Bowes Waterfall Walk to Huggill Force, Sleightholme Beck and Mill Force
If you are looking for a scenic walk in Bowes that feels properly outdoorsy without being a big slog, this circular route is a lovely choice. Starting from Bowes village, it links three very different waterfalls, from the hidden drop of Huggill Force to the rocky little gorge on Sleightholme Beck, then finishes with the woodland feel of Mill Force.
It is a great option for anyone wanting a Teesdale walk with real variety. You get a mix of quiet lanes, open fields, riverside sections and clear rights of way, with plenty of space to slow down and enjoy the countryside. It also works well as a walk near Barnard Castle if you want somewhere quieter than the busiest spots.
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Quick facts
Distance: 6.3 miles
Time: Around 2 hours 10 minutes
Route type: Circular walk
Elevation gain: Approximately 315 ft
Terrain: Country lanes, open fields, riverside paths, woodland trails and uneven ground near the waterfalls
Difficulty: Easy to moderate with a few steady rises and rougher sections by the gorge
Dog friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under close control around livestock and near steep banks
OS map: Explorer OL31 North Pennines*
Digital route: View the full route on Hiiker*
GPX files: Free download here
Parking and access
Parking is available at the car park opposite Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall, DL12 9JU. It is a handy start point with quick access into the village and an easy run down to the first section of the route.
This walk uses public rights of way and open access land. Open access can sometimes be subject to temporary or local restrictions, so always follow current signs and notices when you visit.
Some sections can be muddy after rain, and the ground around Huggill Force and Sleightholme Beck can be steep, rocky and uneven. Keep well back from steep edges and take extra care around the waterfalls, particularly after wet weather.
Dogs should be kept under close control throughout the route. On open access land, dogs must be kept on a short lead near livestock and between 1 March and 31 July, and additional local restrictions may sometimes apply.
Route description
From Bowes to Huggill Force
From the village hall car park, head downhill along the road towards Gilmonby Bridge. After a couple of minutes, turn right onto Long Close Lane and follow it for around three quarters of a mile. A gate with a public right of way arrow appears on the left, marking the point where the route leaves the lane and heads into open countryside.
Go through the gate and walk straight uphill, keeping close to the stone wall as you cross the first field. In the second field, continue diagonally uphill towards a wooden gate, which leads onto open access land. From here, Huggill Force is around a five minute walk away, but care is needed as the ground becomes steeper and more uneven.
The easiest approach is to gain a little height first, then carefully cut across towards the gorge where Huggill Force comes into view. Take your time near the edge as the slopes down to the waterfall are steep. Always explore with care and respect for the surrounding land.
From Huggill Force to Sleightholme Beck Waterfall
After enjoying the views, head up to the road and follow it for roughly a mile. Just before the cattle grid, turn right and begin to descend towards the sound of water on Sleightholme Beck.
As you drop down, you will find a rocky, tucked away section of beck where the water cuts through a small gorge. Follow the beck downstream and you will pass multiple little falls and cascades. This is one of the most atmospheric parts of the walk, especially after wet weather when the water is moving well.
From East Mellwaters to Mill Force and back to Bowes
Continue onwards towards East Mellwaters, then pick up the River Greta and follow it along the valley. The river section feels open and peaceful, with wide views and plenty of space to wander at your own pace.
Cross the river on the footbridge by the weir, then head up the country lane. Soon after, you will drop down into woodland near the top of Bowes. Follow the woodland path and you will reach Mill Force, passing through a small field before returning into trees again.
Keep your eyes peeled for St Farmins Well in the woodland. From Mill Force, you will reach the road, turn left, and follow it back up to the village hall car park to finish the loop.
What you will see on this walk
Huggill Force
A hidden waterfall tucked into open hillside countryside, reached by a short but careful approach across uneven ground. It feels remote despite being close to Bowes, and the view into the gorge makes it one of those places that stays with you long after the walk.
Sleightholme Beck gorge and waterfalls
A quieter section of Teesdale where the beck drops through rocky steps and small cascades. You can hear the water before you see it, and the little gorge gives this part of the walk a proper wild feel without needing a long hike.
Mill Force
A woodland waterfall that feels calm and sheltered, especially in the softer light. The path in and out is part of the charm, and it is a lovely way to finish the route before heading back into Bowes.
More photos from the route
East Mellwaters bridge
A classic Teesdale scene with stonework, quiet lanes and the river nearby. It is a small landmark on the route, but it helps you feel properly connected to the landscape and the history of how people have travelled through the valley for generations.
River Greta weir footbridge crossing
A memorable crossing point where the River Greta gathers pace and spills over the weir below. The footbridge gives a great view of the water and surrounding valley.
River Greta valley
A wide open stretch of the River Greta with gentle flow and big skies, showing the quieter side of this part of Teesdale. It is the kind of scenery that makes the walk feel bigger than the mileage, with lots of space to breathe.
A moment of calm in Bowes countryside
This Bowes circular walk is a reminder that you do not need a huge day out to feel the benefits of being outdoors. Within a short distance you move from village lanes to open hills, then into water carved gorges and calm woodland. Walks like this give your mind a break. They create space to slow down, notice small details, and feel part of somewhere real, even if life is busy.
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe these quieter routes matter just as much as the famous ones. They are the kind of walks you can return to again and again, in different seasons, and always take something new from them.
About this walking guide
This guide is part of Discover Teesdale, our local guide to walks, waterfalls and peaceful places across Teesdale. This route has been walked and photographed by us and includes clear directions, real landmarks and local knowledge to help visitors explore Bowes, the River Greta and the surrounding countryside with confidence.
It is designed for anyone looking for a friendly circular walk featuring three waterfalls, quiet paths, and classic Teesdale scenery, all starting from Bowes village.