Coal Force
Coal Force is a waterfall located on Rowantree Gill in the remote valley of Cotterdale, positioned in the northern part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire, England. The waterfall sits at OS grid reference SD818972, at coordinates 54.370433, -2.280873, placing it in the upper reaches of this tributary valley system. The name "Coal Force" follows the traditional Yorkshire Dales naming convention where "force" derives from the Old Norse "foss" meaning waterfall, a linguistic remnant of Viking settlement in the region. The "coal" element in the name likely refers to the dark appearance of the rocks over which the water cascades, stained by peat and minerals from the moorland above, rather than any association with actual coal mining in the immediate vicinity.
Rowantree Gill is a small beck that drains the moorland slopes on the eastern flanks of Cotterdale, one of the lesser-known tributary valleys that feeds into the River Ure system. The stream gathers water from the peat moorlands and rough grazing lands characteristic of this part of the Pennines, with its catchment encompassing steep-sided valley heads where precipitation is abundant throughout much of the year. The gill follows a steep descent through the valley, and Coal Force represents one of the more notable drops along its course where the stream encounters a band of resistant rock. The waterfall's flow varies considerably with weather conditions, appearing as a modest cascade during dry periods but transforming into a more vigorous torrent following periods of heavy rain, when the dark peaty water rushes over the rocky steps with considerable force.
Cotterdale itself is one of the more isolated and tranquil of the Yorkshire Dales side valleys, running roughly parallel to Wensleydale and Garsdale to the south. The valley maintains a quiet, pastoral character with scattered farms and stone field barns dotting the landscape, connected by narrow winding lanes and traditional green tracks. The surrounding terrain is typical of the Pennine uplands, with a mixture of enclosed pasture in the valley bottoms giving way to open moorland on the higher slopes. The underlying geology consists primarily of Carboniferous limestone and millstone grit, with bands of shale and sandstone creating the varied topography and providing the resistant ledges over which streams like Rowantree Gill cascade. The dark coloration of the rocks at Coal Force is enhanced by organic staining from the peaty moorland waters, creating a distinctive appearance that distinguishes this waterfall from the paler limestone falls found elsewhere in the Dales.
The ecology surrounding Coal Force reflects the upland character of Cotterdale, with the streamside environment supporting typical gill woodland species where tree cover exists, though much of the landscape around the waterfall consists of moorland vegetation including heather, bilberry, and rough grasses. The beck itself provides habitat for typical upland stream invertebrates, while the surrounding moorland supports bird species such as curlews, lapwings, and meadow pipits. During the breeding season, these upland birds bring life to the otherwise quiet valley with their distinctive calls. The stone walls that characterize the field patterns in Cotterdale provide additional habitat for small mammals and birds, contributing to the ecological diversity of this working agricultural landscape.
Access to Coal Force requires navigation of the quiet lanes and tracks of Cotterdale, which remains relatively unfrequented compared to the main tourist valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. The waterfall can be reached by those willing to explore off the beaten track, though visitors should be prepared for potentially rough terrain and should respect the working farm landscape through which access routes may pass. The nearest settlements of any size are some distance away, with the market town of Hawes in Wensleydale being the most practical base for those wishing to explore Cotterdale and its waterfalls. Parking opportunities are limited in this quiet valley, and visitors typically need to find considerate roadside spots where vehicles do not obstruct farm traffic or narrow lanes. Walking routes to the waterfall are likely to be informal rather than marked trails, requiring good navigation skills and appropriate footwear for potentially wet and uneven ground.
The remote character of Coal Force means it receives far fewer visitors than the more celebrated waterfalls of the Yorkshire Dales such as Hardraw Force or Aysgarth Falls, making it a destination primarily for dedicated waterfall enthusiasts and those who appreciate the quieter corners of the national park. This relative obscurity has helped preserve the wild and unspoiled character of both the waterfall and its surrounding landscape, offering a sense of discovery to those who make the effort to seek it out.