Introduction
Slitting Mill Waterfall is a lesser-known waterfall in the Staffordshire countryside, with a second waterfall, Horns Pool Waterfall, located along the same route. Visiting both makes for a worthwhile short walk and is a good option if you enjoy finding quieter waterfalls away from the more popular tourist spots.
I visited in August following several heat waves and was pleasantly surprised to find both waterfalls flowing well. The route is mostly flat, with some uneven ground at the beginning before joining a good gravel path for the majority of the walk.
Neither waterfall is particularly large, but their woodland setting and relatively secluded locations make them an enjoyable pair to visit.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to park, how to follow the route to both waterfalls, what to expect when you reach them and the best time to visit.
Quick Verdict of Slitting Mill Waterfall
Slitting Mill Waterfall and Horns Pool Waterfall are a great pair to visit, with two waterfalls to discover along a straightforward woodland walk.
Both waterfalls have their own character and the peaceful setting makes this an enjoyable place to explore. I particularly liked that the route takes you away from the more obvious tourist spots and gives you the chance to discover two lesser-known waterfalls.
If you’re looking for a relatively easy walk with two waterfalls along the way, I’d definitely recommend adding Slitting Mill and Horns Pool to your list.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: Horns Pool Waterfall – 3 metres/10 feet | Slitting Mill Waterfall – 3.6 metres/11 feet
- Waterfall Type: Horns Pool Waterfall – man-made weir | Slitting Mill Waterfall – man-made cascade
- Starting Point: Slitting Mill, Rugeley, WS15 2UW (car park detailed below)
- Parking: Free car park at The Horns Inn | what3words certainly.scare.sobbed
- Public Transport: Bus available to Slitting Mill
- Walk: Just under 2 miles/3.2 km return
- Time: 5 minutes to the first waterfall and 20 minutes to the second. Allow 1–2 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Some sections suitable for wheelchairs (see Slitting Mill Waterfall Walk section below)
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: No
- Toilets: Yes at The Horns Inn
Where to Park for Slitting Mill Waterfall
Free parking is available at The Horns Inn, with the start of the route located just to the side of the pub. If you choose to park here, please support the pub by buying a drink or some food.
There are also bus services to Hednesford Road in Slitting Mill, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from The Horns Inn.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Slitting Mill Waterfall Walk
From The Horns Inn, take the path to the left of the pub, heading down towards Horns Pool. Just after the pool, look out for the path on the right, which winds around the edge of the pool.
Follow this path before taking the left-hand path downhill towards the bridge above Horns Pool Waterfall.
Cross the bridge and continue along the path, with lovely views across the fields to your right.
After around five minutes of walking from the pub, look for a gap in the hedge on your left. This leads to a short but steep section down through the trees, with some exposed tree roots to negotiate, before you reach Horns Pool Waterfall.
Once you have finished exploring the waterfall, retrace your steps back up to the main path and continue along the route. You will cross another bridge and pass Heritage Way sign number 17, which has some interesting information about the history of Slitting Mill village.
After the sign, take the path round to the right, crossing another bridge shortly after.
Continue along the Heritage Way until you reach sign number 18, which provides further information about the history of Slitting Mill and its former industry.
From here, you can follow the path into the woodland and around to the right to view the front of the pumping station if you want to take a closer look before returning to the main route.
Rejoin the path and continue straight ahead along the Heritage Way. Be careful not to take the path leading off to the right at this point.
A short distance further on, you will begin to hear Slitting Mill Waterfall through the trees. You will then pass a bridge on the left, beneath which the waterfall flows.
Walk a little further and you will see the waterfall to the left through the trees. If you are following Google Maps, be aware that the actual waterfall is a little further on than the marker for it on the map.
There are several short paths leading down through the trees to get a closer view of the waterfall. If you continue a little further along the main path, you will find one of the less steep routes down to the waterfall.
Once you have finished exploring Slitting Mill Waterfall, simply retrace your route back to the Horns Inn.
There are several other paths branching away from the route along the way, so if you have more time, you can explore further and see more of the surrounding woodland and stream. For the purposes of finding both waterfalls, however, the route above keeps things straightforward and follows the Heritage Way between the two sites.
Accessibility: The main Heritage Way is suitable for wheelchairs, although the short, steep sections leading down to view both waterfalls are not accessible. Both waterfalls can still be seen through the trees from the main path. The initial section from the pub towards Horns Pool is also likely to be difficult for wheelchair users due to the uneven ground and wooded path. An alternative is to park near the Leisure Centre and approach the waterfalls from the other direction, allowing you to access the more suitable section of the Heritage Way without using this initial path.
Horns Pool Waterfall and Slitting Mill Waterfall
Horns Pool Waterfall
Horns Pool Waterfall is the first waterfall you come to on the walk. Tucked away amongst the woodland, it is a peaceful spot and a good introduction to the two waterfalls along the route.
The waterfall follows the stream through the trees, with the surrounding woodland adding to the secluded feel of the area. When I visited in August, following several heat waves, there was still a good flow of water over the falls.
Slitting Mill Waterfall
Slitting Mill Waterfall is the second waterfall on the route and was my favourite of the two. I thought it had more character, with the waterfall and surrounding woodland creating a particularly attractive setting.
The waterfall flows over a rocky section of the stream, with trees and vegetation surrounding the water. Despite visiting in August after several heat waves, there was still a good flow, meaning I heard the waterfall before I saw it.
The area around Slitting Mill has a more enclosed, woodland feel, making it a lovely place to stop and take in the surroundings before continuing along the route.
Swimming at Slitting Mill Waterfall
The pools beneath both Horns Pool Waterfall and Slitting Mill Waterfall only looked deep enough for a paddle when I visited, rather than being suitable for swimming.
They are still lovely spots to get close to the water, particularly on a warm day, and the pools give you a chance to appreciate the waterfalls from a different perspective. If you do paddle, take care around the edges and on the rocks, as the surfaces can be uneven and slippery.
If you’re considering entering the water here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
Slitting Mill has a fascinating industrial history dating back to the early 17th century. The village takes its name from the slitting mills that once operated here, where flattened iron bars were cut, or ‘slit’, into narrow rods for the nail-making industry. The mill at Slitting Mill was one of the first of its kind in the Midlands and became an important part of the local iron industry.
Horns Pool is also closely connected to this history. Originally known as Dutton’s Pool and Slitting Mill Pool, the pool was used to hold water for the mill. The water was controlled by sluice gates before flowing over the waterfall, where it was used to power the mill machinery.
There is still physical evidence of the area’s industrial past. Archaeological excavations beneath the waterfall uncovered ironworking slag and part of a brick floor, providing an interesting glimpse into the activity that once took place here.
The area is also a good place for wildlife. Keep an eye over Horns Pool for kingfishers, which are known to be seen around the water. The surrounding woodland and Rising Brook provide habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife, while the damp conditions around the stream support mosses, ferns and other woodland plants.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are limited facilities directly at the waterfalls, so it is worth making sure you have everything you need before setting off.
The nearby Horns Inn provides an option for food and refreshments, making it a convenient place to stop before or after visiting the waterfalls.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore more of the surrounding Staffordshire countryside if you want to make a longer day of your visit.
Best Time to Visit Slitting Mill Waterfall
Slitting Mill Waterfall can be visited throughout the year, but the waterfalls are likely to be at their best following periods of rainfall when the stream has a stronger flow.
That said, both Horns Pool and Slitting Mill were flowing well when I visited in August after several heat waves, so you don’t necessarily need to wait for wet weather to enjoy them.
Spring and autumn can be particularly good times to visit, with the surrounding woodland looking very different as the seasons change. Autumn would be especially attractive if you enjoy woodland walks and changing foliage.
After heavy rainfall, take extra care around the waterfalls and on any uneven sections of the route, as the ground and rocks can become slippery.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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