Water, Water everywhere

Here’s a detailed road trip itinerary for your VW California T6 campervan adventure from Wigan, taking in some of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire. This route offers stunning scenery, great campsites, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and photography.

🚐 Yorkshire Waterfall Road Trip Itinerary

Start: Wigan (VW California Hire)

  • Pick up your campervan and stock up on supplies.
  • Ensure you have essentials: camping gear, maps, snacks, and a good playlist.

📍 Stop 1: Aysgarth Falls

  • Drive time: ~2.5 hours (via M6 & A684)
  • Location: Aysgarth, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
  • Why visit? Famous for its three-tiered waterfalls and featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
  • Things to do:
    • Walk the Aysgarth Falls Nature Reserve.
    • Visit Bolton Castle, just nearby.
    • Enjoy lunch at the Falls Café.

🏕 Camping: Aysgarth Falls Hotel Campsite (near the falls, has good facilities)

📍 Stop 2: Hardraw Force

  • Drive time: ~20 min from Aysgarth
  • Location: Hardraw, near Hawes
  • Why visit? England’s highest single-drop waterfall, accessed via the Green Dragon Inn.
  • Things to do:
    • Have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before visiting.
    • Walk to the Hardraw Scar gorge.
    • Optional hike up to Great Shunner Fell.

🏕 Camping: Bainbridge Ings Campsite (near Hawes, with showers and electric hook-ups)

📍 Stop 3: Cotter Force

  • Drive time: ~10 min from Hardraw
  • Location: Near Appersett, Yorkshire Dales
  • Why visit? Easy-access waterfall with a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Things to do:
    • Short scenic walk from the roadside.
    • Picnic stop with great photography opportunities.

🏕 Camping: Continue at Bainbridge Ings or Hawes Caravan Park.

📍 Stop 4: Cautley Spout

  • Drive time: ~45 min from Cotter Force
  • Location: Near Sedbergh, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales
  • Why visit? The highest waterfall in England above ground, with an epic landscape.
  • Things to do:
    • Hike up to the Howgill Fells.
    • Visit The Cross Keys Temperance Inn (historic pub serving great food).

🏕 Camping: Sedbergh Caravan Park.

📍 Stop 5: Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar

  • Drive time: ~1 hour from Cautley Spout
  • Location: Malham, Yorkshire Dales
  • Why visit?
    • Janet’s Foss: A fairy-tale waterfall hidden in a woodland glade.
    • Gordale Scar: A dramatic limestone ravine with cascading waterfalls.
    • Malham Cove: A famous limestone cliff with spectacular views.

🏕 Camping: Riverside Campsite Malham.

📍 Stop 6: Lumb Hole Falls

  • Drive time: ~1.5 hours from Malham
  • Location: Crimsworth Dean, near Hebden Bridge
  • Why visit? A hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Things to do:
    • Short walk from the road.
    • Explore Hebden Bridge, known for its artsy shops and cafes.

🏕 Camping: Hebden Bridge Camping.

📍 Stop 7: Scaleber Force

  • Drive time: ~40 min from Hebden Bridge
  • Location: Settle, Yorkshire Dales
  • Why visit? A stunning multi-tiered waterfall in a woodland gorge.
  • Things to do:
    • Easy access from the roadside.
    • Explore Settle’s market town.

🏕 Camping: Knight Stainforth Hall Caravan & Camping Park.

Final Stretch: Drive Back to Wigan

  • Drive time: ~2 hours back via the M65 & M6.

🏕 Campsites to Book in Advance

  • Aysgarth Falls Hotel Campsite
  • Bainbridge Ings Campsite (Hawes)
  • Riverside Campsite (Malham)
  • Hebden Bridge Camping
  • Knight Stainforth Hall Caravan Park

🎒 Road Trip Essentials

  • Good walking boots 🥾
  • Waterproofs ☔
  • Camera 📸
  • First aid kit 🚑
  • Snacks & drinks 🍏
  • Camping chairs & stove 🍽️
  • Maps & offline GPS 🗺️

🚀 Bonus Add-On Stops

  • Thornton Force (near Ingleton Waterfalls Trail)
  • West Burton Falls (a hidden gem near Aysgarth)
  • Hull Pot (largest natural hole in England near Pen-y-Ghent)

Final Thoughts

This 5-7 day road trip is perfect for a mix of adventure, scenic drives, and cozy camping. You’ll experience some of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire, with plenty of great stops for food, photography, and local attractions.

For details on our hire vehicle contact the team in Wigan

By phone on 01942 778899

Email us on bookings@easicampers.com

Visit our easy to use site https://easicampervanhire.com/camper-van-hire-wigan-lancashire/