Hardraw Force: England’s Highest, Unbroken, Single Drop Waterfall

The Yorkshire Dales are home to countless natural wonders, but few are as captivating as Hardraw Force. Tucked away in a beautiful wooded gorge behind the hamlet of Hardraw, this spectacular waterfall holds the title of England’s highest unbroken single-drop waterfall.

Plunging nearly 100 feet over a limestone cliff, it’s a breathtaking sight that has inspired artists, filmmakers, and visitors for centuries.

Hardraw Force is complimented by its enclosed and surreal surroundings and makes it one of the must see natural landmarks when in the area of Hawes.

You do not need to be a big walker to get to the falls either that makes it a great natural landmark to visit with children.

These images from my visits show how it can be different each time or season. In lush green of summer, or trees bare in Autumn. Or after heavy rain or a drought.

History and Significance of Hardraw Force

Formed over millennia by the power of water, Hardraw Force is a product of the last Ice Age. As the melting glaciers carved out the imposing gorge that now houses these cascading waters.

The name used for the hamlet and waterfall, ‘Hardraw’, is believed to come from Old Norse. Combining the words ‘Herde’ (Shepherd) and ‘raw’ (row of huts).

So in the days of the Vikings there must have been a group of shepherd huts by here. The Force part comes from Norse for waterfall.

Beyond its natural beauty, the waterfall has a rich cultural history. It served as the backdrop for the famous folk song “Hardraw Scaur,” which tells the tale of a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the waterfall.

The renowned landscape painter J.M.W. Turner captured its majesty in his artwork. In 1820 JMW Turner painted the falls on one of his tours of the North.

The poet William Wordsworth visited the falls in 1799 and was compelled to write to his friend Samuel Coleridge with the following:

“Twas bitter cold, the wind driving the snow behind us the the best style of a mountain storm. We soon reached an inn at a place called Hardraw, and descending from our vehicles, after warming ourselves by the cottage fire, we walked up the brookside to take a view of a third waterfall, . . . . .

We walked up to the fall; and what would I not give if I could convey to you the feelings and images which where communicated to me?

After cautiously sounding our way over stones of all colours and sizes, encased in the clearest water formed by the spray of the fall we found the rock, which had before appeared like a wall, extending itself over our heads like the ceiling of a huge cave, from the summit of which the water shot directly over our heads into a basin, and among the fragments wrinkled over with masses of ice as white as snow, or rather, as Dorothy said, like congealed froth.

The water fell at least tens yards from us and we stood directly behind it.”

William Wordsworth

More recently, it gained international fame when it was used as a backdrop for a famous bathing scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Speaking of filming location. If you go through the Green Dragon Pub, take a look around, and if you watch the new incarnation of All Creatures Great and Small, it here that the Drovers Arms pub indoor scenes are filmed.

With regard to its stat of being the highest unbroken single drop waterfall, then the caveat is ‘above’ground’.

Not too far away, by Ingleborough, there is the underground pothole of Gaping Gill that has a waterfall crashing 300 feet down into its cavern.

Beauty of the Waterfall

I have been to Hardraw Force so many times from coming here as a child visiting relatives in the area like nearby Gayle, or fondly taking it in when passing on adventures.

Each time is just as awe inspiring as the last. The trees change, the water level changes and the light changes. Each time as magical as any other visit.

As you approach the waterfall you feel a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. The sight of water cascading over ancient limestone is truly awe-inspiring, as the powerful force of nature is on full display.

The water tumbles down in a graceful dance, creating a mesmerizing display that captivates the imagination.

The pool at the base of the waterfall reflects the surrounding greenery, creating a mirror-like surface that adds to the picturesque beauty of Hardraw Force.

The lush vegetation that thrives in the damp environment creates a vibrant tapestry of colors, with moss-covered rocks and ferns lining the edges of the pool.

The towering cliffs that flank the waterfall add a touch of drama to the scene, as the sunlight filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the cascading waters.

Flora and Fauna Surrounding the Waterfall

The lush greenery that surrounds Hardraw Force Waterfall is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The damp and humid environment created by the waterfall provides the perfect conditions for a variety of plant species to thrive.

Mosses and ferns coat the rocks, creating a lush carpet of green that adds to the enchanting atmosphere. In the summer months, wildflowers bloom in abundance, painting the landscape with vibrant colors.

The woodland surrounding the waterfall is also a haven for wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot various species, including dippers, grey wagtails, and kingfishers, which are often seen darting along the water’s edge.

If you’re really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or a roe deer, which can sometimes be spotted exploring the woodland trails near the waterfall.

Visiting Hardraw Force: Practical Information

Upon entering the pretty and small hamlet of Hardraw, just north of the town of Hawes, look for the Green Dragon Pub.

Yes, the waterfall is privately owned, and until recently you needed to go through the front door of the pub, and out the back door to get to the falls.

Now there is big visitor entrance and building to the side. The current price to see Hardraw Force is £4 adults, £2 children and under 5s free. There is a family ticket for £10.

From there you walk just a few hundred metres or so beside the river, into the gorge that ends were the water falls dramatically.

Looking behind the water you can see in the rock, the steps that have taken millions of years to create some of the dramatic, and beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.

Ancient layers of shale, sandstone and limestone that together with sea ages and the last ice age, has left the limestone overhang with the river dropping straight down into the earths scar you have just walked along.

Directions and Parking

To get to the waterfall, you will first need to travel to the market town of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, which is easily accessible via the A684. From Hawes, follow the local signs for the hamlet of Hardraw, which is just over a mile away.

If coming over from Swaledale then Hardaw sits at the bottom of the magnificent Buttertubs Pass on the Wensleydale side.

I find the best place to park is the public car park in Hawes, so that you can then enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk to the village of Hardraw and get some Wensleydale fresh air.

If you prefer to drive directly to Hardraw, be aware that parking is limited and often found along the roadside.

Things to Do Nearby

A visit to Hardraw Force can easily be combined with other attractions in the area, making for a perfect day out in the Yorkshire Dales.

• Explore the town of Hawes, where you can visit the Wensleydale Creamery and sample its famous cheese.
• Learn about the area’s rich heritage at the Dales Countryside Museum.
• Take advantage of the extensive network of hiking trails that crisscross the beautiful countryside. You are not far from Swaledale and Muker here.

When in Hardraw it doesn’t have to be a stop, see and go away again thing either. It is such a quaint place to stroll around or to enjoy a picnic by the river.

As well as the pub and falls in Hardraw there is the riverside church, the tea rooms, lovely cottages to wander by and of course the great open Wensleydale countryside.

Nearby Accommodations and Dining Options

If you’re planning to spend more than a day exploring the Yorkshire Dales and Hardraw Force Waterfall, there are several accommodations and dining options available in the area.

From charming bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, there is something to suit every budget and preference.

The nearby town of Hawes offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional pubs serving hearty British fare to quaint tearooms where you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.

Many eateries in the area focus on using locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to savor the flavours of the Yorkshire Dales.

Conclusion

Hardraw Force Waterfall is a true natural wonder that showcases the raw power and beauty of nature. From the moment you set foot on the path leading to the waterfall, you’ll be transported to a world of tranquility and awe.

The dramatic cascade of water, the lush greenery, and the surrounding rugged landscape create a captivating atmosphere that will leave you spellbound. Until my next visit…….