Catrake Force

Catrake Force

Catrake Force
Location England Swaledale, North Yorkshire, England
Coordinates 54°24′4″N 2°10′0″W / 54.40111°N 2.16667°WCoordinates: 54°24′4″N 2°10′0″W / 54.40111°N 2.16667°W
Type Step
Total height 10 m / 30 ft
Number of drops 4

Catrake Force is a waterfall on the river Swale in North Yorkshire, England.[1] It is not visible from the road but only a short walk to reach it. It comprises a series of 4 steps each its own small waterfall and each with a very different character with the largest single drop being about 20 feet (6.1 m).[2]

It lies on the Pennine Way walk 0.5 miles (0.80 km) from Keld, downstream from Wain Wath Force. Just below Keld the river descends into a narrow gorge just above Catrake Force.[3] The next waterfall downstream is Kisdon Force.[4] Waterfalls in the north of England are often termed Forces after the Norse word Foss which means waterfall, whilst Catrake derives from Latin "cataracta" (waterfall) via Middle English [5]

Middle and Lower Steps of Catrake Force
Catrake Force Middle 
Catrake Force Lower 

References

  1. ↑ "The Complete Guide to the Yorkshire Dales - Top 30 Waterfalls". Walking Englishman. 2005-11-28. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  2. ↑ "Handy Guide To Swaledale contents p57-64". www.gunnerside.info. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  3. ↑ The waterfalls of England: a ... - Google Book Search. books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-05-08.
  4. ↑ Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (2006-02-17). "Swaledale and Arkengarthdale". Yorkshire Dales National Park. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
  5. ↑ "British place names". www.austgate.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-05-08.