Bowes Castle and Mill Force Walk

If you’re looking for a short walk that instantly clears your mind and fills you with that peaceful “Teesdale calm”, this one is perfect. In less than an hour you’ll explore a medieval castle, wander through quiet countryside and finish beside a waterfall deep in the trees and all of that starts just steps away from a free village car park.

This walk is ideal for families, relaxed explorers and anyone who loves history, nature or simply being outdoors to reset their mind. It’s amazing to think that the quiet village of Bowes was once a major Roman stronghold and later had the A66 thundering through its centre. Today it’s a place of stillness, where you can slow down, breathe, and follow in the footsteps of Romans, Normans and travellers over centuries.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: Bowes, County Durham (DL12 9HR)
🚗 Start Point: Free parking opposite Bowes & Gilmonby  Village Hall

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km circular
⏱  Time: 30–45 minutes
🌦  Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families
🐾 Dogs: Yes – on leads

🗺 Map: OS Explorer OL31 – North Pennines

🗺️ Digital route: you can view the digital route here

A Walk for the Mind and Soul

This is one of those walks that reminds you of why spending time in nature matters. It’s short enough to fit into a busy day, but rich enough to make you feel like you’ve truly escaped.

You’re not just walking a path  you’re walking through layers of time, breathing the same Teesdale air that Romans, Norman soldiers, medieval villagers and travellers once did.

Whether you come for the history, the scenery, or just a peaceful half hour outdoors, Bowes never disappoints.

The Walk: Step-by-Step

1. Start at Bowes Village Hall

Park for free opposite the village hall and begin walking up through the village. Bowes may seem quiet today, but it once sat on one of the most important roads in Britain, hard to imagine now, but the A66 used to run right through the village following the old Roman route.

2. Turn Left at the Church

As you walk uphill, you’ll pass St Giles Church on your left. Just after it, turn left down Back Lane, a narrow single track that instantly feels like you’re stepping back in time. The top of Bowes Castle soon comes into view.

3. Explore Bowes Castle

You are free to wander inside the castle ruins. Built between 1170 and 1174 by Henry II, it stands where the Roman fort of Lavatrae once guarded the Pennine crossing. Its massive walls have seen Scottish raids, rebellion, and centuries of decline. Standing here, you can feel the wildness of the landscape and why this spot mattered so much.

Take a moment, it’s peaceful now, but once echoed with footsteps of knights and soldiers.

4. Across the Fields

Follow the waymarked path past the castle and across open fields. The view opens up over the River Greta valley. This is classic Teesdale  soft, rolling land shaped by centuries of farming and history. Continue and you will pass Ivy Hall campsite and reach a farm track.

5. Into the Woods and Along the River

The path now drops gently back on itself towards the trees. As you step into the woodland, the sound of water begins to rise. You’ll soon arrive at Mill Force, a tucked-away waterfall.

This isn't just a pretty waterfall  it once powered a medieval corn mill that ground grain for the castle and local villagers. If you look closely, you may spot the remains of mill races and stone channels that once directed the river’s force to the mill wheel.

6. Continue to Gilmonby Bridge

Keep following the river path downstream, don’t retrace your steps. The woodland section is peaceful and atmospheric, especially when the sunlight filters through the trees. After a short walk, you’ll reach Gilmonby Bridge, a charming single-arch stone bridge.

7. Return via Quiet Village Lane

Cross the bridge and follow the quiet single-track road back towards Bowes. There’s little traffic, but it’s still best to walk on the right-hand side facing cars. As you re-enter the village, you’ll pass a children’s play park, ideal if you’re walking with little ones. Continue a short distance back to the car park to complete the loop.

Mill Force

Bowes Castle A Fortress on the Edge of History

Bowes Castle was built between 1170 and 1174 by King Henry II, right on top of a former Roman fort called Lavatrae.
It stood here to guard the vital route across the Pennines  the same route the modern A66 follows today.
Even though only the stone keep remains, you can still feel its power and imagine soldiers watching the landscape below.
The castle survived attacks from Scottish forces in 1173 and stood strong for centuries before falling into decline after the Civil War.
Today it is cared for by English Heritage and free to explore, offering incredible views and a real sense of stepping back in time.

Mill Force Waterfall Where Nature Powered a Community

Mill Force is a peaceful woodland waterfall on the River Greta, but it was once the heart of daily life in Bowes.
The word “Force” comes from the Old Norse word for waterfall, showing the Viking influence in Teesdale.
In medieval times, a corn mill stood right beside the falls, grinding grain for the castle garrison and local villagers.
You can still spot old stonework and channels where water was once directed onto the mill wheel.
Today only the sound of the river remains it’s a calm, soothing place to pause, take a breath, and feel connected to nature and the history around you.

Why This Walk Stays With You

What makes this walk so special isn’t just the castle or the waterfall  it’s how the landscape invites you to slow down.
You begin at the heart of a village shaped by Romans and kings, wander through peaceful Teesdale fields, and end beside a hidden waterfall that once powered everyday life.
It’s a reminder that the simplest paths can tell the biggest stories and that spending even half an hour in nature can completely reset your mind.

Bowes Castle standing above the village – once a powerful Norman fortress guarding the Pennine crossing.

Explore more in Teesdale

Continue your journey through Teesdale’s history, waterfalls and peaceful landscapes: