Mir Gill Waterfall near Balderhead Reservoir
Mir Gill Waterfall is a small, peaceful waterfall on Mir Gill Beck, flowing into the River Balder at the upper end of Balderhead Reservoir in Teesdale. It is not a large or dramatic waterfall, but a quiet spot on open access moorland that feels calm and tucked away from busier places.
Quick Facts
Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: Approximately 266 ft
Start Point: Balderhead West car park (DL12 9UX, use as a guide)
Route Type: There and back
Terrain: Open access moorland becoming steeper near the gill
Difficulty: Moderate due to steep ground near the waterfall
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under close control near steep drops and livestock
OS Map: Explorer OL31
Digital Route: See the route on Hiiker
Parking and access
Parking for Mir Gill Waterfall is at Balderhead West car park, using the postcode DL12 9UX as a guide. Drive past the main Balderhead Reservoir car park and continue straight along the single-track road until you reach the end, where there is a small informal parking area with space for a handful of cars.
There are no facilities here, so it is best to arrive prepared. Please park considerately, keep access clear, and respect the open moorland surroundings
The walk to Mir Gill Waterfall
From Balderhead West car park, follow the well-marked track downhill towards the reservoir. The path is easy to follow and soon brings you alongside the edge of Balderhead Reservoir, where it is worth slowing down and taking in the open views and quiet atmosphere.
Continue along the reservoir edge until you reach the River Balder, which is crossed by a small bridge. Once over the river, the route climbs steadily uphill on a clear track, passing grouse butts and open moorland. Head towards the gill, where a well-marked path leads you back on yourself and down to Mir Gill. Follow this path as it narrows and you will soon reach the small but lovely Mir Gill Waterfall, tucked into the steep-sided gill.
If you prefer a slightly flatter walk, it is possible to stay on the north side of the River Balder for longer rather than crossing the bridge straight away. This route eventually requires crossing the river to reach the gill, which can mean wet feet depending on water levels. We have walked it both ways, but the bridge crossing is the easier and drier option for most people.
What you’ll see on this walk
This walk combines wide open moorland views with the quiet beauty of water moving through the landscape. From the reservoir edge to the narrow gill, the scenery slowly changes, offering peaceful places to pause, listen, and take it all in. It’s a route where the sense of space is just as memorable as the waterfall itself.
Balderhead Reservoir
Balderhead Reservoir stretches quietly through the upper reaches of Teesdale, surrounded by rolling moorland and long, open views. Walking alongside the water feels calm and unhurried, with changing light and reflections giving the landscape a different feel depending on the weather and season.
The River Balder
The River Balder winds gently through the valley before feeding into Balderhead Reservoir, creating a peaceful meeting point between river and open water. This is a lovely place to slow down, watch the water moving through the landscape, and appreciate the quiet, remote feel of this part of Teesdale.
A moment of calm at Mir Gill Waterfall
This walk to Mir Gill Waterfall shows how quickly you can leave everyday noise behind and step into open, peaceful moorland. Within a short time you are walking beside water, with wide views across the upper reaches of Teesdale, before reaching the narrow gill where the waterfall sits quietly tucked away.
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe walks like this matter. They offer space to slow down, breathe, and enjoy simple moments outdoors. Mir Gill Waterfall may be small, but it is a lovely place to pause, listen to the water, and take in the calm surroundings without needing a long or demanding route.
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 the area around Balderhead Reservoir and Mir Gill Beck with confidence.
It is designed for anyone looking for a quieter walk on open access land, featuring moorland views, flowing water, and a small, hidden waterfall away from busier paths.