Cotter Force

Cotter Force is a small, pretty waterfall near Appersett and Hawes, at the mouth of Cotterdale, a side valley of Wensleydale in North Yorkshire (Yorkshire Dales National Park, England). It is an easy, free stop for a short stroll through woodland beside the beck.

What will you see at Cotter Force?

Cotterdale Beck, a minor tributary of the River Ure, drops over six rocky steps here, each forming its own little fall. The biggest single drop is about 1.5 m (5 ft). Do not expect a towering cascade: the appeal is a tiered, tree-shaded stretch of stream. It looks best after rain, when more water is running. Look along the beck for dippers, grey wagtails, kingfishers and redstarts.

How do you get to Cotter Force?

The falls cannot be seen from the road. A short path begins off the A684 near Holme Heads Bridge, roughly 2 miles west of Hawes. You can park on the roadside by the bridge, then follow a surfaced path beside the beck, around a quarter of a mile.

The path has been graded and improved so that families with pushchairs, wheelchair users and less mobile visitors can use it, which makes this one of the more accessible waterfalls in the Dales. Descriptions vary a little between sources, so check current conditions before you travel.

Can you combine it with a longer walk?

Yes. From Appersett, a loop via Mossdale and Cotterdale runs about 12.5-12.8 km (just under 8 miles), with Cotter Force as a short detour on the way back, signed from the road. A circuit from Hawes of about 9.9 miles links Hardraw Force, Cotter Force and Aysgill Force, and some routes touch the Pennine Way briefly. In Appersett there is parking by the village green; leave access clear for residents.

What does it cost, and when should you go?

Entry is free, unlike nearby Hardraw Force, which charges admission. Cotter Force is generally quieter than the better-known sights of Wensleydale. You can visit all year, but the beck is at its best after rainfall and noticeably thinner after a dry spell.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cotter Force free?

Yes, there is no charge to visit.

Is it suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?

The path from the A684 has been upgraded for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Check current conditions before setting out.

How long is the walk?

From the road it is a short stroll of a few minutes. Longer loops from Appersett or Hawes take several hours.

Where can you park?

By Holme Heads Bridge on the A684, or by the village green in Appersett. Keep access clear in both places.