God's Bridge Walk from Bowes

Parking and Access

This walk starts from Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall at the bottom of Bowes.

The free car park provides a convenient starting point and sits only a short walk from Bowes Castle and the River Greta. The route uses public footpaths, sections of the Pennine Way, country lanes and open access land above the river valley.

Good walking boots are recommended, particularly after wet weather when riverside sections can become muddy.

Route Overview

From the village hall, walk up through Bowes village and turn left at the church. The route passes Bowes Castle before continuing beyond the castle walls and down towards the River Greta.

Cross the footbridge beside the weir and follow the riverside path which forms part of the Pennine Way. This section follows the Greta through open countryside towards East Mellwaters. Keep an eye across the river where traces of the old railway route can still be seen in the landscape.

The path continues beside the river until reaching God's Bridge. Here the River Greta flows beneath a natural limestone bridge that has formed over thousands of years.

After visiting God's Bridge, leave the river and climb onto the open moorland above. Turn left across the access land before gradually descending back towards East Mellwaters.

The return route follows the River Greta back towards Bowes. Shortly before reaching the village, take the riverside path to Mill Force where the remains of the old mill can still be seen beside the waterfall.

From Mill Force continue to Gilmonby Bridge before returning along the road to Bowes and the village hall.

Things You Will See on This Walk

About God's Bridge

God's Bridge is one of the most remarkable natural landmarks in Teesdale.

Over thousands of years, water has gradually shaped the limestone beneath the River Greta, creating a natural rock bridge with the river flowing through the channel below. The feature is protected as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is one of the best known natural rock bridges in England.

Standing beside the bridge today, it is easy to appreciate the power of nature and the timescales involved in shaping the landscape around us.

Why Is It Called God's Bridge?

Nobody knows exactly when the name first appeared, but for centuries local people have referred to the natural rock crossing as God's Bridge. Standing beside it today, it is easy to understand why. The River Greta disappears beneath solid limestone before reappearing downstream, creating a landscape feature that still feels remarkable even after countless visits.

It's More Than Just a Walk

One of the things we enjoy most about this route is how quickly it helps you slow down.

There is always something to notice along the way. The sound of the River Greta flowing through the valley. The shape of the limestone around God's Bridge. The remains of the old lime kilns built into the hillside. The views across the open countryside above the river.

This is not a walk about rushing from one landmark to the next.

It is about taking your time, enjoying the landscape around you and reconnecting with nature along the way.

Sometimes the best part of a walk is simply slowing down enough to notice the small things. This route gives you plenty of opportunities to do exactly that.

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