Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys
Cumbria
Cautley Spout pours off the eastern flank of the Howgill Fells in a series of cascades that fall around 200 metres, often described as the highest cascade waterfall above ground in England, and unlike most falls it can be seen from miles away down the Rawthey valley. Sheep wander freely across this valley, so dogs need a lead, though the flat valley floor makes for easy going. The valley below holds the remains of an Iron Age settlement with a stone-lined avenue leading towards the foot of the waterfall. This 4km out and back walk starts from the lay-by on the A683 by the Cross Keys, a 400 year old National Trust temperance inn, crosses the River Rawthey on a footbridge and follows a good path up the flat valley floor of Cautley Holme Beck to the foot of the falls, with only gentle climbing. Fit walkers can continue up the steep stepped path beside the cascades.
This is a dog friendly walk in the sense that dogs are welcome on the open fell, but the Howgills are sheep country and the flocks wander freely right up to the path, so plan on keeping your dog on a lead for the whole route The beck runs alongside most of the way, with plenty of places for a drink, though it rises quickly after rain. Parking in the lay-by is limited, so do not block the road if it is full. The Cross Keys serves food and drink, and dogs are reported welcome in its outside seating.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, River, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Cross Keys Temperance Inn (National Trust) by the lay-by for food and soft drinks; dogs reported welcome outside. Toilets and more choice in Sedbergh.
- Parking
- Small free lay-by on the A683 just past the Cross Keys Inn, about 7 km from Sedbergh; limited spaces.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Sorting Office
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,021 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on this walk through the open fell, and the flat valley floor makes it an easy, comfortable route for most dogs. The Cross Keys Inn at the start of the walk also reportedly welcomes dogs in its outside seating area, so you can round off the trip with a well-earned rest. That said, with free-roaming sheep throughout the Howgills, leads are essential for the whole route, which is reflected in the 7/10 dog friendly rating.
Can dogs be off lead at Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys?
Off-lead walking isn't really an option here, as sheep roam freely across the valley and right up to the path for the entire route. Plan to keep your dog on the lead from start to finish — the good news is that the path is wide and well-surfaced, and the gentle terrain makes a lead walk genuinely easy rather than a struggle.
What should I know before visiting Cautley Spout from the Cross Keys with my dog?
The sheep are the main thing to prepare for — they wander freely throughout, so a reliable lead is a must from the moment you leave the car. The beck runs alongside most of the walk and offers plenty of drinking spots, though it can rise fast after rain, so exercise caution if conditions have been wet. Parking in the lay-by on the A683 is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait rather than blocking the road.
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Lay-by by the Cross Keys Temperance Inn, A683, Cautley, Sedbergh LA10 5NE
54.3665, -2.4665
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