Moss Force Waterfall
Moss Force is a three tiered waterfall dropping roughly 100m down the northern face of Robinson, right at the top of Newlands Pass just off the roadside between Keswick and Buttermere. It is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Lake District. The parking area sits right along Newlands Pass and the falls are only about 150m from the roadside. You can see the whole cascade from the car as you park. Up close, the falls break into three distinct sections. The upper tier is the tallest and most dramatic, split down the middle by a dark rock outcrop that divides the water into two channels. The middle section drops into a pool surrounded by scattered juniper. The lower tier is the smallest. Two paths lead from the parking area toward the falls, one taking a higher line with more of an elevated perspective and the other heading directly to the lowest tier. Reaching the base of the upper falls requires some scrambling over wet rock, so watch your footing. The water volume changes dramatically throughout the year. In dry spells, Moss Force often thins down to a trickle. But after a heavy rain, it transforms completely into a powerful cascade with spray off the rocks. The falls face north, set into the steep hillside, so direct sunlight on the water is limited. This works in your favour for long exposures, you are not going to be fighting with harsh highlights on the cascades. Early morning or late afternoon side light from the east or west skims across the rock face and brings out the texture of the individual tiers. Overcast days are ideal here, keeping the tones even across the wet rock, moss, and white water. A wide angle lens from the base looking up captures the full scale, or you can isolate the individual tiers with something longer from the path. (Newlands Hause, Cumbria, England)
