The Yorkshire Dales is home to many incredible waterfalls and one, hidden in a wooded gorge not far from the village of Stainforth, is arguably one of the best waterfalls for wild swimming in the Yorkshire Dales; Catrigg Force. You can hear it before you can see it but what awaits you at the bottom of the woodland is better than you would expect. Cascading dramatically down a step drop from the ledge above, Catrigg Force is a stunning sight and in wet weather it becomes a moody and powerful force of nature. The walk to the waterfall from Stainforth is short so it’s perfect if you’re time limited or it can be tied in with a longer hike around the area such as Jubilee and Victoria Caves.
Where is Catrigg Force?
Catrigg Force is only about a 30 minute short walk from the village of Stainforth in the Yorkshire Dales. The route to the waterfall follows along the well maintained Pennine Bridleway path to a wooded area where the waterfall is located. It is also signposted all the way from the village just to make it a little easier too.
Where do I park for Catrigg Force?
In Stainforth there is a public car park where you can park before the short walk to Catrigg Force.
Parking for Catrigg Force address: Stainforth Car Park, BD24 9PQ
Cost of parking:
2 Hours £3.50
24 Hours £6.50
There are also public toilets and an electric car charging point here too.
How do you get to Catrigg Force?
There’s a couple of ways to get to Catrigg Force but I’ll cover the shortest and most direct route here from Stainforth village.
Distance: 1.55km one way
Time taken: 30 minutes one way
Elevation: 107m (uphill to the waterfall and downhill on the way back)
How do you get to Catrigg Force
From Stainforth car park, head out the main entrance and turn right up Main Road. Depending on the weather, when you get to the end of the road you can either head left up Goat Lane which will bring you out to a grassy area and some stepping stones on your right to cross the river. Or, if the river levels are too high, carry on following the road round to the right and as you cross the bridge there will be a little wooden sign on your left which leads you along a path alongside the river.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at a turning circle and the village green. There’s a road to the right which passes in front of a couple of houses and eventually onto a stony track which is the path that will take you straight to Catrigg Force.
The walk from here is the most direct route to the waterfall; just follow the track and eventually you’ll reach a metal gate. Don’t go through but instead look to your left and there’s a wooden swing gate and a sign showing the way to Catrigg Force. Follow this path to the woods and down the well worn path into the wooded gorge. You’ll reach a fallen tree trunk and the waterfall is up river on the right.
Retrace your steps to get back to the car park.
To download the OS route onto your phone, click here.
If you use the Komoot app you can also download the route to your phone here.
Can you swim in Catrigg Force?
This is an incredible place for a swim so yes, absolutely! The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is stepped and deep enough for a proper swim and on a nice day, I hear this can be a popular spot amongst those in the know. The river that flows down from it will need a bit of careful navigation across the slippery rocks or, take your shoes off and get your feet wet.
There’s a useful fallen tree trunk on the river bank which is the perfect place to get changed before making your way up the river to the pool at the base of the waterfall.
I visited this waterfall on a day where we’d had relentless rain in the week before quietly hoping for a wild swim but knowing deep down, it was probably going to be too strong to even consider. My hunch was correct and the water was SO powerful at the base of Catrigg Force and too dangerous to swim in.
I’d avoid going for a swim here during or immediately after wet weather and leave it for a time of settled weather when the water will be calmer.
Check out this video of Catrigg Force…
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