Janet's Foss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Janet's Foss |
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Janet's Foss in April 2005
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| Location | North Yorkshire, England |
| Coordinates | 54°3′58″N 2°8′12″W / 54.06611°N 2.13667°W |
| Type | Plunge |
| Watercourse | Goredale Beck/River Aire |
Janet's Foss is a beautiful small waterfall located near the village of Malham in North Yorkshire, England. It's a popular spot where the Gordale Beck stream flows over a special type of rock called limestone. This limestone is covered with a soft, spongy rock called tufa, which forms from minerals in the water. The water then drops into a deep, clear pool below. This pool was once used for a traditional activity called sheep dipping, which was also a fun social event for local villagers.
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Discovering Janet's Foss Waterfall
Janet's Foss is a charming natural wonder in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The waterfall itself is not very tall, but it's known for its unique look and peaceful surroundings. The water comes from Gordale Beck, which eventually joins the River Aire.
How the Rocks Form at Janet's Foss
The waterfall flows over limestone, a common rock in this area. What makes Janet's Foss special is the layer of tufa rock that covers the limestone. Tufa forms when minerals like calcium carbonate, carried by the water, slowly build up over time. This creates a soft, porous rock that often looks mossy or spongy. It's a cool example of how water can shape the landscape!
The Pool and Its Past Uses
Below the waterfall is a deep pool. For many years, this pool had a practical use: sheep dipping. Farmers would bring their sheep here to wash them in a special solution. This helped to protect the sheep from parasites and diseases. Sheep dipping days were often big events, bringing people from nearby villages together. It was a chance for everyone to meet up and socialize while getting work done.
What Does "Janet's Foss" Mean?
The name of this waterfall has a magical story and an interesting history. Both parts of the name, "Janet" and "Foss," tell us something about the area.
The Fairy Queen Janet
The name Janet (sometimes spelled Jennet) is thought to come from an old local legend. People believed that a fairy queen lived in a secret cave hidden behind the waterfall. This idea of a fairy queen makes the waterfall feel even more enchanting and mysterious.
The Meaning of "Foss"
The word Foss comes from the Nordic languages, which were spoken by the Vikings who settled in parts of England a long time ago. In Nordic languages, "foss" simply means "waterfall." You can still hear this word used for waterfalls in countries like Scandinavia today. In some other parts of England, you might find waterfalls called "force," which is another version of the same Nordic word.
Janet's Foss in Movies
Janet's Foss isn't just a beautiful natural spot; it has also appeared on the big screen!
Filming Location for "Waterfall"
In 2006, Janet's Foss was chosen as a filming location for an independent British movie called Waterfall. In the film, the waterfall was given a different name: Molkham Falls. The movie crew spent time filming at Janet's Foss in May 2006, bringing a bit of Hollywood magic to this quiet corner of Yorkshire.
Wild Swimming at Janet's Foss
Janet's Foss is also a popular spot for people who enjoy wild swimming.
Taking a Dip in Nature
Wild swimming means swimming outdoors in natural bodies of water, like rivers, lakes, or even waterfalls. Some adventurous people enjoy swimming in the cool waters of Janet's Foss, even in colder weather. It's a way to connect with nature and enjoy the refreshing experience of outdoor swimming.
