Black Force Waterfall Walk, Upper Teesdale

We’ve created a digital route that you can follow on your phone,View digital route on Hiiker , and there’s also a link to the official OS website showing the correct paper map to use for this area (Explorer OL31 North Pennines – Teesdale and Weardale).

🚶 The walk

From the layby, follow the broad track that leads across the moor. You soon come to a ford where the beck crosses the track. It is usually shallow, but after rain it can be deeper, so take your time and wear good waterproof footwear.

Continue following the track uphill beside Great Eggleshope Beck. The landscape begins to open up, and you will see remains of the old Wiregill Mine on the far side of the beck. Look out for low walls, stone bases, and small openings in the hillside that once led into the mine — but please don’t enter any of them, as they’re unstable.

You’ll pass an old two-storey stone building close to the reservoir. It’s thought this may once have been a smithy or workshop used to repair tools for the mine.

As you walk on, the track fades into the grass and becomes rougher. You’ll need to cross the beck a few times, stepping carefully on stones. The surroundings feel wonderfully quiet and untouched. You might spot curlews or grouse as you go.

As you reach the upper section of the beck, you’ll hear Black Force before you see it. The waterfall is hidden in a small rocky corner. To reach it, take care descending a short but steep slope to the edge of the beck. The ground can be slippery, especially after rain, but the view from the bottom is beautiful and worth every step.

Return the same way, enjoying the views back across the valley — it’s one of those walks where the way back feels just as good as the way out, surrounded by open skies and the calm of Teesdale.

💧 About Black Force

Black Force is a small but striking waterfall on Great Eggleshope Beck in Upper Teesdale. It’s not as large as High Force or Low Force, but it feels remote and peaceful, surrounded by moorland and rocky banks. It’s especially impressive after rain when the beck is full.

This is one of those waterfalls that many people miss, making it a rewarding place for anyone who enjoys exploring quieter Teesdale walks.

⛏️ History of Wiregill Mine

The walk passes through the old Wiregill Mine area, which was part of the London Lead Company’s operations in the Eggleshope Valley. The company worked here during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the area is dotted with the remains of buildings, spoil tips, and drainage levels.

Historic records suggest that dozens of miners, blacksmiths, and labourers once worked in this valley. There were several working levels known as Wiregill Low, Middle, and High Levels, along with the older Wiregill Old Level that drained into the beck.

In more recent years, conservation projects have taken place to reduce metal pollution in the streams and to replant vegetation over the spoil tips. The ruins you pass are reminders of Teesdale’s industrial history and how nature is now quietly reclaiming the landscape.

💭 Why we loved this walk

This walk sums up what we love most about Teesdale. It’s peaceful, remote, and full of history, yet never feels crowded. The sound of the beck, the open skies, and that final waterfall make it an unforgettable day out.

Black Force is one of those special places that rewards those who take the time to look beyond the main paths and explore the quieter corners of the dale. It’s the sort of place that reminds you what exploring is really about  peace, discovery, and the joy of finding somewhere few others have seen.

🧾 Helpful info before you go

There’s a small layby for parking on the minor road between the B6277 and Town Head in Middleton in Teesdale, just past Middle End Farm (postcode DL12 0SA). Space is limited to a few cars, so it’s best to arrive early or visit at quieter times.

The walk is roughly 5.7 miles there and back, with some challenging sections, beck crossings, and a short steep descent to reach the waterfall — but it’s a brilliant adventure for anyone who loves quieter routes.

Dogs are welcome, though they’ll need to be kept under close control around livestock and the steeper ground near the beck.

You’ll pass several old mine ruins along the way — fascinating to see, but not safe to enter. The two-storey stone building near the reservoir is thought to have been a smithy or workshop used in the mining days.

We always recommend carrying the OS Explorer OL31 North Pennines Teesdale and Weardale map (add your affiliate link here) and knowing how to use it, as this is a remote moorland area with faint paths. You can also follow our route on Hiiker for extra confidence.

After rain, the ford and beck crossings can be deeper, but the waterfall is at its most impressive. Waterproof boots are a must, and care is needed on the final slope. The walk isn’t ideal for very young children, but older ones who enjoy exploring might really love it.

This guide is based on our own visit and research, but conditions change over time. Always plan ahead, check the weather, and walk at your own risk.

If you’re new to planning walks or using digital maps, you might like our guide to map and compass basics, or our Hiiker app review, which shows how we plot and follow all our routes.

⚠️ Important note

We have walked this route ourselves and this description is based on our own experience and research. Please remember that conditions change and details can vary over time. Always check maps, weather, and route information before setting off, and take care around water and old mine workings.

This walk is shared for inspiration only. It is everyone’s own responsibility to plan safely, double check information, and walk at their own risk.

🌊 Nearby waterfalls in Teesdale

Teesdale is packed with stunning waterfalls, from famous favourites to quieter spots. If you enjoyed Black Force, these are all within a short drive or walk in the same area:

High Force Waterfall – England’s most powerful waterfall and a true Teesdale icon.
Low Force – a beautiful walk through ancient woodland beside the River Tees.
Bleabeck Force – a smaller but lovely fall tucked away near Cow Green Reservoir.
Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave – hidden behind Bowlees Visitor Centre, with a magical cave walk beneath the water curtain.
Cauldron Snout Waterfall – one of the longest cascades in England, dramatic and wild at the top of Teesdale.

Each waterfall has its own character — from peaceful woodland settings to open moorland and rocky gorges — making Teesdale one of the best areas in the North Pennines for exploring waterfalls and wild scenery.

You can find all of these and more in our Things to Do in the North East section.