Thornthwaite Force, Haweswater - Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Haweswater to Orton subsection
Thornthwaite Force, Haweswater Beck
Thornthwaite Force, Haweswater, Coast to Coast
Thornthwaite Force is a small waterfall on Haweswater Beck, the river that drains Haweswater Reservoir, about 100 yards east of Naddle Bridge and a quarter of a mile east of Burnbanks. The Coast to Coast path follows Haweswater Beck upstream from Naddle Bridge and passes directly beside the falls long before reaching Park Bridge and the former settlement of Thornthwaite Hall.
Although modest in height, Thornthwaite Force is an attractive feature of the valley, with clear water cascading over rocky shelves beneath a canopy of mature woodland. In spring, the banks surrounding the waterfall are coloured by drifts of bluebells, wood anemones and other wildflowers, creating one of the most picturesque riverside scenes on this section of the Coast to Coast route. Sheltered by trees and accompanied by the sound of fast-flowing water, the falls provide a peaceful contrast to the open landscapes surrounding Haweswater Reservoir
Thornthwaite Force Haweswater Beck
Thornthwaite Force is a modest but attractive waterfall on Haweswater Beck, set within a narrow wooded ravine about 100 yards east of Naddle Bridge near Burnbanks. Here, the outflow from Haweswater Reservoir tumbles over rocky ledges in a rush of white water before continuing north-east through the Lowther Valley. Beyond Burnbanks and Bampton Grange, Haweswater Beck eventually joins the River Lowther, which carries its waters towards the River Eamont and the Eden. Surrounded by mature trees and rich riverside vegetation, the falls provide a peaceful and picturesque feature beside the Coast to Coast route.
Naddle Beck Burnbanks
Naddle Beck rises in the hills and forests above the eastern shore of Haweswater Reservoir. Flowing north-east between the Harper Hills and Highfield Crag, it curves around Naddle Farm before turning towards Naddle Bridge. Here, the beck joins Haweswater Beck, adding its waters to the river that drains the reservoir and continues through the Lowther Valley.
Naddle Bridge Haweswater
Naddle Old Bridge is an 18th-century single-arch stone bridge and a Grade II listed structure on the edge of Burnbanks. Although now bypassed by a modern road bridge, it remains an attractive feature of the valley. Just beyond the bridge, Naddle Beck joins Haweswater Beck, creating a confluence that can be seen on the eastern side of the crossing.
Haweswater Beck Burnbanks
Haweswater Beck carries water from Haweswater Reservoir through the wooded valley below Burnbanks. The Coast to Coast path follows its banks from Naddle Bridge to beyond Park Bridge, where the river turns north towards Bampton Grange. After a journey of about a mile and a half, its waters join the River Lowther, which continues through the Eden Valley.
Park Bridge Thornthwaite Hall
A short distance beyond Thornthwaite Force, Haweswater Beck passes beneath Park Bridge, a small stone crossing that carries the access track to Thornthwaite Hall. Framed by trees and fast-flowing water, the bridge marks a pleasant point along this quiet stretch of the Coast to Coast route.
Haweswater Beck Rawhead Bend
Between Park Bridge and Rawhead, Haweswater Beck makes a sharp turn to the north as it continues towards Bampton Grange. At this point, a simple wooden fence spans the river, creating an unusual feature beside the water. The bend offers an attractive view of the beck as it leaves the wooded valley below Burnbanks.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.

