River Rawthey

The River Rawthey winds through Cumbria’s green hills and dale. It begins where Rawthey Gill meets Haskhaw Gill, its exact source unclear but linked to Knoutberry Haw or Baugh Fell’s East Tarns. The river first flows north, gathering Whin Stone Gill in Uldale before turning south-west past Bluecaster. Near Dowbiggin it meets the Clough River from Garsdale, then passes Castleshaw Tower before joining the River Dee close to Sedbergh. Soon after, the Rawthey meets the Lune at Stangerthwaite, its journey complete. The Rawthey’s catchment covers over 78 square kilometres and the river itself runs for 50 kilometres. Two notable waterfalls mark its path: Uldale Force drops 15 metres on the main river, while Cautley Spout plunges 198 metres on a tributary. Much of the land along the Rawthey once belonged to the historic West Riding of Yorkshire. The river’s course takes it through quiet valleys and open moorland, offering a glimpse of northern England’s upland landscapes. Walkers can follow paths beside the Rawthey through Uldale and Cautley. The river’s banks are lined with rushes and grasses, and its waters rush over rocky beds in places. Cautley Spout draws visitors for its towering cascade, while Uldale Force offers a quieter spot to stand beside the water. The Rawthey’s tributaries add to the scenery, threading through bracken and heather. The river’s flow changes with the seasons, from a gentle murmur in summer to a stronger voice after rain.