Cotterdale - West Gill

Cotterdale - West Gill

Acroy Gill Force, Mathew Bridge Force & Seavy Sike Force 

Cotterdale lies 4 miles North-west of Hawes (Wensleydale), just off the A684. Take the right turn and follow the single track until you reach the steep hill just above the hamlet. 

There is a large area here to park in. 

Follow the road downhill and around the bend. 

Just after the first set of buildings you will see a marker post directing you through the fields. Please keep to the beck side as you go through the fields. 

At the far end there is a gate which takes you onto a track. Turn right here and begin your ascent up the gill. It's a walk of approx 1.5 miles to the top-most fall - Seavy Sike Force. 

It will be necessary to cross the gill several times, although there are fords, after heavy rain it may be difficult. 

One of many crossovers

Acroy Force

Acroy Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Mathew Bridge Force

Seavy Sike Force

Clough Force

Clough Force

If you are in the vicinity of Garsdale Railway Station, on the Settle to Carlisle route, you may want to pay this one a visit. 

The only access and view point (without trespassing) is up through the moorland opposite the "Coal Road", (This is the road which takes you from the A684 to Garsdale Station, and eventually over the top to Dentdale). 

Park on this lane if possible or at the train station, and walk back down the hill to the main road. 

You will see the signpost at the side of the stile, however there is a gate a few meters further along. 

Go through either and follow the wall on the left, in a straight line towards the wooden Power pylon, here, head left toward the gate in the wall. 

Once through continue straight on. 

The pathway overlooks the falls and it is a steep and slippy climb down to the fence, which is as near as you will get. 

"Follow the wall on the left, in a straight line towards the wooden Power pylon, here, head left toward the gate in the wall"

As near as you will get without trespassing

Ure Force

Ure Force

Whilst you are in the vicinity of Cotter Force and Mossdale Beck Falls, Ure Falls is a "must see". 

2 wonderful falls cascade down either side of a lovely stone bridge surrounded by wonderful scenery. 

Continue along the A684 from Appersett until you get to the Moorcock Inn. Take the right turn onto the B6259. 

There is a lay-by on your left, or park in the Pub car park. 

Behind you is the Dandrymire Viaduct, on the Settle to Carlisle railway. 

Walk 25m past the pub car park until you come to a stile leading you to the footpath which tracks diagonally across the moorland towards Yore House. 

Alternatively continue a further 200m along the road until you come to the gated entrance to "Cobbles Hill", the access lane to Yore House. 

Either way both lead you to the stone bridge where the lower part of Ure Force cascades down. 

Look upstream to see the upper part.

Wonderful Scenery!

Mossdale Beck Falls

Mossdale Beck Falls

If you've been to Cotter Force, then there is no reason why you shouldn't call at the delightful Mossdale Beck falls as well. 

Take the A684 road out of Hawes through Appersett and after approx 4 km you will come to Thwaite Bridge. 

Park in the Lay-by where the large mounds of gravel are. 

You have 2 choices. 

1/ Either follow the signposted National Park pathway, which starts opposite the small bridge. This takes you up and over the Fall Rigg hill and down to the farm yard. A short but steepish climb through boggy terrain. 

Or 

2/ Follow the road way around Fall Rigg through the Farm yard. Although there are no signs saying "Private", there is no public right of way, so best ask permission if possible. 

There are 2 delightful falls to be seen, and more further upstream as well.