Explore the Scenic Low Force to High Force Walk Starting at Bowlees
This Low Force to High Force walk starts at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, located just over three miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale, on the B6277 road. The visitor centre is close to Low Force Waterfall and offers parking, a café, a gift shop, an information point, toilet facilities, and a picnic area. Before setting off on the main walk, consider taking a short detour to Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force. The signposted path from the car park is a straightforward linear route of about two-thirds of a mile in total, making this a brief yet rewarding addition to your day. After visiting the cave, return to the car park to continue your journey.
To begin the main Low Force to High Force walk, cross the bridge over Bow Lee Beck and ascend the steps, passing the visitor centre. Head down the lane to the B6277 road. After crossing the road, follow the signposted footpath towards Low Force Waterfall and Wynch Bridge. Once across Wynch Bridge, turn right onto the Pennine Way, which follows the scenic River Tees. As you continue, you’ll pass two sandstone sheep sculptures before reaching the striking Low Force Waterfall, a picturesque spot on this route.
Continue along the path for about a mile, keeping the river on your right, until you reach Holwick Head Bridge. Although you won’t cross it yet, take note of its position as you will return here later. Stay on the footpath beside the river and walk just over half a mile further to reach High Force Waterfall. This breathtaking natural landmark is undoubtedly a highlight of the Low Force to High Force walk. After taking in the view, retrace your steps back to Holwick Head Bridge.
Once at the bridge, cross over and turn left to follow the path alongside the river. The trail will lead you into woodland, where you’ll climb a set of steps to reach the B6277 near High Force Hotel. Cross the road here and continue walking between the hotel and the gift shop, then turn right onto a path that winds through fields. You will pass a barn on your right and after about half a mile emerge onto a minor road.
In front of you is a small triangular grassy area with tall trees. Walk around it and follow the quiet country lane down to the farm at Dirt Pit. From here, simply continue along the lane, ignoring any side paths. After a little over a mile, the lane will lead you back to the Bowlees Visitor Centre, completing the Low Force to High Force walk.
Including the detour to Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Force, this walk is approximately 5½ miles long. While High Force Waterfall is the star attraction, the entire route through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a wealth of stunning landscapes and memorable moments along the way.
Low Force to 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.
Low Force to High Force Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 5½ miles
Distance: 8¾ kilometres
Duration: 2¾ hours
Ascent: 680 feet
Ascent: 207 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 Low Force and High Force
Low Force and High Force are two of the most spectacular waterfalls on the River Tees, located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and part of the European Geopark. These natural landmarks are celebrated for both their scenic splendour and geological importance. The waterfalls cascade over the Whin Sill, a hard layer of igneous rock that shapes the landscape of this stunning region. Both falls have also captured the imagination of filmmakers and have featured in a variety of productions, from big-budget films to popular TV series.
The Scenic Wonder of Low Force Waterfall
Low Force is a beautiful 18-foot high set of waterfalls, located downstream from its more famous sibling, High Force. The Wynch Bridge, completed in 1830, is a key feature of the site. Due to its age and potential instability, signs at each end advise that only one person crosses the bridge at a time.
Historically, Low Force marked the boundary between the North Riding of Yorkshire and County Durham. However, since the 1974 local government reforms, the south bank of the Tees has been included within County Durham for administrative purposes.
Low Force in Popular Culture
Low Force has attracted the attention of filmmakers in recent years. In June 2019, scenes from 1917 were filmed near the waterfall, with prosthetic bodies scattered around to recreate the battlefield setting. In 2020, the location featured in episode seven of the second season of Netflix’s The Witcher.
The Majestic Power of High Force Waterfall
High Force, towering at 70 feet, is one of England’s most dramatic waterfalls. After periods of heavy rain, the waterfall can split into two streams, with water flowing over an additional, usually dry, right-hand channel. On rare occasions, such as during Storm Desmond in 2015, the river has been high enough to flow over a central rock section, creating a striking three-part waterfall. In colder months, High Force can sometimes freeze, forming magnificent ice structures.
Visitors can access the northern bank of the waterfall via a private footpath on the Raby Estate, which requires a fee. However, the southern bank is freely accessible via the Pennine Way, a route which I’ve described on this page.
High Force in Popular Culture
High Force has left its mark on both the big and small screens. Footage of the waterfall was featured in Mackenna’s Gold, a film set in the American Southwest, and more recently, it appeared in Emmerdale in 2021.
Low Force to High Force Walk: My Photos
Before starting our main Low Force to High Force walk, we take a short detour to visit Gibson’s Cave. From the Bowlees Visitor Centre car park, we follow a path heading north along Bow Lee Beck. A helpful sign points the way to Gibson’s Cave and Summerhill Waterfall. Not long after setting off, we spot a charming little waterfall, with water gracefully cascading over a series of weathered, stepped rocks.
As we continue upstream, the beck is a beautiful sight. Its gentle flow creates small cascades, bordered by dense trees that form a natural canopy. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a golden glow on the water. The peaceful atmosphere is soon broken by the sound of rushing water further ahead—an indication that we’re nearing the larger waterfall at Gibson’s Cave.
A short walk later, we arrive at Gibson’s Cave, and the area immediately takes our breath away. We’re so glad we decided to make this half-hour detour before starting the main Low Force to High Force walk. A sign provides fascinating details about the cave, sharing insights into its history and geology.
At Gibson’s Cave, Summerhill Force on Bow Lee Beck plunges over a thick layer of grey limestone. Quarrymen and miners called this the Five Yard Limestone due to its substantial thickness. Beneath it, sandstone and dark shale create a layered effect, each formed about 330 million years ago in tropical seas and river deltas.
These different rock types erode at varying rates, shaping the waterfall. The softer sandstone and shale erode more quickly than the limestone, leading to undercutting, which has created the large overhang we see here. Over time, the limestone will break off and fall, gradually moving the waterfall upstream and forming the gorge—a process that continues today.
Who was Gibson? Local legend tells of William Gibson, a 16th-century outlaw who hid in the cave while evading capture by Barnard Castle’s constables. Known as a lovable rogue, Gibson was supplied with food and dry clothes by his friends, as he concealed himself behind the waterfall’s shimmering curtain in this hidden hideaway.
After exploring the cave, we retrace our steps back to the car park. From there, we follow the path leading up to the Bowlees Visitor Centre. A clear sign in the car park points the way, and at the visitor centre, we find a café, shop, and toilet facilities.
Inside the visitor centre, we discover a wealth of information about the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where we’ll be walking. There’s a leaflet that outlines the Low Force to High Force walk, offering more background on some of the sights we’ll encounter. You can even download it from the website: https://northpennines.org.uk/bowlees-visitor-centre/explore-bowlees. After our brief visit, we head back outside, ready to start our main Low Force to High Force walk.
Leaving the visitor centre behind, we officially begin the Low Force to High Force walk by crossing the road and taking the footpath down to Wynch Bridge and Low Force Waterfall.
The footpath leads us into a lovely wooded area, and soon we reach Wynch Bridge, which spans the River Tees.
Wynch Bridge is a Grade II listed structure, with a sign advising that only one person should cross at a time. Built in 1830, this suspension bridge replaced an earlier one that collapsed in 1802. Originally, it allowed lead miners from Holwick to cross the river and reach the mines on the north side of Teesdale.
Crossing the bridge is a real treat—its historic charm and construction are fascinating. Another sign above us reminds walkers that the bridge is for ‘ordinary foot traffic only,’ and any groups overloading it or causing damage will face prosecution.
As soon as we step off the bridge, we get our first glimpse of Low Force Waterfall. Wow! Its beauty is astonishing. The peaty water tumbles over a series of rocky ledges, creating a dramatic scene of natural power.
We follow the path beside the river, which also forms part of the Pennine Way. Along the way, we come across two beautiful sandstone sheep sculptures.
Looking across the river, we see calmer sections of water, with the rugged rock formations typical of this region lining the banks. The stillness of the water here is a stark contrast to the tumbling falls we’ve just witnessed.
Soon, we’re rewarded with a stunning view of Low Force in full flow. The river cascades over the hard dolerite of the Whin Sill, a rock formation created 295 million years ago.
Continuing along the path, we’re lucky to have perfect weather today, making our Low Force to High Force walk even more enjoyable.
As mentioned earlier, we’re walking along the Pennine Way, which is also part of the A Pennine Journey and the Teesdale Way. This route is an absolute joy.
There are several rocky areas along the river where we can sit and enjoy a snack, sipping coffee from our flask while soaking in the incredible surroundings.
At certain points, we’re able to stand right at the water’s edge, taking in the sights and sounds of the river up close.
Some parts of the river flow gently, while others rush over rocky outcrops, creating a lively contrast in the river’s character.
We pass two men fly fishing along the riverbank. The River Tees is well-known for its brown trout and salmon, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Further along, we’re treated to another breathtaking view—a stretch of the River Tees with small rapids flowing over the rocks, surrounded by lush trees in various shades of green. The sunlight reflects off the water, creating a magical scene.
The footpath between Low Force and High Force Waterfalls is relatively easy to walk on. Though it can be rocky in places, it’s mostly flat and manageable.
After walking about a mile from Low Force, we reach Holwick Head Bridge. We’ll return here after visiting High Force Waterfall, as there’s no crossing point at the waterfall itself.
Standing on Holwick Head Bridge, we get a wonderful view of the River Tees flowing downstream.
Anticipation builds as we walk through a trail lined with tall bracken, knowing we’re getting closer to the highlight of our walk—High Force Waterfall.
Our first view of High Force is spectacular. There’s a designated viewing area just off the path, where we watch the River Tees drop 21 metres into a deep plunge pool. An information board explains how the waterfall was formed, detailing the three layers of rock: Whin Sill, sandstone, and limestone.
At High Force, we notice people on the north side of the river. They’ve descended steps from the B6277 road near High Force Hotel, where access is permitted for a fee. Fortunately, we’re on a public footpath on the south side, and there’s no charge to enjoy these incredible views.
The views of High Force Waterfall are nothing short of spectacular. Like Low Force, the waterfall plunges over the resilient Whin Sill, with layers of sandstone and limestone below, typical of the North Pennines landscape.
The Whin Sill was formed around 295 million years ago when molten rock solidified underground. Over millions of years, erosion exposed the Whin Sill at the surface, creating the striking landscape we see today.
Beneath the Whin Sill is a layer of sandstone, formed about 330 million years ago from river delta sand.
Below that lies a layer of grey limestone, created from limy ooze in a tropical sea when the North Pennines were situated near the equator.
High Force is located further upstream than Low Force. The word ‘force’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘foss’, meaning waterfall. This, along with other local terms like ‘dale’, ‘beck’, and ‘fell’, was introduced by Viking settlers around 1100 years ago.
We follow the track from Dirt Pit across Smithy Sike. The word ‘sike’ (or ‘syke’) refers to a small stream, a term commonly used in the north of England and Scotland.
The track from Dirt Pit is easy to follow, with signposts directing us back to Bowlees Visitor Centre. We avoid any stiles or diverging footpaths, continuing along the stone track, which offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Passing by the lovely whitewashed farm buildings at Ash Hill, we notice how distinct they are. Many of the buildings in Upper Teesdale are part of 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 continue along the track, we pass through a gate and spot the Bowlees Visitor Centre in the distance.
We arrive back at the visitor centre, marking the end of our Low Force to High Force walk.
The visitor centre, housed in an old Methodist chapel, now serves as a popular café. It’s filled with fascinating information about the area’s remarkable landscape, geology, and wildlife.
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