Catrigg Force Waterfall

Catrigg Force Waterfall

Catrigg Force is a lovely waterfall on Catrigg Beck just east of the Yorkshire Dales village of Stainforth. The waterfall is well-hidden in a deep gorge and has two separate drops, each over 20 feet (6m) in height. The drops are separated by a wooded copse about 60 feet (18m long).

Composer Edward Elgar was fond of visiting the waterfalls and it was during his visits to the Yorkshire Dales that he was inspired to compose his most famous works, Pomp and Circumstance and the Enigma Variations.

The lower falls

The falls do take some effort to reach, but it is well worth it. The views from the path leading to the falls are some of the best in the Yorkshire Dales National park, and Stainforth itself is a lovely village, once a grange of Sawley Abbey in Lancashire.

An even more spectacular waterfall is just west of Stainforth, where Catrigg Beck joins the River Ribble.

Stepping stones at Stainforth

Getting There

There is a parking area in Stainforth or you can find parking along the village lanes. Take the path beside the Craven Heifer pub which lead to stepping stones across Stainforth Beck. From the far side of the beck head up a bridleway known as Goat Lane, following the Pennine Bridleway trail between parallel stone walls.

Follow the Pennine Bridleway over the plateau of Stainforth Scar

The trail rises gently for 3/4 mile, past several old farm buildings until you reach a short diversion to the waterfall off to your left, signposted 'Catrigg Foss Only'. The diversion drops into a hidden gully where you will find the waterfall.

Return via Winskill

You can return the same way or continue on the bridleway to Winskill, where you will see a lovely area of limestone pavement, and then turn right on the path along the Scar and back to Stainforth village, making for a lovely circular walk.

Limestone pavement at Winskill