My favourite English walk that’s perfect for rainy days, ending with a stunning waterfall & one of country’s best cafes
A MAN who has trekked over 10,000 miles through the UK has revealed the English walk that’s perfect for a rainy day.
Professional hiker John Millen suggests visiting Falling Foss, a little-known waterfall in Yorkshire.
John is a guide for Walkers’ Britain – a company that’s been organising hiking expeditions in the UK and Europe since the 1970s.
The outdoor enthusiast has walked the Coast to Coast Path – a 193-mile walking route from St Bees in the Lake District to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire – more than 20 times.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Travel about rainy day walks in the UK, John said: “There’s a waterfall on the Coast to Coast Path in the North York Moors.
“Falling Foss is a nice, very long, waterfall.
“It’s quite small, but it’s long and after a lot of rain, it’s quite an attraction.
“So that’s a good one for a rainy day hike, if you’re going to do a walk.
“The waterfall is just by a tearoom, which is also beautiful.”
Falling Foss is a 30ft waterfall, located around six miles from Whitby in Sneaton Forest.
Brits don’t need to walk the Coast to Coast Path to visit the waterfall, as there are plenty of local routes would-be ramblers can join.
The waterfall is a 90-minute walk from either May Beck or Falling Foss car park, both of which are free.
While John describes the walk as being good on a rainy day, the route down can be quite slippery.
Walkers can also visit Hermitage, a cave that was carved by builder George Chubb in the 18th century, and legend has it that he then lived in the cave.
Visitors can also admire the waterfall from Falling Foss Tea Garden, a former 18th century cottage that’s been turned into a tea room by husband and wife duo, the Newmans.
After purchasing the run-down building in 2008, owners Jack and Steph spent 16 years transforming the place into a home and café
Falling Foss Tea Garden is perched about the 30ft waterfall, with diners able to take in stunning views.
Homemade cakes and cream teas are served, with kids able to play in the fairy-themed playground.
The Newmans also provide pooh sticks, which children can toss into the river from the bridge.
One of the most enchanting Tea Gardens in England
Travel experts Lonely Planet include the tearoom on their Ultimate UK Travel List, adding: “Make time for a cuppa at Falling Foss Tea Garden.
“Tucked away in a hidden fold of the North York Moors – it’s one of the most enchanting Tea Gardens in England.”
The tea garden has been praised by visitors, with a 4.5/5 star rating from hundreds of reviews on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “We wandered through the wood along the stream our springer spaniel was having the time of his life.
“We ended up at the cafe which was a very pleasant surprise.”
Another person added: “This is a lovely place to visit, excellent food and wonderful, helpful staff”.
A third simply said: “It’s just blissful and beautiful”.
Three other waterfalls to visit in the UK
AS an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, John knows plenty of other breathtaking waterfalls Brits can see in the UK.
Pennine Way
There are two in the Pennines, with John adding, “Yorkshire has High Force and Low Force. Low Force is a smaller waterfall, and High Force is probably the most impressive waterfall in the UK.
Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire isn’t short on stunning waterfalls. John said: “Along the Herriot Way, there’s the falls around the Hayes Garth, which are kind of multiple stepped falls, which are beautiful”.
Meanwhile, the most beautiful walks in the UK have been revealed.
And a new 2,700-mile walking route in the UK to be the world’s longest coastal path.