Looking at the waterfall at Casker Gill in full flow

Caseker Gill Force, Kettlewell

Caseker Gill is a set of waterfalls tucked away above Kettlewell in Upper Wharfedale on the lower slopes of Great Whernside.

After prolonged rainfall it is a stunning spot to visit! After a dry spell…. the waterfall will disappear….

Caseker Gill is the home of a fabulous set of waterfalls

AND it is the home of the entrance to Dow Cave, a cave once sketched by Turner back in the day. Dow Cave is one of the most notorious cave systems in the area and it is by all accounts pretty complex. The caves flood in wet weather, and so are dangerous to those who don’t have experience with caving. It is however cool to go and see the entrance, which you will find on the right hand side of the gill.

In dryer times, the waterfall will dry up, but what you are left with is a great little paddling and picnic spot!

This is a linear walk to and from the waterfalls, and is well worth a trip if you are in the Kettlewell area.

(A heads up, this place can be a bit ‘midgy’ in midge season, so grab your bug spray, or steer clear during the season - on a windy day, you should be fine!)

This walk guide should be used in conjunction with a map and if necessary a compass.

The walk to Casker Gill in winter
Caseker Gill in the Summer
A deer above Caseker Gill

Walk details for Caseker Gill Force

Distance: 1.5 miles

Terrain: Clear paths. To visit the falls, you deviate off the main path on the map, but it is still clear and well walked. The falls are located on access land and there is a right to roam, but be respectful of any boundaries put in place by the landowner.

Parking: Verge side. The parking is limited with room for around 3-4 cars, fortunately, it’s not a very well visited bit!

What 3 Words: dictation.bowls.slumped (parking) nodded.workflow.global (waterfall approximate)

Dog Friendly? Yes. Respect any signage from the landowner.

Public Transport Links: Nearest bus stop is in Kettlewell, but there is no link to the parking area. Check out the Dales Bus Service for more info.

Location: Kettlewell, Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Map: OS Explorer Northern and Central OL30

Toilets/ Baby Change: Yorkshire Dales Car Park in Kettlewell

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Kettlewell

Walking along the beck in the Yorkshire Dales

The return walk along Park Gill Beck

How to get to Caseker Gill Force

Directions (to be used in conjunction with a map)

  1. Starting from the parking spot, head uphill along the road for a short distance until you reach the signpost pointing right heading through a little gate in the wall. It is signposted East Scale Lodge.

  2. Keep along the path, that hugs the right hand side of the hill, below you on your right is Park Gill Beck. Continue along this path until you reach a wooden footbridge over the beck. Immediately on your right hand side is your detour to Caseker Gill.

  3. Ahead of you is a little rocky crag face. You need to step up this (it’s easy) and the path continues up there. Follow the line of the beck upstream until you reach the waterfalls.

  4. In heavy rain, you probably won’t be able to get very close to the main falls, but when drier, it is possible to paddle up the beck. You can see the water coming out from an underground outflow too, which is pretty cool. Up on the right hand side is Dow Cave, up a rocky mound, but be aware that the cave is not safe to explore unless you have experience in caving.

  5. Once you have picnicked and paddled, head back to your parking spot.

  6. Head into Kettlewell and explore! Check out our Visit Kettlewell with Kids Guide!

Last walked January 2023

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! These walks are intended as a guide only and are undertaken at your own risk. The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. If in doubt, turn back. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS or your phone alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Looking into Dow Cave

The top of the entrance to Dow Cave. Look carefully and you can see the top of an orange helmet emerging from below. We were there when a caving club were paying a visit.

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

💦 Paddle spots, that’s the name of the game here!

✨ A bit about Dow Cave! Whilst it’s not one that you can explore with your headtorch and a pair of wellies, Dow Cave is pretty cool. The famous artist Turner (turns out he’s a pretty massive cave and waterfall fan too!) painted Dow Cave after hiring a local from down in Kettlewell to give him a guided tour of the tunnels. I have read a fair amount about Dow Cave, and it looks to be a fascinating place to explore for those who are properly equipped and experienced. What I can say is DO NOT ENTER unless you are any of the above! The cave is prone to unexpected flood pulses when rain falls on the moorland above it, and it ranks pretty high on the cave rescue rankings!

🌳 This is a very short wander, with little in the way of any climb, so not much will be needed to encourage those walking feet! Why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Scoska Cave in the Yorkshire Dales

Want a cave walk where you can have a peep inside?

Why not take a look at Scoska Cave in Littondale?

This walk starts and ends in the hamlet of Litton and crosses the Litton Stepping Stones too!

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