Tucked away behind the Green Dragon pub at Hardraw there is an exquisite little valley, narrow and meandering, with a secret at its core. The stream is Hardraw Beck, crisscrossed by bridges and with paths penetrating up the gorge.
At the head of the gorge is the secret: Hardaw Force, the longest single drop waterfall in England (above ground) at 100 feet high. It was certainly impressive after recent rains, and the drizzle and mist only added to the drama. The waterfall stars in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', in a scene where Maid Marian catches Robin Hood bathing under it. (I really needed Kevin Costner there in my photo - to give scale, you understand.)
The valley is privately owned and has a quirky café at its entrance, with a helpful weather station that only confirmed what I already knew - that it was raining! The gorge has such remarkable acoustics that a brass band festival takes place here each year (pre-Covid anyway) and other musical events are also staged.
Beautiful! Even without Kevin C.
ReplyDeleteWHat a magical looking place!
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful place.
ReplyDelete