River Swale, 500 metres downstream from Keld, Swaledale, North Yorkshire

Kisdon Force

Two-cascade river waterfall in a wooded limestone gorge

Source image

8.5

Wildland

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Time

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Cost

Enclosed

Feel

River SwaleLimestone gorgeBroad-leaved woodlandWaterfallsYorkshire DalesWalkersWaterfall loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

8.5

Two cascades drop a combined 10 metres through a wooded limestone gorge below Keld.

The strength of the Swale, enclosed gorge and broad-leaved woodland give these falls real presence. Spring primroses add a quieter reason to visit. This is a recognised walking destination, not an undiscovered spot, and the difficult lower descent deserves more attention than promises of solitude.

Enclosed · Dramatic · Wooded · Rushing water

Find your way

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River Swale, 500 metres downstream from Keld, Swaledale, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Approach from Keld on the riverside path for the wooded gorge and its two cascades. Look for the contrast between the broken water and the surrounding ash, wych elm and rowan. Treat the lower-falls descent as a difficult optional section, not an essential part of the visit.

What to look for

The separate upper and lower cascades, limestone exposed in the gorge, and primroses beneath mixed broad-leaved woodland in spring.

The story

The local waterfall term ‘force’ derives from the Norse ‘fors’ or ‘foss’, meaning waterfall.

Best time to go

Spring for primroses; autumn for woodland colour.

Spring brings primroses to the woods; the source row recommends autumn for leaf colour. A visitor review also favours morning light once sunshine reaches the falls. Wet conditions make the rocks and descent more hazardous.

How long to spend

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Perfect for

Walkers · Waterfall lovers · Photographers · Woodland lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

Walking access is described via the riverside path from Keld, with the Pennine Way passing the falls. The final descent to the lower falls is steep, muddy and potentially precarious; rocks around the water are often slippery.

Parking

Limited parking in Keld village, according to the source row. Check before visiting.

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Toilets

The source row reports no on-site toilets and public toilets in Keld. Check before visiting.

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Food & drink

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Dogs

The source row lists dogs as welcome; specific restrictions are not supplied. Check before visiting.

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Accessibility

The source row marks the falls as not wheelchair accessible. Visitor accounts describe a steep, muddy descent to the lower falls, unsuitable for people with mobility difficulties. The source row also reports no phone signal.

Water

Freshwater river and waterfalls. Strong currents and slippery rocks are reported; swimming and kayaking permissions are not established by the supplied evidence.