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, 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.

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

  • Start/End: Cow Green Reservoir Car Park

  • Route: Out and back along the reservoir to Cauldron Snout

  • Distance: Around 3 miles round trip

  • Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (more if you stop lots like we do!)

  • Path: Flat and gravelled, rocky at the waterfall

  • Dog friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near the dam and sheep

  • Facilities: None at the car park – use Bowlees Visitor Centre

  • 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.