Cotter Force waterfalls in Wensleydale

Cotter Force, Hawes

This is a brilliantly accessible waterfall walk near Hawes in Wensleydale. Both pushchair and wheelchair friendly, it is also perfect for very little legs, as it is short and SWEEEEEET!

Want to walk to Cotter Force?

Well… Waterfalls and Wensleydale kind of go hand in hand! But waterfalls and accessibility… well not quite so much. Cotter Force ticks ALL the boxes being a waterfall walk that is short, pushchair and wheelchair accessible and also with plenty of rest stops along the way!

I think this makes it the ultimate family walk, suitable for all the explorers from the very youngest to those who are young at heart with an absolutely stunning waterfall at the end, that you can sit and gaze at for hours (much like the artist Turner did, when he painted it!)

So read on for all the details about how to walk to Cotter Force.

paddling in the water of the waterfall

What are the walk details for Cotter Force?

Distance: less than 1 mile.

Terrain: Easy underfoot. Hard surface path. Pushchair/ wheelchair accessible, with plenty of benches and stop spots on the way. The area around the waterfall can get muddy after rain. Little to no ascent.

Where to park for Cotter Force: Layby parking in a well defined tarmacked parking area. There is enough room for around 6 cars, possibly 7. It’s free, but it is small. If it’s full, be respectful to the land owners and don’t go and park across verges and gates. Check out another of our waterfall walks in the area instead!

Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is Hawes, so the start point isn’t accessible by public transport.

Wheelchair Access: For further information about wheelchair accessibility, gradients and path surfaces then check out the miles without stiles website.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: Just outside Hawes, near Appersett.

Map: OS Explorer OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern and Central

What 3 Words: fish.down.nuzzling (waterfall) midfield.certified.supposes (parking)

Toilets/ Baby Change: None. Nearest is Hawes, less than 10 minute drive.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Hawes town centre, where there is an array of cafes and pubs to choose from.

Walking along the path past a farm building with blue skies in summer

Walk Directions to Cotter Force:

  1. This is a really easy one, so I don’t really need to be here! But just because I love a walk description….. From the layby parking area, head over the bridge to the signpost, which points in the direction of Cotter Force (and unsurprisingly says…. Cotter Force!)

  2. Now…. I’m not one to state the obvious… but I’m stating the obvious here…. FOLLOW THE SIGN! You will head through a wide gate and follow the river along the the well defined path. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the river. And after no time at all, you will see the waterfall itself! There is an information board here too.

  3. In the Summer, it is possible to reach the base of the falls and it is a popular spot with wild swimmers. However be aware that the base of the falls are not wheelchair or pushchair accessible and it involves a bit of a hop down a narrow path at the right hand side of the water. The rocks are also slippery upon access (because they are largely in the shade and are surrounded by trees)

Last walked September 2024.

Child sitting in a wetsuit in front of a waterfall

 What’s awesome about Cotter Force?

✨ This waterfall was once painted by the artist JMW Turner at the beginning of the 19th Century, he was pretty apt at a bit of artistry…… Obviously a very famous artist, he actually painted quite a lot of the Wensledale waterfalls, including Aysgarth and Hardraw.

💦 Cotter Force is a popular wild swim spot and so there is the chance to have a splash here if you feel like it! Just make sure you heed the advice below about wild water. Children should always be supervised around water no matter what the depth is and I can confirm that the depth of the water in the plunge pool is deeper than adult height.

🌳 It’s short, it’s sweet, but what about trying a couple of our whinge busting walking games, to try and ease the moan factor! There is also a Geocache to be found here! Check out the App to find out more!

Looking at the information board at Cotter Force

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS 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.

Ordnance Survey Map Route to Cotter Force

Want to grab the route?

Head to the Ordnance Survey Navigation App where you can download the route!

(Always carry a back up map and know how to use it)

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Aysgill Force in Wensleydale

What other walks are near Cotter Force?

Wensleydale is packed full of waterfall walks and so is a brilliant place to walk if you are a waterfall hunter!

We have a whole page dedicated to all the family friendly walks in Wensleydale, so why not check that out?!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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