England's highest unbroken waterfall is hidden behind a Yorkshire pub

Visitors can stop off at this dazzling waterfall, dip their weary feet in the cool water, and grab a drink from the historic inn, the Green Dragon. Visitors can enjoy the glittering tumble of Hardraw Force waterfall amidst the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Credit: Amidst a wonderfully atmospheric midsummer day in the tumbling Yorkshire Dales, a welcome respite in the form of a wafting of gentle spray from the unbroken plunge of a striking waterfall would be just the ticket! In fact, visitors to England’s longest single-drop waterfall, Hardraw Force , can pay a humble £4.00 to enter. Visitors can stop off at this dazzling waterfall, dip their weary feet in the refreshing, cool water and grab a drink from the historic inn, the Green Dragon. Underlying geology The 100-foot-long waterfall plunges off the overhanging layered sandstone amphitheatre. The composition of the rock formation consists of a cap layer of hard, resilient Carboniferous limestone at the top; a middle layer of weaker gritstone and sandstone; and softer mudstone and shale forming the plunge pool base. Between 345.3 and 320 million years ago, in the mid-Carboniferous, a time in Earth’s history associated with an explosion in diversity, layers of coal, sandstone, limestone, earth seams, and shale were deposited. This layering was repeated several times since this period in geological time. The characteristic layering of sediment present throughout the Yorkshire Dales creates the varied, dramatic Karst scenery that the landscape is known for, from its expansive underground cave system, limestone pavements, dry valleys, deep gorges, and waterfalls. The cascading and dripping water from the waterfall gradually wears down the softer, less resilient layers of sediment, creating a carved-out area beneath the harder cap layer of the waterfall rock formation. The lower walking path takes around 10 to 20 minutes and follows the swift-flowing stream leading up to the waterfall. This path is accessible to wheelchair users and is pushchair-friendly. For those seeking a truly striking view looking up at the falls, the lower path is the one to take. The upper walk can take up to an hour to complete comfortably and brings visitors up through the woodlands to the top of the waterfall amphitheatre. This upper walk can be challenging at times, with steps, jagged protrusions, and overhanging rocks. This walk is considered unsuitable for wheelchair users, and families looking for a more gentle walk are advised to take the lower walk. The upper path offers a unique view of the falls, looking down, and a scenic walk through the woods. Related article England’s largest native woodland set to be planted in Yorkshire Dales Visitors can access the waterfall through the Heritage Centre and visitor centre behind the Green Dragon Inn (Postcode: DL8 3LZ). Tickets can be purchased at £4 per adult and £2 per child, with dogs welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.