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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Roaring waterfalls!

Kisdon Force
Best Time
Roaring waterfalls!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic waterfalls in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offering wild swimming, cliff jumping, and stunning natural beauty.
"A truly magical place with roaring falls, perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic hike."

🥾 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!

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 236 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Main waterfall area
The iconic, dramatic cascade that draws visitors for its powerful beauty and photographic potential.
Keld Village Charm
Adjacent to the waterfalls
A picturesque village where time seems to have stood still, offering a cozy and magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Footwear and Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 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!
🚗 Honesty Box Parking
Parking available with clean toilet facilities. Pay via the honesty box.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Bring your furry friends along for the scenic walks and waterfall views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 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!
🚗 Honesty Box Parking
Parking available with clean toilet facilities. Pay via the honesty box.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Bring your furry friends along for the scenic walks and waterfall views.
📸 Capture the Falls
Ideal for long exposure photography, especially after rain.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Some visitors walk down from the main road without driving into the village. The area is also accessible via various walking routes, including circular walks from nearby villages like Muker and Thwaite.
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.
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. 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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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. The upper pool is ideal for swimming, and the main waterfall offers a dramatic backdrop.
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.
The walking involves varied terrain. Expect steep, rocky, and potentially muddy paths, especially as you descend towards the waterfalls. The Keld and River Swale Circular walk is an 8-mile option that includes Kisdon Force and other falls.
Yes, swimming at Kisdon Force is very popular! The upper section features a deep pool perfect for wild swimming. Some visitors also enjoy cliff jumping from designated spots.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.







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