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

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.

Wensley Falls

Wensley Falls

Just outside the busy market town of Leyburn, is the small village of Wensley which lends its name to probably the best known of Yorkshires' Dales. 

It lays 1 1/2 miles to the south west on the A684 road to Hawes.

 Here is hidden another gem of a waterfall. 

Park by White Rose Candles and follow the sign, 2 minutes walk will bring you to the rear of the old mill and the falls.

Walk with care!

Redmire Force

Redmire Force

A Bit further down stream from the more famous Aysgarth Falls, lies Redmire Force. Not quite a splendid as the aforementioned falls but just as lovely. 

Easiest access is from Swinithwaite on the main Wensleydale road from Leyburn to Hawes. Park in the car park of Berry's Farm shop (if its open) from where sustenance may be obtained (for a fee! LOL) on the return journey. 

A  map of the route ( and other walks can be obtained by following the link) I have reproduce part of it here - Follow the red line across the meadows to the falls. Well signposted.

Well Sign posted!

Denthead Falls

Denthead Falls

Follow the Road (B6255) from Ribblehead to Hawes and take the turning left toward Dentdale. 

The next viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle is Denthead. 

Park underneath the Viaduct. 

Walk through the arches towards a small pack horse bridge. Cross this bridge and return with the beck passing alongside underneath the road. 

Cross the Pack Horse Bridge

A series of drops can be carefully reached - (depending on water levels) until the beck meets the Dee.

Hawes

Hawes

The small market town of Hawes is Englands highest at some 850 ft above sea level, and home of the famous "Wenslydale Cheese". The continuation of Gayle Beck runs through the middle of the town. The only public access is a view from the bridge which takes traffic through the town. 

Gayle

Gayle

Gayle falls are another easy one to access. They consist of a number of small drops flowing down from under the bridge downstream past the the Saw Mill. When the water is low it is possible to climb down either side of the bridge to the falls. It is possible to see upstream from behind the Saw Mill (But ask permission before hand!)

Below the bridge

Behind the Saw Mill

Above the Bridge

Aysgill Force

Aysgill Force

There are several ways to reach this fall, One is to follow the beck up from Gayle (which means parking in Hawes and walking the mile or so to Gayle first. 

This one is a shorter version. 

Drive through Gayle and exit on Beggermans Road. 

Once you have passed the 1st farm house on the right, there is a layby on the left. 

Park here then walk back past the farm to a previous lay-by just before the farm (approx 375m). 

Climb over the ladder style and descend the hill (Moderate to steep but easy going) Climb the 2nd ladder style at the bottom and turn left. 

Cross the small bridge and then turn right along the path. 

The fall is approx 200m along this path.

Apparently it is possible to reach the foot of the falls but I think it would need someone a bit more daring than me to do it!

View from path

View from Top

Cliff Beck aka Scarr House Falls

Cliff Beck aka Scarr House Falls

A small but easy to reach waterfall. 

Park in the lay-by on the B6270, just before Thwaite (after the Cliff Gate Road Junc) walk back towards Muker for approx 250m . 

Opposite the first barn there is a small opening in the wall, go through then through the gate in front of you. the waterfall is on your right.

This is Private Land but there is an Honesty box by the gate - A couple of shillings helps keep the owners happy. I'm told they keep an eye on all visitors!