Couples Waterfalls in North Yorkshire
Written by UK Hidden Gems Editorial
Updated 5 August 2026
The couples waterfalls in North Yorkshire are Richmond Falls, Harmby Waterfall, Hard Level Force, Blea Gill Waterfall, Hardraw Force Waterfall, Wain Wath Force, Cotter Force and Water Ling Force.
North Yorkshire is rich in waterfalls, and many make a fine outing for two, whether you want a short town stroll or a quiet corner of the dales. In the heart of Richmond, the River Swale spills over stepped ledges below the castle, while nearby Harmby hides a modest fall in a wooded gorge.
Wensleydale holds some of the best-loved falls in the county, from the great single drop of Hardraw Force to the gentle steps of Cotter Force and the little-known Water Ling Force above Semer Water. Over in Swaledale, Wain Wath Force spreads broad below limestone cliffs near Keld, and Hard Level Force tumbles beside the old lead-mining ruins above Gunnerside.
For those who like their falls truly remote, Blea Gill Waterfall lies out on the high moors of Great Whernside, seen by very few. From easy riverbanks to lonely upland becks, there is a fall here to suit any mood.
Here are eight waterfalls for couples to seek out in North Yorkshire.
Richmond Falls
Photo: Gareth James via Geograph.org.uk
Richmond Falls is a series of natural waterfalls on the River Swale right in the middle of Richmond, just below the castle on its rock. The river spills over stepped ledges, gentle in dry weather and a powerful, roaring cascade after rain, with riverside paths along both banks.
There is parking, toilets and a play area nearby, with a viewpoint over the falls close to the car park, making it an easy spot to reach in the heart of the town. For a couple, it pairs beautifully with a wander round the old streets and the castle.
Seek it out after rain to catch the falls at their loudest.
Harmby Waterfall
Photo: Gordon Hatton via Geograph.org.uk
Harmby Waterfall is a small fall in a wooded gorge at the edge of the village of Harmby, near Leyburn in Wensleydale. A short path with steps drops down from the village to it, off the main road.
It is a modest fall, best after rain, and far quieter than the better-known falls elsewhere in the dale, which makes it a peaceful little find for two. Roadside parking in the village is limited, so time your visit for a quiet moment.
Seek it out after a wet spell, when the water is at its best.
Hard Level Force
Photo: Mick Garratt via Geograph.org.uk
Hard Level Force is a small waterfall on Hard Level Gill in Swaledale, tumbling over rock beside the ruins of the Old Gang smelt mill above Gunnerside. The real draw here is the great spread of lead-mining ruins around it, one of the best-preserved smelting sites in the Dales, with stone buildings and a flue running up the moor to a chimney.
A track along the gill leads past the fall and the workings. It sits in bare, open moorland once loud with mining, a haunting and atmospheric place for two to explore together.
Seek it out and give yourselves time to wander the ruins.
Blea Gill Waterfall
Photo: Richard Spencer via Geograph.org.uk
Blea Gill Waterfall Almost nothing has been written about this fall, and almost nobody comes: it lies out on rough grouse moor above Grimwith, on the flanks of Great Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales, on a gill draining the high ground. All around is open heather moorland, wild and empty, and the fall itself is awkward to reach across land that does not give up its way easily.
What waits at the end is the beck dropping over dark rock in a lonely upland setting, the long swell of the moors on every side. This one you find only by going to look for it.
Hardraw Force Waterfall
Photo: Basher Eyre via Geograph.org.uk
Hardraw Force Waterfall is a waterfall near Hawes in Wensleydale, where a beck drops around a hundred feet in a single fall from an overhang into a rocky amphitheatre. It is reached through the Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw, which holds the land, or on foot from Hawes.
It is often called the highest unbroken fall above ground in England, the water coming down clear of the rock in one long drop. The natural bowl around it once drew brass bands to play in its fine acoustics, and it makes a memorable and romantic spot for two.
Seek it out and stand in the amphitheatre to feel its scale.
Wain Wath Force
Photo: George Hopkins via Geograph.org.uk
Wain Wath Force is a broad, low waterfall on the River Swale in upper Swaledale, about half a mile above the village of Keld. The falls spread across the river below the limestone cliffs of Cotterby Scar, with a plunge pool at the bottom.
They sit right by the road with a riverbank viewing area, and people paddle and swim in the pool in warm weather. It is the highest up of the string of waterfalls around Keld, and the easy roadside setting makes it a relaxed stop for two.
Seek it out on a warm afternoon and linger by the river.
Cotter Force
Photo: Dave Green via Geograph.org.uk
Cotter Force is a stepped waterfall on a beck near Hawes in Wensleydale, tucked out of sight of the road. A short, level path from a lay-by leads to it, easy enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with a bench at the falls.
The water drops in a series of low steps, widening as it comes down the rock. It is a quiet, easily reached fall away from the busier Dales attractions, which makes it a gentle and welcoming spot for two.
Seek it out for an easy stroll and a peaceful pause by the water.
Water Ling Force
Photo: Colin Gregory via Geograph.org.uk
Water Ling Force is a small waterfall near Carpley Green in Raydale, above Semer Water in the Yorkshire Dales, a few miles south of Bainbridge. It drops around twenty feet beside a quiet lane in Wensleydale country.
It is a minor local feature rather than a mapped landmark, known mostly through a handful of walkers' photographs, which is part of its charm for a couple after somewhere off the beaten track. Seek it out on a quiet lane walk above Semer Water.
FAQs
Which North Yorkshire waterfalls are easiest to reach?
Richmond Falls sits right in the town with parking, toilets and a viewpoint close by. Cotter Force has a short, level path from a lay-by, and Wain Wath Force sits right beside the road. All three make relaxed, easy outings for two.
Are any of these Yorkshire waterfalls good for a quiet couples walk?
Harmby Waterfall and Water Ling Force are tucked away off country lanes and see few visitors, while Blea Gill Waterfall lies remote on the high moors. Hard Level Force, set among lead-mining ruins, offers an atmospheric spot for a couple to explore.
When are these North Yorkshire waterfalls at their best?
After rain is when most come into their own, with Richmond Falls and Harmby Waterfall turning powerful and loud. Wain Wath Force draws paddlers on warm summer days. Bright, settled weather suits the longer walks in to Blea Gill Waterfall.
Conclusion
North Yorkshire offers couples a fine spread of waterfalls, from easy, welcoming spots to lonely upland becks. Right in Richmond the Swale roars below the castle, while Cotter Force and Wain Wath Force give gentle, roadside outings in Swaledale and Wensleydale.
Hardraw Force rewards a short walk with the great single drop of one of England's tallest falls, and Hard Level Force pairs its cascade with haunting lead-mining ruins. For quieter finds, Harmby Waterfall and Water Ling Force sit tucked away off country lanes, while Blea Gill Waterfall waits out on the high moors for those willing to seek it.
Pick a bright day, take your time and enjoy the scenery together: these are the waterfalls for couples to seek out in North Yorkshire.
