Huggill Force Waterfall near Bowes
Huggill Force is a quietly hidden waterfall near Bowes, set on the edge of Gilmonby Moor in Teesdale. The route crosses open ground and gently rising fields before the land suddenly drops away into a narrow gorge on Huggill Beck. It is one of those places that slowly creeps up on you, and then, almost without warning, the waterfall reveals itself below. The contrast between the open moorland above and the tucked-away falls below makes it a memorable little spot to discover.
Quick Facts
Location: Huggill Force, near Bowes, Teesdale
Parking: Car park opposite Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall
Postcode: DL12 9HR
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) out and back
Time: Around 1 hour
Route type: Out and back
Terrain: Country lanes, fields, open access moorland
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog friendly: Yes, on a lead near livestock
Map: OS Explorer OL31 – North Pennines
Digital route: Hiiker route link
Parking and Access
The best place to start the walk is the small car park opposite Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall, which offers sensible parking close to the route. The postcode for the car park is DL12 9HR. From here, the walk follows public roads and footpaths before reaching open access land near the waterfall. Although a narrow access road passes closer to Huggill Force from the Bowes to Sleightholme direction, there are no suitable laybys and parking along this road is not advised. Beginning the walk from Bowes keeps access straightforward and helps avoid issues on local access routes.
The Walk 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 will appear 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 this point, the waterfall is around a five minute walk away, but care is needed as the ground becomes steeper and more uneven.
The easiest approach is to walk uphill first and 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, and always explore with care and respect for the surrounding land.
What You’ll See on This Walk
This short walk to Huggill Force offers a gentle build-up, moving from village edges into more open ground before the waterfall suddenly reveals itself. Each stage of the route feels distinct, helping the sense of discovery grow as you get closer to the falls.
Leaving Bowes on the Gilmonby Road
The walk begins by leaving Bowes along the quiet road towards Gilmonby, bordered by mossy stone walls and mature trees. This first section feels calm and unhurried, offering an easy start as the village gradually fades behind you and the surrounding countryside begins to open up.
Gate onto Open Access Land
A simple wooden gate marks the point where the route leaves enclosed fields and enters open access land. Passing through here brings a noticeable change in atmosphere, with wider views and fewer boundaries, while still passing through a working landscape that should be treated with care and respect.
Huggill Force Waterfall
Beyond the gate, the land rises gently before dropping away into a narrow gorge carved by Huggill Beck. It is here that Huggill Force finally comes into view, appearing almost without warning after the steady approach. The tucked-away setting makes it a quietly striking place to stop and take in the sound and movement of the water.
A Moment of Calm at Huggill Force
The walk to Huggill Force shows how gently a sense of discovery can build as the landscape slowly opens out from Bowes towards Gilmonby Moor. What begins as a straightforward route across open ground suddenly changes as the land drops into a narrow gorge, where the waterfall reveals itself almost without warning.
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe walks like this matter. Huggill Force offers a peaceful place to pause, listen to the water, and take in the contrast between the open moorland above and the sheltered space of the gorge below.
About This Walking Guide
This guide is part of Discover Teesdale, our collection of walks, waterfalls, and quieter places across the area. We have walked this route ourselves and photographed it along the way, using clear landmarks and simple directions to help others explore with confidence.
It is a short out-and-back walk that suits anyone looking for a peaceful wander rather than a big route, ending at a beautiful, hidden waterfall tucked away on the edge of open moorland.
Share Your Discover Teesdale Walks
If you have explored Huggill Force or discovered other quiet places nearby, you are welcome to share your photos and walks in the Discover Teesdale Facebook group. It is a friendly space for people to post their own finds, ask questions, and help build a shared picture of Teesdale through everyday exploring.