High Force, Low Force and the River Tees from Bowlees

North Pennines Walk

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL31	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL31	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL19	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL19	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 91	Sheet Map	1:50k	BUY
Anquet OS Landranger 91	Digital Map	1:50k	BUY

Walk Route Description

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The River Tees is a river of contrasts beginning its life on the isolated flanks of Cross Fell and entering the North Sea surrounded by industry. The section of the river contained in this route provides a perfect basis for a walk with the inclusion of two fine waterfalls, pleasant rural surroundings, two fine examples of public art and a return across open country to the small village of Holwick.

The start is the car park (Grid ref. NY907282) adjacent to the Bowlees Visitor Centre about 3 miles northwest along the B6277 from Middleton-in-Teesdale. After parking exit the car park using the footbridge. Continue past the visitor centre (well worth a visit if open) and continue down the lane to main road. Go straight across and follow the signed footpath to Wynch Bridge. Entering woodland on the banks of the Tees, it is worthwhile making a short diversion to the riverbank to the right of Wynch Bridge to get your first look at Low Force. After rain the falls, although lacking height, can be very dramatic as the Tees flows south. Return to the bridge and, taking note of the sign above your head, cross this historic structure. Information boards provide a detailed and very interesting history and some anecdotes about its past. Reaching the far bank of the river, turn right to join the Pennine Way National Trail on its way north to the Scottish border at Kirk Yetholm. Almost immediately you pass Low Force on your right.

Staying on the riverside path continue upstream. The first piece of public art is soon reached as you cross a beautiful stile with two sheep carved from limestone. Continuing alongside the river, the walking is pleasant and quite soon you are able to hear High Force waterfall. Before reaching the falls the path climbs a little with the river confined to a rocky gorge. Look out for a vantage point on your right from where you get an almost perfect view of High Force. This is the largest waterfall in England which you are able to enjoy free of charge. As an alternative you can park at the High Force Hotel and pay a toll to use the path on the opposite bank.

After enjoying the spectacle continue upstream following the Pennine Way. You pass a large working quarry on the far bank after which the path crosses two footbridges close together (Grid ref. NY867280) and begins to climb a small grassy hill. At the time of writing (2006), there was a small barn for sheep to shelter in on the top of this hill. Shortly after this, turn left off the Pennine Way and go through a gate in the wall. Continue on this path a short way to reach a green way (Grid ref. NY860280). Turn left and follow this broad track across open country with a wall to your left. Crossing a stream, the track climbs gently with the wall to your left but after a short way the track continues ahead with the wall veering left. Reaching the brow of the hill the way ahead is clear with good views to your left across the River Tees and the ground you have just walked.

Joining a track (Grid ref. NY880275) continue ahead towards Holwick Scar. Stay on the track as descends past the first crags and cross the superb stile with its two sheep carvings on the right of track. Commissioned by the local landowner, the sheep and grouse are intended to show the delicate balance of fauna on the moorland. Once over the stile continue along the track towards Holwick village. Go through the gate by the first cottage and walk ahead on the tarmac lane. At the junction turn left down the lane and follow this until it bears left towards Holwick Lodge. At the bend in the road (Grid ref. NY903274) take the signed footpath across fields to Wynch Bridge. Cross the bridge, perhaps reacquaint yourself with Low Force, and follow the outward route back to the car park. In season there are refreshments available at the visitor centre.

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Other walks nearby

Walk 3424	Cronkley Fell from Hanging Shaw	easy/mod	7.0 miles
Walk 3526	Hanging Shaw, Cronkley Scar, Low Force & High Force	moderate	12.7 miles
Walk 1005	Harter Fell & Grassholme from Middleton-in-Teesdale	moderate	8.0 miles
Walk 1482	Crossthwaite Common from Middleton-in-Teesdale	moderate	9.8 miles
Walk 1483	Eggleston & Romaldkirk from Middleton-in-Teesdale	easy/mod	9.8 miles
Walk 1484	Kirkcarrion from Middleton-in-Teesdale	easy	3.5 miles
Walk 1485	Hamsterley & Middleton-in-Teesdale	mod/hard	16.5 miles
Walk 1488	Middleton-in-Teesdale Railway Walk	easy	2.5 miles
Walk 2258	Grassholme Reservoir from Middleton-in-Teesdale	moderate	8.2 miles
Walk 2228	Romaldkirk Moor from Mickleton	easy/mod	7.6 miles

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