Follow This Scenic High Force Walk Along the River Tees and Beyond
To start your High Force walk, begin at the Bowlees Visitor Centre. The centre is located near Low Force Waterfall on the B6277, just over three miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale. The visitor centre offers parking, a café, a gift shop, and information about the local area, as well as toilet facilities and a picnic area. Before embarking on your main route, you might want to take a 30-minute detour to visit Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force. The path is clearly signposted from the car park and follows a simple there-and-back route, totalling about two-thirds of a mile. Once you’ve explored the cave, return to the car park along the same path.
To start your main High Force walk, cross the bridge over Bow Lee Beck and ascend the steps that lead to the visitor centre. Walk past the visitor centre and follow the lane to the B6277 road. After crossing the road, take the signposted footpath towards Low Force Waterfall and Wynch Bridge. Once you’ve crossed Wynch Bridge, turn right onto the Pennine Way. The trail runs alongside the River Tees, and along the way, you’ll pass two sandstone sheep sculptures before reaching the spectacular Low Force Waterfall.
Keep following the Pennine Way along the River Tees for approximately 1½ miles until you reach the magnificent High Force Waterfall. From there, continue westward on the Pennine Way for another 1¼ miles, passing Bleabeck Force and ascending Bracken Rigg. Once you reach the top, follow the Pennine Way as it bends to the north. You’ll find a paved path that eventually descends towards Cronkley.
From the farm at Cronkley, follow the stone track leading towards the River Tees, where you will cross the river via the footbridge. After crossing, the track bends to the right and leads you east for just over half a mile until you reach the B6277 main road. Turn right at the road, and shortly afterwards, turn left onto a lane opposite the Methodist Chapel.
Follow this lane uphill to the farm, then veer right and continue along the lane past the Chapel On The Hill. Further ahead, as the track bends to the right towards the farm, go straight ahead across the fields, following the wall until you reach the minor road at Birch Rigg. Turn right and follow the road south-east for about half a mile until you reach a junction marked by a small triangular grassy area with tall trees.
At the junction, turn left and follow the quiet country lane downhill towards the farm at Dirt Pit. From there, continue along the lane, ignoring any side paths, and after just over a mile, the lane will bring you back to Bowlees Visitor Centre. This completes your High Force walk, which, including the detour to Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force, covers approximately 8¼ miles through the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
High Force Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
High Force Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 8¼ miles
Distance: 13¼ kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Ascent: 990 feet
Ascent: 302 metres
Type: Circular walk
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North Pennines, reference OS Explorer OL31, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
About High Force
High Force is one of England’s most stunning waterfalls, found in Forest-in-Teesdale, County Durham. This natural wonder is unmatched in beauty and size, drawing in artists, photographers, and nature lovers. Whether bathed in summer sunlight or blanketed by snow, High Force’s powerful cascade is always unforgettable.
Located within the Upper Teesdale countryside in the North Pennines, High Force sits in a striking upland setting. The surrounding area offers wide-open moors, colourful hay meadows, peaceful woodlands, and dark night skies. Visitors can also spot a variety of wildlife, explore local industrial heritage, and enjoy the rivers that wind through the landscape.
Standing 21 metres tall, the waterfall is only a short walk from The High Force Hotel. Guests staying at the hotel have the special privilege of exclusive access to the waterfall during off-peak hours. The site’s beauty has inspired many visitors, including the renowned artist J.M.W. Turner, who painted the waterfall in 1822. No matter the season, people return to witness High Force’s ever-changing scenery—from blue summer skies and vibrant autumn leaves to crisp winter mornings and the fresh greens of spring.
Related Walk: Similar to the High Force Walk
Explore the scenic Low Force to High Force walk starting at Bowlees
Geologically, High Force formed where the River Tees crosses the Whin Sill, a hard layer of igneous rock also found at Hadrian’s Wall. The waterfall itself is made of three types of rock. The top layer is whinstone, a hard igneous rock that erodes slowly. Below this, Carboniferous Limestone—a softer rock—is worn down more easily by the water. Sandwiched between these layers is a thin strip of Carboniferous sandstone, which was hardened when the Whin Sill was molten 295 million years ago.
As the water continues to wear away the rock, High Force gradually moves upstream. Over time, this process creates a narrow gorge in front of the waterfall. The gorge, now about 700 metres long, is evidence of the waterfall’s slow retreat. Upstream, the River Tees is narrow and swift, while downstream it broadens and winds through the landscape, carrying large boulders along its path.
High Force Walk: My Photos
Before we begin our High Force walk, we decide to take a brief detour to visit Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force. From the Bowlees Visitor Centre car park, we follow a signposted footpath along Bow Lee Beck. As we walk, we spot a charming little waterfall cascading over a series of stepped rocks.
Continuing upstream along Bow Lee Beck, the sight of the water tumbling over rocky steps is captivating. The beck is bordered by dense trees, creating a natural canopy above us. Moss-covered rocks line the banks, and sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a soft glow on the water. As we make our way along the woodland trail, we hear the sound of rushing water ahead, signalling our approach to Summerhill Force at Gibson’s Cave.
After 15 minutes of walking, we reach Gibson’s Cave, and it’s absolutely stunning. This short detour before starting our main High Force walk has been well worth it. A sign at the cave provides information about this fascinating location.
At Gibson’s Cave, Summerhill Force plunges over a thick layer of grey limestone, known as the Five Yard Limestone by miners due to its impressive thickness. Below it, layers of sandstone and dark shale, formed about 330 million years ago, erode at different rates. The softer sandstone and shale wear away more quickly than the limestone, causing the waterfall to undercut and slowly move upstream, creating the dramatic overhang we see today.
Local legend has it that William Gibson, a 16th-century outlaw, hid in this cave to evade capture by the Barnard Castle constables. Gibson, known as a lovable rogue, relied on his friends to supply him with food and dry clothes while he concealed himself behind the waterfall’s curtain in this hidden refuge.
After exploring Gibson’s Cave, we retrace our steps back to the Bowlees Visitor Centre car park. We follow the footpath up the steps to the centre, which is well signposted. The visitor centre offers a café, a shop, and toilet facilities, along with plenty of information about the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We have a quick look inside the Bowlees Visitor Centre before heading down the path alongside the building, leading us to the main road. Now that we’ve enjoyed Gibson’s Cave, it’s time to start our High Force walk.
Leaving the visitor centre, we cross the main road and take a track across a wide field, leading us down to Wynch Bridge and Low Force Waterfall.
At the end of the path, we enter a lovely wooded area, and soon we spot Wynch Bridge spanning the River Tees. Originally used by lead miners from Holwick, this bridge allowed them to cross the river to reach the mines on the north side of Teesdale.
Wynch Bridge, built in 1830, is a Grade II listed suspension bridge. It replaced an earlier version that collapsed in 1802. Signs by the bridge advise that it’s for ’ordinary foot traffic only,’ and only one person should cross at a time.
From Wynch Bridge, we get our first glimpse of Low Force Waterfall. It’s breathtaking, and we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what’s to come on our High Force walk.
After crossing Wynch Bridge, we turn right and follow the Pennine Way footpath along the south bank of the River Tees, passing two beautifully crafted sandstone sheep sculptures along the way.
Soon, we enjoy even better views of Low Force Waterfall. The peaty water cascades over rocky ledges, creating a dramatic scene. The river crashes over the hard dolerite of the Whin Sill, a rock formation that dates back 295 million years.
As we continue along the easy, comfortable path, the perfect weather makes our High Force walk even more enjoyable.
The scenery here is stunning. The River Tees cascades over the dolerite rocks of the Whin Sill, surrounded by lush greenery on both banks.
We spot two men fly-fishing by the River Tees, a popular spot for brown trout and salmon.
The River Tees is a beautiful mix of calm sections and tumbling cascades. Some areas flow gently, while others rush over rocky outcrops, creating a lively contrast. There are several rocky spots where we can sit and enjoy a coffee while soaking in the surroundings.
As I mentioned earlier, we’re walking along the Pennine Way, which also forms part of A Pennine Journey and the Teesdale Way. The skies are clear, and the weather is perfect, making our High Force walk a real pleasure.
After about a mile from Low Force, we reach Holwick Head Bridge. Though we don’t cross it, we stop for amazing views upstream and downstream.
From Holwick Head Bridge, we have a serene view of the River Tees flowing downstream, calm at this point, and surrounded by a lush green landscape.
The path between Low Force and High Force is easy to walk on, with only a few slightly rocky sections. The anticipation builds as we get closer to the highlight of our walk—High Force Waterfall.
Our first view of High Force is spectacular. From a designated viewing area just off the path, we watch the River Tees drop 21 metres into a plunge pool. An information board explains the geological layers behind the waterfall, including Whin Sill, sandstone, and limestone.
At High Force, we notice people on the north side of the river, where they’ve accessed the falls from the B6277 road near High Force Hotel. There’s a charge for access there, but we’re on a public footpath on the south side, enjoying the views for free.
The scenery at High Force is breathtaking. Like Low Force, the waterfall plunges over the Whin Sill, with sandstone and limestone layers below, characteristic of the North Pennines landscape.
Beneath the Whin Sill lies a layer of sandstone, formed about 330 million years ago from river delta sand. Below that, a layer of grey limestone was created from ancient sea deposits when the North Pennines lay near the equator.
High Force sits further upstream than Low Force, and the name ’force’ comes from the Old Norse word ’foss,’ meaning waterfall. This, along with terms like ’dale,’ ’beck,’ and ’fell,’ was introduced by Viking settlers over 1000 years ago.
After walking half a mile upstream from High Force, we reach Bleabeck Force, another stunning waterfall. Here, Blea Beck tumbles down in a series of cascades before joining the River Tees.
On the opposite bank of the River Tees, just east of Dine Holm Scar, sits a working stone quarry. The sight of this industrial activity contrasts strikingly with the surrounding natural beauty. Bleabeck Force flows over scattered rocks to meet the Tees, while, across the river, the weathered buildings and conveyor belts of the quarry loom large. It’s a vivid juxtaposition between the peaceful countryside and the human impact on the landscape.
Our High Force walk takes us further along the river, where we spot Dine Holm Scar on the north side. This prominent limestone escarpment rises sharply, showing off its sheer cliffs and jagged edges.
The path leads us across a grassy area known as Pasture Foot. We’re still following the Pennine Way, enjoying every step of our High Force walk.
At this point, the River Tees, wide and relatively calm, winds around the base of Dine Holm Scar. The tranquillity of the scene contrasts beautifully with the earlier cascades.
As we ascend Bracken Rigg, we pause to take in the breathtaking views of the River Tees and the stone quarry in the distance.
We continue north along the Pennine Way, following a well-maintained flagged path that leads us towards Cronkley.
Between High Crag and Low Crag, we descend on the Pennine Way towards the farm at Cronkley. From here, we can see the River Tees flowing peacefully on the other side, and the footbridge we’ll use to cross the river comes into view.
For the first time since Low Force, we cross the River Tees, moving from the south bank to the north. We’re heading towards Forest-in-Teesdale, an area with a rich history of human activity spanning over 10,000 years. From prehistoric hunter-gatherers to Victorian lead miners and today’s farmers, people have long made use of the land and its resources.
Standing on the footbridge, we take in the view of the River Tees flowing downstream. The landscape here has been shaped by the forces of ice and water. During the last ice age, about 20,000 years ago, this area was covered by a mile-high sheet of ice. As the ice retreated, it left behind the clay and boulders we see today, and meltwaters carved out gorges like those at High Force and Low Force.
Continuing our High Force walk, we follow the track from Dirt Pit across Smithy Sike. In northern England and Scotland, a ’sike’ (or ’syke’) refers to a small stream, adding another layer of local charm to our journey.
Our route from Dirt Pit is straightforward, with clear signposts directing us back to Bowlees Visitor Centre. The stone track offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and we avoid any stiles or diverging footpaths as we press on.
We pass by the lovely whitewashed farm buildings at Ash Hill. Many of the buildings in Upper Teesdale on the north side of the River Tees are painted white, indicating that the land belongs to the Raby Estate, owned by Lord Barnard of Raby Castle. On the south side of the river lies the Strathmore Estate, owned by the Earl of Strathmore.
As we move along the track, we spot the Bowlees Visitor Centre in the distance, marking the end of our walk.
Arriving back at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, we reflect on the journey. Our High Force walk has been a fantastic experience, filled with incredible scenery, fascinating history, and rich geological features.
The Bowlees Visitor Centre, housed in an old Methodist chapel, provides a wealth of information about the area’s unique landscape, geology, and wildlife. It’s the perfect place to end our High Force walk.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.