Rutter Force

The Eden catchment is full of spectacular waterfalls but one of the most beautiful is Rutter Force near Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Next to the waterfall is a picturesque old mill. This mill has been around for a long time – it was first mentioned in 1579 and was once used to grind corn, then as a sawmill before being converted to manufacture bobbins.

In 1926, a turbine was installed to supply electricity to the nearby village of Great Asby, but was a bit unreliable (to say the least)! However, it was the only source of electricity for the village until 1952 when the National Grid arrived.

Two streams join just above the waterfall to make Hoff Beck – Scale Beck, from near Gaythorne Hall, and Asby Beck, from the limestone potholes at Great Asby.