If you fancy getting off the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, then there are two Yorkshire Dales waterfalls which have definitely earned the title of ‘hidden gems’. Both are located in the beautiful region of Swaledale and near the village of Keld, and are unique in their charm and beauty. So, if you want peace and relaxation this summer, then add a visit to Catrake Force and Wain Wath Force.
You can visit each separately or make it a circular walk. Starting in Keld, you can drop right down to see Catrake Force hidden behind the old campsite. It’s a gorgeous, stepped limestone drop framed by trees. From there, you just follow the beautiful River Swale upstream for less than a mile, and you will walk directly up to Wain Wath Force with its wide, open ledge and perfect wild swimming pool.
Catrake Force
You will find the picturesque Catrake Force waterfall lying on the River Swale. It is one of seven waterfalls that you’ll find on the Keld Waterfall Walk. What makes Cartrake Force unique is that it consists of four distinct sections, or ‘steps’. Each step acts as its own mini-waterfall, and the tallest single drop is 20 feet (6 meters) high. While it is always great to visit when it’s sunny, the water is very dramatic after heavy rain. It is arguably one of the most attractive of all the Yorkshire Dales waterfalls.
Wain Wath Force
Also located on the Swale is an equally stunning waterfall – Wain Wath Force. This secluded gorge is tucked away around a kilometre upstream from Keld. It’s not a particularly large waterfall with a drop of around 1.5 metres, with the river flowing beneath the limestone cliffs of Cotterby Scar. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. It is highly popular with photographers, highlighting how picture-perfect it is.
It has a lovely pool below the waterfall, set offering unspoilt views of nature, and there are also shallow spots for a paddle. If you’re looking for a moment of zen or reflection, this waterfall is it.
You may be wondering why they are both called ‘force’. Well, ‘force’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘foss’, meaning waterfall. In Catrake’s case, ‘Catrake’ comes from the Latin word ‘cataracta’, meaning waterfall. So, you got it, Catrake Force, does therefore translate as ‘waterfall waterfall’.
Best of all, once you’ve finished admiring the waterfalls in all their beauty, you can make your way up the road from Keld to Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn, and enjoy a well-earned pint while taking in the stunning moorland views.
So, if you want to get in touch with nature this summer and visit somewhere full of peace and tranquillity, well, you can’t go wrong with visiting one of these beautiful Yorkshire Dales waterfalls. Take a picnic, go for a wild swim, take incredible photographs, have a relaxing stroll along the river- whatever you do, you’ll not regret a visit to Catrake Force and Wain Wath Force.
Read More: 13 Of The Most Stunning Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls You Need To Visit
