Hardraw Force waterfall in Wensleydale

Hardraw Force Waterfall

Hardraw Force is a pretty iconic waterfall in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This walk is an easy and accessible one suitable for younger explorers, although there are alternative trails around the area too.

Where is Hardraw Force?

Located in Wensleydale, just down the road from Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this epic single drop waterfall is one of the highest in the UK!

Located on private land at the rear of the Green Dragon Pub in Hardraw, there is a small charge to access the trail and the waterfall, through the visitor centre. The funds go towards the maintenance of the place.

Please note that the visitor centre itself may not always be open out of season, but the last time we visited, in February school holidays 2022, it was fully open. The toilets are still available and access is gained via turnstile when the Centre is closed. Please note that we have never visited when the centre has not been open, so this information has been gathered via research not through experience.

Distance: Dependant on which trail you choose. But this is less than 1 mile.

Terrain: Easy accessible paths. Some pushchair friendly. The path to the top of the falls is not pushchair friendly.

Parking: Green Dragon Car Park, the visitor centre is located right there.

Public Transport: There is a bus service to Hardraw, but it is subject to seasonal changes, so check out the Dales Bus website for more information.

Dog Friendly? Dogs are welcome on leads.

Location: Hardraw, Wensleydale - Yorkshire Dales National Park

Map: Not required - trail maps are obtained from the visitor centre.

Toilets/ Baby Change: Hardraw Visitor Centre has toilets.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Hardraw Visitor Centre and Green Dragon Pub (currently closed - February 2023) More information can be obtained from the Hardraw Force website

The trail along the beck at Hardraw Force
Looking back at Hardraw Force waterfall

How to get to Hardraw Force

Please note that the waterfall is located on privately owned land. The money charged for entry is used to maintain the paths, woodland, bridges and for the provision of the toilets on site. The current charge is £10 for a family of four (2 adults 2 children) or £4 per adult £2 per child and under 5’s are free (this is correct as of Feb 2023)

We have visited in February half term, but the opening times are listed as being from April - October 10am - 5pm - there is supposed to be a way of accessing and paying without going through the visitor centre, but we have not experienced this.

The owners state that there is no access to the waterfall beyond the gates.

Directions:

  1. Well this is easy because you don’t need me! So I’ll describe what the trail is like so you can make your best judgment as to whether you’d like to visit!

  2. From the Visitor Centre head into the trail, where you will see an information board to tell you all you need to know about the various trails. The lower paths are well maintained, and are pushchair friendly. The website says they are also wheelchair friendly with care.

  3. The upper trails are more tricky to navigate and are not accessible by pushchair or wheelchair.

  4. Choose your trail and go! We would estimate that within 30 minutes - 1 hour you will have completed the lower trail, as it is very short.

  5. The waterfall is impressive after heavy rainfall. For the best experience, we believe it is better visited in the winter!

The photographs represent visits in August and February.

Hardraw Force the approach in winter

The approach to the waterfall in Winter

Hardraw Force in Wensleydale the gorge

The approach to the waterfall in Summer

 The extra fun bits…

✨ Hardraw Force is where ‘that’ shower scene was filmed in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. If it’s good enough for Kevin Costner…….. if you’re a fan? Pair it up with Aysgarth Falls down the road where they filmed the Little John fight scene. Check out the details of Aysgarth Falls here.

👻 Not content with the Hollywood history? Well Hardraw Force is reportedly haunted….. and you know I love a good old fashioned ghost story! The story goes that one stormy night back in the day (technical historic term there…), Hardraw Force was the scene of a dastardly murder. The victim was found in the water at the base of the rocky cliffs that surround Hardraw Force. It was believed that this was a suicide until further investigation found evidence of a fight and a melted dagger….. bizarre eh? Reportedly, the shouts of the argument between the men can still be heard on stormy nights echoing around the rocky clearing….. spooky! You can read more ghost stories of the Dales by heading to the blog.

🌳 This little wander won’t need much in the way of distractions, but if you still need some inspiration, then why not check out one of our printable scavenger sheets?

Hardraw Force in the winter in full flow

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.

Looking at one of the bridges in from of Hardraw Force
Aysgill Force in Gayle near Hawes

Wensleydale is PACKED with waterfalls!

Did you know that we have most of the Wensleydale waterfalls on our website, with child friendly family walks attached to them?

Unlike Hardraw, they are not on private land, so can be seen whenever you like!

If you fancy more of a challenging waterfall walk, why not try the walk to Aysgill Force that is just down the road in Hawes?

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

Follow us for up to date Outdoors Adventures!

We live and BREATHE the Yorkshire Dales outdoors life!

Come follow our journey over on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, where you’ll find up to date walk info, breaking news on Yorkshire Events, new Yorkshire Dales wild swim spots, climbing, caves and more!

Follow us on Social Media for all the up to date info: @thereluctantexplorers