Kisdon Force (lower falls) near Keld
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Kisdon Force

4.8
·236 reviews·Keld, United Kingdom

Majestic waterfalls in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offering wild swimming, cliff jumping, and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rain

Roaring waterfalls!

CrowdMedium
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Kisdon Force (lower falls) near Keld

Kisdon Force

Best Time

After rain

Roaring waterfalls!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Majestic waterfalls in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offering wild swimming, cliff jumping, and stunning natural beauty.

4.8
(236 reviews)

"A truly magical place with roaring falls, perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Boots Needed

Paths are steep, muddy, and rocky. Hiking boots are a must for safe exploration.

🏊‍♀️ Wild Swimming Spot

The upper pool is deep and great for swimming; cliff jumping is popular here too!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 236 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upper Kisdon Force

Upper Kisdon Force

Upper section of Kisdon Force

A serene pool perfect for a refreshing wild swim, with opportunities for brave souls to try cliff jumping.

Lower Kisdon Force

Lower Kisdon Force

Main waterfall area

The iconic, dramatic cascade that draws visitors for its powerful beauty and photographic potential.

Keld Village Charm

Keld Village Charm

Adjacent to the waterfalls

A picturesque village where time seems to have stood still, offering a cozy and magical atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Views

Visit after a good rainfall for roaring falls, but be prepared for muddy paths. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Check weather forecasts for optimal conditions.

Footwear and Preparedness

Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to steep, muddy, and rocky terrain, especially near the waterfalls. Consider waterproofs and a change of clothes if you plan to swim or brave the spray.

Best Times

When
After rain
Why
Roaring waterfalls!
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

3 Day Yorkshire Dales Roadtrip Itinerary 🏞️🚐🥾 This epic 100 ish mile journey starts in the Village of Ingleton and is just an idea for a Roadtrip you could make your own, depending on what you enjoy doing… Day 1 Ingleton waterfalls trail Yordas cave Wensleydale Creamery Hawes Cotter force Drive buttertubs pass to Keld Day 2 Explore Keld, kidson force and east gill force Drive to Hardraw F...
@samrculley
6.5K likes • 195.1K views

🥾 Sturdy Boots Needed

Paths are steep, muddy, and rocky. Hiking boots are a must for safe exploration. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Wild Swimming Spot

The upper pool is deep and great for swimming; cliff jumping is popular here too! Instagram+1

Keld waterfall walk #waterfalls #nationalpark #explore #pięknemiejsce #UK @Zalatana_zakochana
@zalatani_tu_i_tam
710 likes • 19.8K views
Kisdon Force Waterfall #kisdonforce #kisdonforcewaterfall #waterfall #waterfalls #waterfalling #waterfalls💦 #waterfall_lover #waterfallhike #waterfallphotography #waterfalllovers #waterfallhunting #longexposure #longexposureoftheday #longexposure_shots #longexposurephotography #ndfilter #panasonic #panasoniclumix #panasonicg9 #lumixuk #shotonlumix #lumix #lumixg9 #landscapephotography #landscape...
coby_allen_camera
19 likes • 585 views

🚗 Honesty Box Parking

Parking available with clean toilet facilities. Pay via the honesty box. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends along for the scenic walks and waterfall views. Instagram

Kisdon Force after a dry week. I'll definitely be back here after a good downpour. The level is low here but still very deep. Jumping in you don't touch the bottom. Follow the Keld and River Swale Circular which incorporates a good 6 different waterfalls and covers 8 miles hiking. Awesome walk. Finish off with Tan Hill Inn the highest pub in Britain. 10 mins drive away from walk. #Kisdonforce #wa...
leebarrow83
27 likes • 499 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Boots Needed

Paths are steep, muddy, and rocky. Hiking boots are a must for safe exploration. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Wild Swimming Spot

The upper pool is deep and great for swimming; cliff jumping is popular here too! Instagram+1

🚗 Honesty Box Parking

Parking available with clean toilet facilities. Pay via the honesty box. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends along for the scenic walks and waterfall views. Instagram

📸 Capture the Falls

Ideal for long exposure photography, especially after rain. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(236 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Kisdon Force's stunning natural beauty, with many highlighting the invigorating wild swimming opportunities and the picturesque setting. The village of Keld adds to the charm, offering a sense of timelessness. While access paths can be steep and muddy, the breathtaking views and the chance to connect with nature make it a highly recommended destination.

"Beautiful place, car park with honesty box with toilet facilities which were very clean"

Kelly Grazier

"Lovely walk between muker and thwaite. Would recommend having hiking boots and paths down to waterfall quite steep with muddy sections and fallen trees. Upper section has pool which is good for swimming and the lower main waterfall is good for cliff jumping."

Nicola McGilly

"Beautiful waterfall. Not bad access. I walked down from the main road, without bothering to drive down to the village.
Such a cosy, magical place is the village. Looks like time stopped there a while ago."

Lidia Slezak

What People Like

Beautiful waterfalls
Wild swimming
Scenic village

What People Dislike

Steep, muddy paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kisdon Force is located near the village of Keld in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You can drive to Keld and park in the designated area, which often has an honesty box for payment and clean toilet facilities.Reddit Some visitors walk down from the main road without driving into the village.Reddit The area is also accessible via various walking routes, including circular walks from nearby villages like Muker and Thwaite.Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near Kisdon Force, often managed with an honesty box system. This parking area also provides access to clean toilet facilities, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.Reddit

While specific public transport routes directly to Kisdon Force might be limited, the village of Keld is served by bus routes. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for the Yorkshire Dales, as services can be infrequent. Many visitors combine their trip with longer walks or cycling routes.

Access to the waterfalls involves walking. The paths can be steep, muddy, and rocky, especially after rain.Reddit For the upper falls and swimming area, you'll follow a path marked 'Kisdon Force upper falls', which can be a little steep and wet.Instagram

Absolutely! Kisdon Force is a highlight on many Yorkshire Dales road trip itineraries, often combined with visits to other waterfalls like Yordas Cave, Wensleydale Creamery, and Hawes.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no specific entrance tickets required for Kisdon Force itself. Access is generally free, though parking facilities may operate on an honesty box system.Reddit

Kisdon Force is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. The surrounding village of Keld also has a timeless charm.

Entry to Keld village and the surrounding natural landscape is free. The primary costs associated with visiting might be parking fees, if applicable, and any refreshments or souvenirs you choose to purchase.

While there aren't typically official guided tours specifically for Kisdon Force, many local walking groups and tour operators in the Yorkshire Dales offer guided hikes that may include this area. Independent exploration is also very popular.

As a natural attraction within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visitors are expected to respect the environment. Stick to marked paths, take litter home, and be mindful of wildlife. Swimming and cliff jumping are popular but should be done at your own risk.Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The best way to experience Kisdon Force is by combining a walk with a dip in the water. Many visitors enjoy the circular walk from Keld, which takes in several waterfalls.Instagram The upper pool is ideal for swimming, and the main waterfall offers a dramatic backdrop.Instagram+1

Yes, Kisdon Force can be a great spot for families, but with caution. The paths can be steep and muddy, so ensure children are supervised, especially near the water. The upper pool is a fun place for kids to paddle or swim, and the scenery is captivating.Instagram

The walking involves varied terrain. Expect steep, rocky, and potentially muddy paths, especially as you descend towards the waterfalls.Reddit The Keld and River Swale Circular walk is an 8-mile option that includes Kisdon Force and other falls.Instagram

Yes, swimming at Kisdon Force is very popular! The upper section features a deep pool perfect for wild swimming.Instagram+1 Some visitors also enjoy cliff jumping from designated spots.Instagram+1

Kisdon Force is part of a series of beautiful waterfalls in the Keld area. Nearby falls include East Gill Force, Catrake Force, and Wain Wath Force.TikTokInstagram A circular walk from Keld can take you to several of these.

📸 📸 Photography

The main cascade of Lower Kisdon Force offers dramatic shots, especially with a long exposure to capture the water's flow.Instagram The upper pool provides opportunities for capturing swimmers or the serene landscape. Look for viewpoints along the walking paths that offer different perspectives of the falls.

For capturing the movement of the water, a tripod and ND filters are highly recommended for long exposure photography.Instagram A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the falls and surrounding landscape. Don't forget a waterproof bag for your gear, especially if you plan to get close to the water.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, providing softer, more flattering illumination and fewer harsh shadows. These times also tend to be less crowded, allowing for more unobstructed shots.TikTok

The main challenges include slippery, wet rocks near the water's edge and potentially muddy paths. The spray from the waterfall can also be an issue, so protecting your lens is important. Overcast days can be beneficial for even lighting and vibrant colors.

To achieve a silky smooth water effect, use a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1-5 seconds or longer), a narrow aperture (f/11-f/16) for depth of field, and a low ISO to minimize noise. An ND filter will be crucial to achieve these slow shutter speeds in brighter conditions.Instagram

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