Cotter Force waterfalls in Wensleydale

Cotter Force, Hawes

This is a brilliantly accessible waterfall walk near Hawes in Wensleydale. Both pushchair and wheelchair friendly, it is also perfect for very little legs, as it is short and SWEEEEEET!

Want to walk to Cotter Force?

Well… Waterfalls and Wensleydale kind of go hand in hand! But waterfalls and accessibility… well not quite so much. Cotter Force ticks ALL the boxes being a waterfall walk that is short, pushchair and wheelchair accessible and also with plenty of rest stops along the way!

I think this makes it the ultimate family walk, suitable for all the explorers from the very youngest to those who are young at heart with an absolutely stunning waterfall at the end, that you can sit and gaze at for hours (much like the artist Turner did, when he painted it!)

So read on for all the details about how to walk to Cotter Force.

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I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).

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paddling in the water of the waterfall

Paddling in Cotter Force in the late Summer (and drying out on the rocks)

What are the walk details for Cotter Force?

Distance: less than 1 mile.

Terrain: Easy underfoot. Hard surface path. Pushchair/ wheelchair accessible, with plenty of benches and stop spots on the way. The area around the waterfall can get muddy after rain and to reach the plunge pool requires a clamber across the rocks (made harder by a recently fallen tree!) Little to no ascent.

Where to park for Cotter Force: Layby parking in a well defined tarmacked parking area. There is enough room for around 6 cars, possibly 7. It’s free, but it is small. If it’s full, be respectful to the land owners and don’t go and park across verges and gates. Check out another of our waterfall walks in the area instead!

What about Aysgill? Or Aysgarth for an equally as accessible waterfall.

Public Transport: The nearest bus stop is Hawes, so the start point isn’t accessible by public transport.

Wheelchair Access: For further information about wheelchair accessibility, gradients and path surfaces then check out the miles without stiles website.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: Just outside Hawes, near Appersett.

Map: OS Explorer OL30 Yorkshire Dales Northern and Central Affiliate link as an Ordnance Survey Champion.

What 3 Words: fish.down.nuzzling (waterfall) midfield.certified.supposes (parking)

Toilets/ Baby Change: None. Nearest is Hawes, less than 10 minute drive.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Hawes town centre, where there is an array of cafes and pubs to choose from.

Walking along the path past a farm building with blue skies in summer

The path to/from Cotter Force in the middle of Summer

Walk Directions to Cotter Force:

  1. This is a really easy one, so I don’t really need to be here! But just because I love a walk description….. From the layby parking area, head over the bridge to the signpost, which points in the direction of Cotter Force (and unsurprisingly says…. Cotter Force!)

  2. Now…. I’m not one to state the obvious… but I’m stating the obvious here…. FOLLOW THE SIGN! You will head through a wide gate and follow the river along the the well defined path. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the river. And after no time at all, you will see the waterfall itself! There is an information board here too.

  3. In the Summer, it is possible to reach the base of the falls and it is a popular spot with wild swimmers. However be aware that the base of the falls are not wheelchair or pushchair accessible and it involves a bit of a hop down a narrow path at the right hand side of the water, made worse by a recently fallen tree. The rocks are also slippery upon access (because they are largely in the shade and are surrounded by trees). But if you do decide to swim here, enjoy, it’s a beautiful spot!

Last walked March 2025.

Child standing next to a waterfall in spring surrounded by trees and rocks

At the edge of the plunge pool in early Spring

 What’s awesome for kids about Cotter Force?

✨ This waterfall was once painted by the artist JMW Turner at the beginning of the 19th Century, he was pretty apt at a bit of artistry…… Obviously a very famous artist, he actually painted quite a lot of the Wensledale waterfalls, including Aysgarth and Hardraw. Ok. That might thrill the adults more!

💦 Cotter Force is a popular wild swim spot and so there is the chance to have a splash here if you feel like it! It isn’t easy to reach without either getting your feet wet, or picking your way across the rocky path to the right of the falls. But if you do swim, it is a lovely spot! Be mindful that the basin around the waterfall is deep (more than adult height) and there are hidden rocks to thwack your knees on!

Should you choose to swim here, check out the Wild Swimming with Kids blog for links to safety advice and helpful tips. Also make sure you are familiar with the RLSS Summer Safety code and always supervise kids around water, no matter how shallow.

🍦Head into nearby Hawes for ice cream and the play park.

🌳 It’s short, it’s sweet, but what about trying a couple of our whinge busting walking games, to try and ease the moan factor! There is also a Geocache to be found here! Check out the App to find out more!

Looking at the information board at Cotter Force

Helpful Information!

For dedicated helpful information and safety advice head to our dedicated page.

⭐ 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.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Ordnance Survey Map Route to Cotter Force

Want to grab the route?

Head to the Ordnance Survey Navigation App where you can download the route!

(Always carry a back up map and know how to use it - for this walk you’ll need OL30 Ordnance Survey explorer.

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Affiliate link as an Ordnance Survey Champion

Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route
Child holding up a leaflet about red squirrels with trees behind

Staying in the Hawes area?

We have a Visit with Kids guide to provide you with all the family friendly inspiration you need! Think family friendly walks, local attractions and importantly, where to find the ice cream (and the play park!)

There is a dedicated Visit with Kids guide for Hawes, so why not check it out!

Visit Hawes with Kids Guide.

Tap here to head to our visit with kids guides

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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Leave No Trace

The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.

Should you visit, make sure to:

Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.

Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.

Leave everything else as you found it.

Help us to protect our wild spaces.