Hardraw Force waterfall walk short highest tallest waterfall England Yorkshire Dales map route Hawes
Hardraw Force waterfall in all its glory – its surprising just how accessible the walk is to England’s highest waterfall – perfect for kids and the elderly! Read on to learn more about this short, must-do Yorkshire Dales walk.

Hardraw Force waterfall walk details:

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 0.6 miles
TIME: 45 MINS
TOTAL ASCENT: 50ft
DIFFICULTY: EASY

Hardraw Force waterfall walk overview:


This was a very easy and accessible walk (0.6 miles round-trip if you go from the low level path at the back of the green dragon pub in Hardraw) we done it with 3 young kids (2,4,7) with no probs. There are 2 options for the walk – the low level walk (where you see the waterfall from bottom & no uphill walking) and the high level route where you go to the top of the waterfall. The view of Hardraw Force from the bottom is the most impressive where you can get really up close to it.
 
You do have to pay to walk the path as it’s on private property unfortunately. You pay at the visitor centre/cafe out the back of the Green Dragon pub (£4 for an adult, kids £2, under 5 free – they accept debit card) The car parking is free though and there are nice toilets at the visitor centre. Please check opening times of visitor centre though especially in winter, as sometimes it’s closed in bad weather.

 

Hardraw Force waterfall walk map route:

 

This is the shortest and easiest Hardraw Waterfall walk featured at a mere 0.6 miles round-trip and took no time at all. This particular route starts from the car park at the back of the Green Dragon pub in Hardraw. This route is the low-level walk so no uphill at all (perfect for kids, push chairs/wheel chairs and the elderly) and the path flanks the river on either side with 3 bridges to cross along it (if you wish) before you reach the base of the impressive Hardraw Force. Upon paying to enter the walk via the visit centre, you will get a little map clearly showing the low-level walking route as well as a higher level route where you can walk to the top of the waterfall – but the view from the bottom is a must-see view as you can see below!

 

 

 

HARDRAW FORCE WATERFALL
– FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is Hardraw Force?

Hardraw Force is England’s highest single-drop waterfall, plunging about 100 feet (30 meters). It’s located near the village of Hardraw in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire.

 

How high is Hardraw Force waterfall?

Hardraw Force waterfall has a single drop of 100ft (30m).

What is the highest waterfall in England?

The award for the highest single-drop waterfall in England goes to Hardraw Force waterfall with it’s single drop of 100ft (30m). However there is a caveat as it’s only the highest above-ground waterfall. The underground waterfall in the natural cave at Gaping Gill, also in Yorkshire, has s ingle drop of 322ft (98m). However Gaping Gill is not accessible to walkers – only cavers!

Do you have to pay to see Hardraw Force?

Yes, there is an entrance fee (typically a few pounds) as the waterfall is on private land. The fee helps maintain the site.

What are the opening times for Hardraw Force?

Opening times vary by season, but it’s generally open daily from morning to late afternoon. It’s best to check with the Green Dragon Inn before visiting for up-to-date hours.

Can you swim at Hardraw Force?

No swimming is allowed allowed. For safety and conservation reasons, bathing in or near the waterfall is prohibited.

Is Hardraw Force suitable for families and children?

Yes! The path is fairly easy, making it a family-friendly walk. However, sturdy footwear is advised as the ground can be uneven or slippery.

Has Hardraw Force appeared in any films or TV shows?

Yes! Hardraw Force famously appeared in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991) starring Kevin Costner. It’s the scene where Robin bathes beneath the waterfall.

Are dogs allowed at Hardraw Force?

Yes, dogs on leads are welcome. Please clean up after your pet and respect the natural environment.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is parking at the back of the Green Dragon Inn – which is very close to Hardraw Force. Additional parking may be available in nearby Hawes.

 

 

 

 

My Hardraw Force waterfall photos in the Autumn:

 
Hardraw Force waterfall walk short highest tallest waterfall England Yorkshire Dales map route Hawes
The path flanks the river and it’s very easy to follow the river to Hardraw Force waterfall

 

Hardraw Force waterfall walk short highest tallest waterfall England Yorkshire Dales map route Hawes
You will encounter 3 nice little bridges over Hardraw Beck which you can criss-cross if you like on thw way to Hardraw Force waterfall

 

Hardraw Force waterfall walk short highest tallest waterfall England Yorkshire Dales map route Hawes
You are faced with an impressive sight once you reach Hardraw Force waterfall. The water flow will depend on if its been raining much, and I personally think it looks it’s finest in the autumn around the time this photo was taken 
 
Hardraw Force waterfall walk short highest tallest waterfall England Yorkshire Dales map route Hawes
You can get really up close to the pounding water of Hardraw Force waterfall – and whilst the signs tell you not to go behind the waterfall due to potential falling rock – some people still do at their own risk.
 
 
 
 
So there you go – a short but very sweet blog post and I hope it inspires you to visit Hardraw Force waterfall as I think its a must-do walk if you are in the Yorkshire Dales area and especially near the village of Hawes!

 

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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