Hardraw Force

The waterfall drops 30 metres into a pool you can actually walk behind - that's the whole appeal of Hardraw Force, and it's worth the trip. Most waterfalls look nice from a distance. This one lets you stand underneath the overhang and feel the spray hit your face, which changes things entirely.

You reach it by walking through the Green Dragon pub in Hawes - yes, through the building itself - then follow a straightforward riverside path for about fifteen minutes. The stream gets louder as you go, and suddenly you're there. The water crashes down in front of you, and the rock face creates a natural shelter. On a hot day, it's genuinely refreshing. On a wet day, less so.

It's brilliant for families with kids old enough to manage a muddy path without complaining. The walk is easy, and children love the novelty of going through a pub to reach nature. History types get less from it - there's no story here, just geology. Serious hikers might find it a touch underwhelming as a destination on its own, but it works perfectly as a stop during a longer walk through Wensleydale.

The nearby campsites - Hawes Caravan and Motorhome Club is closest at just a mile away - make this an obvious pairing for a few days in the valley. You could knock out Hardraw Force in a morning, then spend the afternoon walking the broader area. Free to visit, no facilities at the fall itself, so use the pub before or after. Go in summer when the water level is manageable, not autumn when it turns into a fierce brown torrent.