Catrigg Force, Yorkshire Dales, Summer
With all the rain falling in the North of England at the moment, it seems a good opportunity to revisit some of our favourite waterfalls.
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. In fact, the Yorkshire Dales is home to the highest unbroken-drop waterfall in England, Gaping Gill (if you count the fact that it drops 322 ft into an underground cavern). If you want above-ground only, then the claim is held by Hardraw Force also in the Yorkshire Dales, a single drop of 100 ft.
But there’s plenty of other waterfalls to check out in the Yorkshire Dales. One of our favourites is Catrigg Force, found via a short but steep hike up the Pennine Bridleway east from Stainforth, just north of Settle. Here, Catrigg Beck meanders gently southwest from the slopes of Knowe Fell (593 m/1,945 ft) before plunging 20 ft into a wooded ravine. It’s a magical place.
All photos shot with my Fujifilm X-T2 with a Fujinon XF 18–55mm f/2.8–4 lens using a customised Provia film emulation.
Stainforth is a ridiculously pretty village, in true Yorkshire Dales fashion.
The pull up the Pennine Bridleway from Stainforth begins, where the views quickly open up.
We weren’t the only ones on this hike, and there were plenty of groups—families and friends—hiking up the Pennine Bridleway to see the falls.
Can never resist a shot of the drystone walls of the Yorkshire Dales.
The “nose” in the distance is Smearsett Scar (363 m/1,191 ft).
The copse that hides the ravine where Catrigg Force resides. In the distance the clouds start to lift off one of the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks: Pen-y-ghent (694 m/2,277 ft).
You can actually get right near the top of Catrigg Force, just before it plunges 20 ft into the ravine below.
Catrigg Force, set in its own beautiful little ravine.
Plenty of people were trying to get closer to the falls, which is tricky because the limestone rocks around here were wet and covered in mud, making them super slippy.
Doesn’t stop people trying.
Back out of the ravine, we rejoined the Pennine Bridleway through Upper and Lower Winskill.
And then started to drop down towards Stainforth, pausing to drink in the views.
After navigating the rather steep and slippery descent down Stainforth Scar, we navigated through the fields back to the village.
A lovely Yorkshire Dales scene.
That’s one happy kitty.