Catrake Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catrake Force |
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Catrake Force
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| Location | Swaledale, North Yorkshire, England |
| Coordinates | 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 beautiful waterfall located in North Yorkshire, England. It flows along the River Swale. This waterfall is a bit hidden, so you can't see it directly from the road. To visit it, you need to go through a campsite in the small village of Keld.
Catrake Force is special because it's made up of four different sections, or "steps." Each step is like its own small waterfall. They all look a little different, and the tallest single drop is about 20 feet (6 meters) high.
Where is Catrake Force Located?
Catrake Force is found just upstream from Keld village. It's also downstream from another waterfall called Wain Wath Force. The next waterfall you'd find downstream from Catrake Force is Kisdon Force.
Why are Waterfalls Called 'Forces' in Northern England?
You might notice that many waterfalls in the north of England have "Force" in their name. This comes from an old Norse word, Foss, which means waterfall. The name "Catrake" also means waterfall! It comes from the Latin word cataracta, which traveled through Middle English to become part of the name. So, "Catrake Force" essentially means "Waterfall Waterfall"!
Is East Gill Force the Same as Catrake Force?
There's another waterfall nearby called East Gill Force. It's on a smaller stream called East Gill, which flows into the River Swale. East Gill Force is much easier to see and get to. It's right on popular walking paths like the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast Walk. Because it's so easy to find, people sometimes mistake East Gill Force for Catrake Force.
