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Currack Force, Keld, Swaledale - Coast to Coast

More Articles in the Kirkby Stephen to Keld subsection

Currack Force, West Stonesdale, Keld

Currack Force, West Stonesdale, Keld

Currack Force, Swaledale - Coast to Coast

Hidden away in the folds of upper Swaledale, Currack Force is one of those delightful discoveries that many Coast to Coast walkers pass without ever knowing it exists. The waterfall tumbles over a rocky ledge on Stonesdale Beck, close to its confluence with the River Swale near Park Bridge. Barely 300 metres from the better-known Wain Wath Force, it remains a surprisingly secluded feature of this beautiful Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Reaching Currack Force requires only a short diversion from Stonesdale Lane near Park Bridge, followed by a brief walk across the adjoining field towards the beck. The reward is a waterfall whose character changes dramatically with the weather. During dry spells, the water descends more gently over the rock face, revealing the underlying stone and the dark pool beneath. After prolonged rainfall, the beck gathers strength, sending a broad curtain of tumbling water over the ledge, its spray rising above the pool and its rushing voice filling the little valley. It is a place worth seeking out, particularly for walkers who enjoy discovering the quieter corners of Swaledale.

Currack Force Keld, Swaledale


From Park Bridge, a short but steep climb up Stonesdale Lane leads to a bend where a path turns east across a broad grassy field towards Stonesdale Beck. Here, tucked beneath the steep banks of the beck, lies Currack Force. A careful descent to the water’s edge reveals this secluded waterfall, hidden from the surrounding countryside.

💧 Insight – The Waterfalls of Upper Swaledale

A Landscape Shaped by Water

The upper reaches of the River Swale are home to a remarkable succession of waterfalls, where the river and its tributaries tumble over ancient beds of limestone and sandstone. Around Keld, three particularly attractive waterfalls lie within a short distance of one another, each revealing a different character of this rugged Yorkshire Dales landscape. Their appearance changes dramatically with the seasons, from gentle summer cascades to powerful torrents following heavy rainfall.

Currack Force

Just a short distance from Wain Wath Force, Currack Force lies hidden on Stonesdale Beck, close to its meeting with the River Swale. Tucked beneath steep grassy banks, this secluded waterfall is easily overlooked by walkers following the main route. A short diversion from Stonesdale Lane reveals a quieter corner of Upper Swaledale, where the sound of tumbling water breaks the stillness of the surrounding countryside.

Wain Wath Force

Near Park Bridge, Wain Wath Force stretches across the River Swale, its waters spilling over a broad rocky ledge into the pool below. Easily reached from the nearby road, it is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Upper Swaledale. In dry weather, the river flows gently over the rock face, but following heavy rainfall, the broad cascade becomes a powerful, roaring spectacle.

Catrake Force

Farther downstream, near Keld, Catrake Force tumbles over a succession of rocky ledges, forming a series of cascades rather than a single waterfall. Beyond Keld, the River Swale and its tributaries reveal further treasures, including East Gill Force and Kisdon Force. Each has its own distinctive character, from secluded woodland cascades to powerful falls enclosed by rocky banks, adding to the beauty and drama of Upper Swaledale.

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