Black Force Waterfall Walk, Upper Teesdale
Tucked away in Upper Teesdale, Black Force is a peaceful moorland waterfall reached by a scenic 5.7 mile walk following Great Eggleshope Beck. The route passes old mine ruins, wide open views, and quiet countryside that feels miles from anywhere, a perfect adventure for those who enjoy exploring wilder corners of the North Pennines.
Part of Discover Teesdale
our guide to the walks, waterfalls, history and peaceful places that make Teesdale special.
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Quick facts
Parking and start: Small layby on the minor road between the B6277 and Town Head in Middleton in Teesdale, just past Middle End Farm
Nearest postcode: DL12 0SA
Distance: Around 5.7 miles there and back
Time: Allow roughly 3 hours with breaks and time to explore
Terrain: Old track, grassy moorland paths, beck crossings, and a short steep section to reach the waterfall
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging but worth every step
Map: OS Explorer OL31* North Pennines Teesdale and Weardale
Route: Follow on Hiiker*
Best after: Rain, when the waterfall is at its most lively
Dogs: Keep under close control near livestock and steep ground
About the walk
This is a fun but challenging walk in wild Teesdale that rewards you with a beautiful waterfall tucked away in open moorland. It’s around 5.7 miles there and back and full of character from start to finish.
The walk begins from a quiet layby, crosses a shallow ford, passes old mine ruins, and follows Great Eggleshope Beck through remote countryside where you can really feel the peace and history of the valley. It’s one of the quieter Teesdale waterfall walks, off the beaten path and perfect for anyone who enjoys a true sense of discovery and open space.
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 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 please park considerately and don’t block gates or access.
The walk is roughly 5.7 miles there and back, with rougher ground, several beck crossings and a short steep descent to reach the waterfall.
The ford and smaller beck crossings can rise after rain. If any crossing looks too deep or fast-flowing, don’t try to push through — turn back and save the walk for another day. Recent rain can make Black Force more impressive, but this isn’t a route to choose when the becks are in spate.
Dogs are welcome, but keep them under close control around livestock and steep ground. Where you are using open access land rather than a public right of way, dogs must be on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July, and at any time when you are around livestock. Follow any local signs or temporary restrictions.
You’ll pass several old mine ruins along the way. They’re fascinating to see, but mine entrances and old structures should only be viewed from the outside. The two-storey stone building near the small reservoir is thought to have been connected with the Wiregill workings.
We always recommend carrying the OS Explorer OL31 North Pennines Teesdale and Weardale map and knowing how to use it, as this is remote moorland with faint paths in places. You can also follow our route on HiiKER for extra confidence.
The walk isn’t ideal for very young children, but older children who are comfortable with rough ground and beck crossings might really enjoy it.
This guide is based on our own visit and research, but conditions change over time. Always plan ahead, check the weather and be happy to turn back if conditions aren’t right.
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.
Explore more in Teesdale
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