Catrake Force

Waterfall in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Catrake Force

Track, Stonesdale The track acts as a bridleway which takes riders and walkers to join the Pennine Way. — Track, Stonesdale Credit: Maigheach-gheal

Catrake Force is a stunning waterfall located in Yorkshire, England. It is situated in the upper reaches of Swaledale, near the village of Keld. The waterfall is a popular attraction for nature lovers and hikers, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting.

With a height of approximately 20 meters (65 feet), Catrake Force is an impressive cascade of water that tumbles down a series of rocky steps. The falls are formed by the Catrake Beck, a small river that flows through the surrounding moorland and eventually joins the River Swale.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged beauty, with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and vibrant greenery. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the scenic countryside before reaching the waterfall, immersing themselves in the peaceful ambiance and captivating views.

Catrake Force is particularly captivating after heavy rainfall, as the water flow increases, creating a more dramatic spectacle. The sound of rushing water and the misty spray that fills the air add to the enchanting atmosphere of the area.

Access to Catrake Force is relatively easy, with a footpath leading from Keld towards the falls. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it suitable for both experienced hikers and casual visitors.

Overall, Catrake Force is a natural wonder that showcases the beauty of Yorkshire's landscape. Whether it's for a leisurely stroll or a photography expedition, this waterfall offers a memorable experience for those seeking to connect with nature in one of England's most picturesque regions.

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Catrake Force Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.407078/-2.1673205 or Grid Reference NY8901. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track, Stonesdale

The track acts as a bridleway which takes riders and walkers to join the Pennine Way.

Maigheach-gheal

Fields and barns in Stonesdale

The fields are bound with drystone walls. Drystone walls are built without mortar, and their stability – they can stand for 200 years – is due to the skill of the craftsmen who place rough boulders and angular stones together. Many drystone walls were constructed as part of the enclosure of open grazing. They were especially useful in areas too exposed for hedgerows to survive and where stones were readily available. Most drystone walls are wider at the base than at the crown, and are often capped with coping stones. A typical wall has two outer layers of large, flattish stones enclosing an inner ‘heart’ of smaller, rounder stones. Often it is reinforced with ‘through bands’ of even larger, flat stones which can also be used as stiles. The very dryness of a wall makes it more likely to endure wind and frost and to act as shelter for livestock as well as a boundary.

Maigheach-gheal

River Swale from Park Bridge

The River Swale is the northernmost tributary of the Yorkshire Ouse with its headwaters located in the eastern Yorkshire Dales, from where it flows in an easterly direction towards Richmond.

Maigheach-gheal

River Swale from Park Bridge

The name Swale in Old English means 'swilling and fast flowing'. It certainly is when viewed from Park Bridge.

Maigheach-gheal

Methodist Chapel, Keld

The chapel dates from 1841 and is a sad sight now that it is boarded up.

Maigheach-gheal

Date stone, Keld Methodist Chapel

For a wider view of the chapel NY8900 : Methodist Chapel, Keld

Maigheach-gheal

Village scene, Keld

A K6 telephone box stands beside the narrow road that passes the main part of the village. In 1935, the Post Office commissioned a new kiosk from Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to celebrate the Jubilee of King George V. The K6 Jubilee Kiosk, as it is known, was similar to the K2 box, being made of cast iron and painted red but was 25% lighter in weight. By the end of the 1930s there were 20,000 K6 telephone boxes in use all over the UK.

Maigheach-gheal

Village scene, Keld

The former institute stands on the right and former manse, which is now the United Reformed Church stands at the bottom of the lane.

Maigheach-gheal

United Reformed Church, Keld

The building is the former manse and is dated 1860.

Maigheach-gheal

Date stone, Keld Chapel

The date stone is on the United Reformed Church NY8901 : United Reformed Church, Keld

Maigheach-gheal

Sundial, Keld Chapel

The sundial is on the United Reformed Church NY8901 : United Reformed Church, Keld Sundials or sun clocks are considered to be the oldest known device for the measurement of time and one of the most ancient scientific instruments. The oldest known true sundial was built around 1500BC in Egypt. Shaped like a letter 'L' the length of the shadow cast by the vertical leg along the horizontal leg indicated the time. The Romans perfected the horizontal sundial we know today and invented portable travelling versions.

Maigheach-gheal

Bench Mark, Keld Chapel

The bench mark is to be found on the south face of the building. For a view of the building NY8901 : United Reformed Church, Keld and for further information on the bench mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Bellcote, Old School

The stone bellcote on the old school in Keld is inscribed with the name W. Metcalfe and the date 1847. The Metcalfe family originated in Swaledale and Wensleydale and are now scattered the world over.

Maigheach-gheal

War Memorial, Keld

The war memorial remembers those of the village who lost their lives during the Great War (1914-1918). The names on the memorial are: Richard Alderson Thomas Clarkson Wm Waller Hutchinson Robert Rukin We will remember them.

Maigheach-gheal

Aygill near Angram

The small green hill resembles a Norman motte but is more likely to be simply a glacial deposit of boulder clay.

Karl and Ali

Sheep pasture near Keld

The quintessential upper Swaledale scene of green pastures, field barns and sheep happily caught in a brief patch of sun. The River Swale runs in a wooded gorge beyond with Beldi Hill above, the scene of much lead mining, once a mainstay of the local economy.

Karl and Ali

Recently harvested grass fields near Keld

The black plastic bales of silage are in the valley of the Skeb Skeugh stream. Keld village in the middle distance sits above the wooded course of the upper Swale.

Karl and Ali

Pennine way.

Looking back towards Keld.

steven ruffles

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Catrake Force is located at Grid Ref: NY8901 (Lat: 54.407078, Lng: -2.1673205)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Richmondshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire

What 3 Words

///ambient.unicorns.skim. Near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

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Located within 500m of 54.407078,-2.1673205

Waterway: waterfall

Lat/Long: 54.4081112/-2.1728086

Catrake Force

Waterfall in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Catrake Force

Catrake Force Images

What 3 Words

Nearby Locations

Related Wikis

Keld, North Yorkshire

East Gill Force

Catrake Force

Kisdon Force

Nearby Amenities

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