United Kingdom Catrigg Force, Yorkshire Dales National Park
Catrigg Force (or Foss, as some maps show) is a two-step, 20-metre waterfall in a small gorge to the east of Stainforth in the Yorkshire Dales. The best views are found at the base of the falls, and there's a range of foreground interest in the form of rocks and further rapids downstream.
If traveling from Stainforth this location could be combined with nearby Stainforth Force or the views down Goat Scar Lane by which you approach the site. If traveling from the Winskill Stones, the limestone pavement and trees, or views to the Yorkshire Three Peaks, present opportunities.
If traveling from Stainforth this location could be combined with nearby Stainforth Force or the views down Goat Scar Lane by which you approach the site. If traveling from the Winskill Stones, the limestone pavement and trees, or views to the Yorkshire Three Peaks, present opportunities.
Photography Tips
Like all waterfalls, Catrigg Force will be easier to shoot on an overcast day - it'll be easier to balance the whites of the water and the dark surrounds of the gorge. You can, alternatively, blend exposures (taking a shot metered for the water and another metered for the rocks). The wider scene includes some vegetation, and in winter there will probably be some ice build-up during cold weather. Because it's sheltered and receives little direct sunlight even in the middle of the day, exposures of up to second should be very achieveable with only a polariser (which you may want to reduce reflections on the water in any case). Landscape and portrait images are possible here (the former avoids some of the contrast issues with the sky and the upper falls if they're lit by the sun).
Travel Information
The nearest parking is found in the village of Stainforth (take the B6479 north from Settle; parking is immediately to the right as you turn into the village) or at the roadside parking close to the Winskill Stones (free). It's then about a 30-minute walk from either parking location to the falls. The descent to the falls is fairly easy, but you will need to wade into the stream or hop across the slippery rocks to get to the position from which these images were taken.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
Nearly no other people
Best Timing
All timings are equally good
Sunrise & Sunset
07:48 - 16:01
| current local time: 02:27
Photo Themes
Waterfall
Locations
Yorkshire Dales
Settle
Catrigg Force
Stainforth
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