There are six accessable waterfalls in Keld -
Kisdon Upper Force, Kisdon Lower Force, East Gill Force, Catrake Force, Hoggarths Leap and Wain Wath. All occur where the river cuts a gorge through the Carboniferous limestone between the hills of Kisdon and Rogan's Seat. The falls in this area are termed forces after the Norse word fors or foss, which means "waterfall". Kisdon Force
Both upper and l
ower Kisdon Force can be negotiated by canoeists, although a high degree of skill and experience is needed. The upper falls are rated Grade IV, while the lower falls are rated more difficult at Grade V.The falls drop 10 metres (33 ft) over two cascades and are surrounded by Kisdon Force Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest covering an area of 38 hectares, which consists of mixed broad-leaved woodland with ash, wych elm and rowan trees dominating. In the springtime Primula vulgaris grows profusely in the area.The falls can be easily visited by a riverside path from Keld; however, care should be taken, as the stones around the falls are often wet and slippery. East Gill Force
East Gill Force is a waterfall in Swaledale, 330 yards (300 m) to the east of the hamlet of Keld, just before its confluence with the River Swale at the point where the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast Walk intersect. The falls are a popular spot for visitors, not just long-distance walkers but also families and picnickers because of the proximity of the road, the grass verges at the side of the falls and the wooden benches overlooking the falls. East Gill Force has two main torrents: the upper falls have an impressive 4.5 metre drop whilst the lower section is a series of stepped cascades that fall three metres as East Gill enters the River Swale. Wain Wath Force
The falls are located one kilometre upstream from Keld - Wain Wath Force has a drop of around 1.5 metres as the river flows beneath the limestone cliffs of Cotterby Scar. Despite its modest height it is popular with visitors; the Coast to Coast long distance footpath passes the falls on the north bank of the River Swale. Wain Wath is a popular place to 'wild swim' in the summer, with its lagoon. It must be noted that care and common sense must be taken when swimming in rivers. Catrake Force & Hoggarths Leap
Can be found at the bottom of 'The Rukins' camping field. Hoggarths Leap is a fantastic cascade whilst Catrake Force is hard to get to and can be dangerous with its narrow muddy track. The Rukins camping field overlooks the Swale and has been voted in the top 20 camp sites in Britain. The Keld water falls walk leaflet is Free and availble from the Keld resource centre.
