Black Force is one of two spectacularly high cascade waterfalls to be found in the Howgill Fells, the other being the more famous Cautley Spout.
The waterfall sees Little Ulgill Beck drop steeply down a dark, craggy ravine into Carlin Gill. This ravine is one of the few places in the Howgill Fells where the underlying rock makes an appearance.
The waterfall can be reached on a lovely walk from Carlingill Bridge following Carlingill Beck upstream, passing along the way a few minor waterfalls like the one at the foot of Small Gill. Care must be taken out one point where a small rocky ravine is best avoided just before reaching the bottom of Black Force.
For those who like a bit of excitement on top of a view of a smashing cascade, there is an enjoyable scramble up alongside the left hand side of the waterfall via a miniature arete. Close to the top keep an eye out for some interesting striated rock on the opposite side of the ravine. The view back down from above the waterfall is exceptional.
