Kisdon Force

Kisdon Force is a series of waterfalls on the River Swale in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. The falls lie within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, about 500 metres downstream from the hamlet of Keld. Four forces appear along this stretch of the river: East Gill Force, Catrake Force, Wain Wath Force and Kisdon Force. The name ‘force’ comes from the Norse word for waterfall. The river cuts a gorge through Carboniferous Limestone between Kisdon and Rogan’s Seat. Kisdon Force drops ten metres over two cascades. The upper falls are graded IV for canoeists, while the lower falls are harder at grade V. Canoeists need a high degree of skill and experience to negotiate them. The surrounding Kisdon Force Woods cover thirty-eight hectares and form a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Ash, wych elm and rowan trees dominate the mixed woodland, and primroses bloom thickly in spring. A riverside path from Keld leads to the falls. The stones around the water can be wet and slippery, so care is needed. Walkers on the Pennine Way also pass the falls, swelling visitor numbers. The path offers views of the gorge and the limestone cliffs that frame the cascades.