Cauldron Snout Waterfall
Cauldron Snout is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the North Pennines, cascading down a long stretch of rocks below Cow Green Reservoir. Set in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s often described as England’s longest waterfall, with white water rushing through a wild and rugged landscape. This hidden gem is a favourite spot for walkers exploring Upper Teesdale and offers stunning views along the River Tees.
Cauldron Snout Waterfall
Every now and then, we stumble across a walk that feels like a proper little adventure – wild views, fresh air, and just the sound of rushing water and birdsong. That’s exactly what you get with a trip to Cauldron Snout.
It’s one of those spots that feels a million miles from anywhere, even though it’s just a short walk from the car. We set off from Cow Green Reservoir and followed the walk right along the water's edge and wow, what a beautiful route it turned out to be.
Parking
We parked up at Cow Green Reservoir postcode; DL12 0HX where there’s a free car park at the very end of a long, winding road. The journey there is part of the experience – narrow roads, sheep on the verges, and views that just keep getting better the higher you climb.
There aren’t any facilities at the car park, so we always stop off at Bowlees Visitor Centre first (just under 20 minutes away), where you’ll find clean toilets, a cosy café, and a great little nature area if you’ve got little ones who like to explore.
We’ve created a digital walking route for the Cauldron Snout waterfall walk, which you can easily follow on your phone using Hiiker
. If you prefer a traditional paper map, the best one for this area is the OS Explorer OL31 North Pennines, which covers the Cauldron Snout and Upper Teesdale walking routes – order your copy here
.
Walking Along the Reservoir
From the car park, the path is easy to follow and runs right alongside Cow Green Reservoir. It’s mostly flat and gravelled, with stunning views across the water especially if the sky’s clear and there’s a bit of a breeze rippling across the surface.
We love this part of the walk. It’s peaceful, open, and full of fresh air. If you’re lucky, you might even spot curlews or oystercatchers flying overhead. (our dog) is always on his best behaviour here – probably because he knows a splash at the waterfall is coming!
A Bit About the Dam
As you walk, you’ll spot the Cow Green Dam at the head of the reservoir. It was built in the 1960s and opened in 1971, designed to help regulate the flow of the River Tees downstream especially for the big industries at the time.
At the time, the dam caused quite a stir because it flooded part of a rare upland plant habitat, but it’s now surrounded by protected moorland and is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It might not sound exciting, but standing next to it, with the sheer drop and powerful water flow, it’s pretty impressive!
Reaching Cauldron Snout – Nature at Full Power
After about 1.5 miles, you’ll start to hear a rumble ahead… and then, there it is – Cauldron Snout.
Unlike most waterfalls, this one spills down a long stretch of jagged rocks, churning and foaming all the way. It’s loud, dramatic, and completely unspoiled. You won’t find fences or viewing platforms here – it’s raw and natural.
To get up close, there’s a short rocky scramble, which the kids love and we always take slowly. Good footwear is a must, but the reward is worth it – the energy of the water here is something else.
Why We Love It
This is one of our favourite places to switch off. There’s no Wi-Fi, no crowds – just space to breathe, chat, and explore. Whether we’re out for a family walk, snapping photos, or just enjoying the views with a flask of coffee, Cauldron Snout never fails to impress.
It’s a real Teesdale adventure – wild, peaceful, and full of character.
Walk Summary
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Start/End: Cow Green Reservoir Car Park postcode DL12 0HX.
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Route: Out and back along the reservoir to Cauldron Snout
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Distance: Around 3 miles round trip
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Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (more if you stop lots like we do!)
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Path: Flat and gravelled, rocky at the waterfall
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Dog friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near the dam and sheep
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Facilities: None at the car park – use Bowlees Visitor Centre
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Perfect for: Families with older kids, photographers, and quiet nature lovers
One Last Tip…
Take your time, bring some snacks, and don’t forget your camera. You might not get phone signal, but you’ll come away with a head full of fresh air and a camera full of stunning photos.
We hope you enjoy Cauldron Snout as much as we do – it’s one of Teesdale’s wild treasures.
Other places to explore nearby
Making a day of it around Baldersdale and the North Pennines? Here are some lovely spots a short drive or walk away. Tap a guide to plan your next stop.
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Bowlees Visitor Centre – great base with cafe, toilets and maps, and the start point for local waterfall walks.
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Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave – shady woodland walk that feels magical after rain.
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High Force – the big showstopper on the River Tees with a short path to a brilliant viewpoint.
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Low Force – pretty cascades by the historic Wynch Bridge, perfect for a calm picnic stop.
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Cauldron Snout – wilder scenery on the Pennine Way with rocky steps beside the rushing falls.
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Egglestone Abbey to Meeting of the Waters – peaceful 3.4 mile riverside walk near Barnard Castle.
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Barnard Castle town and castle – independent shops, cosy cafes and castle ruins above the Tees.
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The Bowes Museum – grand galleries and family friendly exhibitions in a striking building.
For more ideas, see our full round-up here: [Things to Do in the North East]
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