Kisdon Force

Kisdon Force is a pair of waterfalls where the River Swale drops through a wooded gorge in Upper Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire. It lies roughly 500 metres downstream of the hamlet of Keld, below the slopes of Kisdon hill.

What will you see?

The Swale tumbles down two cascades. Sources disagree on exact heights, but the lower drop is around 12 m and the whole fall is commonly put at about 10 m or more. The water pours over rock ledges framed by trees, and it gets noticeably louder and browner after rain. It sees fewer visitors than the falls right beside Keld, so you may well have the spot to yourself.

How do you get to Kisdon Force?

Start in Keld, where small car parks and campsite fields take payment through honesty boxes (check current arrangements before you travel). From the village, follow the Pennine Way down towards the river, then continue along the Swale. The walk from Keld is short, typically somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes each way.

Accessibility: the side path that drops straight to the lower falls is steep and can be slippery, so wear proper footwear and take care. A safer, easier option is the path along the valley side, which approaches the falls in a curve from a different direction. The terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

What else is nearby?

Kisdon Force pairs well with the Keld waterfall circuit: East Gill Force, Catrake Force, Currack Force and Wain Wath Force are all within an easy stroll. Many walkers also tackle the longer loop around Kisdon hill from Muker, following part of the Pennine Way and the valley floor. The full loop takes a few hours, while a visit to the falls alone takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

When should you go?

After wet weather the falls are at their most powerful, but paths are slick and need extra caution. In summer the river runs lower and the ground is drier. People swim in the Swale; the easiest and safest entry is further downstream, away from the drops themselves. Winter brings wet, sometimes icy paths and short days.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The falls are reached by public paths in the national park. You may only pay for parking in Keld.

Is the walk difficult? The distance is short, but the final descent to the lower falls is steep. The valley-side path is the gentler alternative.

Can you swim at Kisdon Force? Visitors do swim in the Swale, but pick a spot downstream of the falls and avoid periods of high water.

How long should you allow? About an hour for the falls themselves, and two to three hours for a circuit taking in all the Keld waterfalls.