a change of shoes and a big plastic bag, so you won’t make your car dirty after your hike.
The walk to the waterfall isn’t very long, so no need to bring a lot of gear with you. A bit of water and possibly some snacks should be in your backpack, though. If you’re seeing Goit Stock Waterfall on a nice day and maybe even walking to St David’s Ruin afterward, you should plan to have a picnic along the way. Bring something you can sit on, like a waterproof picnic blanket or cushion, and you’ll be good to go. Nothing is better than enjoying this incredible landscape with some delicious food and a hot drink to warm you up.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Waterfalls In Yorkshire?
Of course, you’ll want to be exploring waterfalls in Yorkshire on a sunny day, ideally without any rain. You’ll have the best chances of enjoying nice weather during the summer months, June to early September. This is when temperatures in England can go above 20° Celsius, and there is plenty of sunshine if you get lucky.
However, Yorkshire and the rest of England have notoriously unpredictable weather, and even if you visit Goit Stock Waterfall during the summer, you might still encounter rain. Just make sure to be prepared and bring a light raincoat just in case.
Double-check the weather on the day you’ll be visiting frequently in case it changes last-minute. Keep in mind that Goit Stock Waterfall will be busiest during the summer, and especially on weekends, you will most likely encounter other hikers along the way. Go during the shoulder season and avoid weekends if you want a quieter experience.
While a sunny day will be perfect for hiking through the forest, you might also have a great experience during the fall. This is when there can be a lot of fog in the area, and the fall foliage will be stunningly beautiful in different tones of yellow, orange, and red. Head to Goit Stock Waterfall between mid-September and November if fall is your favorite season of the year.
In winter, Yorkshire will mostly be cold and rainy. You might still have a few sunny but chilly days, which can be nice for a winter hike, but you’ll definitely have to dress warmly. Avoid going to waterfalls in Yorkshire when it has snowed or if the ground is icy as the path can get very slippery.
Finally, spring can be a bit of a hit or miss in Yorkshire. If you get lucky, you might have lots of sunny days with flowers decorating the lush forests. However, it can also be windy and rainy. The hiking trail to Goit Stock Waterfall can be slippery after it rains, so be careful when you hike, especially in spring.
What Else Can You See Close To Goit Stock Waterfall?
If you’re still up for seeing more after exploring the beautiful waterfall, then you should head to St David’s Ruin. This legendary structure is somewhat of a mysterious location since no one really knows why it was built. It dates back to 1796 and has always looked like a ruin without ever appearing to have been used for a specific purpose.
The views from St David’s Ruin are quite beautiful so definitely stop by after you’ve visited Goit Stock Waterfall. This is a popular photography spot, and the ruin has even been featured in numerous poems over the years.
