God’s Bridge

Walking beside the River Greta

From the village, drop down to meet the River Greta, which winds gently through meadows and farmland. The path is part of the Pennine Way, one of Britain’s great long-distance trails, but this section feels wonderfully peaceful. Look out for wildflowers, the occasional heron, and the sound of running water echoing between the valley banks.

As you follow the river, you’ll pass Mellwaters Barn, part of a working farm that now offers accessible countryside stays. Just beyond it, glance across to the right-hand side of the river and there’s a lovely little waterfall tucked into the trees on the opposite bank. It’s easy to miss, but if you pause and listen you can often hear the splash before you see it.

The old railway and lime heritage

Before the A66 existed as we know it, this valley was a hive of activity. You’ll see hints of the Stainmore railway, which once linked Barnard Castle to Kirkby Stephen. Bowes had its own station until 1962, when the line closed. Some sections of today’s A66 actually run along the old track bed. If you look closely in places, you might spot old embankments, bridge bases, or even lime kilns that tell stories of industry and travel long gone.

Reaching God’s Bridge

After a few miles, the path narrows and the sound of the river grows louder. Suddenly you arrive at God’s Bridge a natural limestone arch that looks like something out of a fantasy film. Here, the River Greta has carved deep underground channels through the limestone, leaving the solid bridge of rock above. It’s officially classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and one of the best examples of a natural bridge in Britain.

Stand quietly for a moment and you can hear the water echoing below. It’s hard not to be impressed nature has done what no human builder could. We often stop here for lunch; it’s a brilliant place for photos and a perfect rest spot before climbing up to the moor.

Note for wild swimmers: while this section of the Greta isn’t a designated wild swimming spot, many parts of the river nearby are calm and shallow. In lower levels, there are tempting pools that would suit confident wild dippers on warm summer days.

Up onto the moorlands

Leaving the river behind, the trail rises gently up to open moorland. The change is instant,  gone are the trees and river sounds, replaced by sweeping skies, curlew calls and the kind of quiet that fills your head with calm. On clear days you can see right across Teesdale and over to the distant Pennines.

The track loops around before bringing you gradually back down toward the valley, rejoining the same riverside line you followed earlier. This makes the walk feel complete, out to adventure, up for the views, and home again beside the Greta.

Detour to Mill Force

As you near Bowes on your return, look out for the signed riverside spur to Mill Force Waterfall. It’s a gentle extra wander through meadows to where the Greta tumbles over rocks into a small pool below. It’s not huge, but it’s lovely, one of those places that feels tucked away from the world. On a quiet day you can hear nothing but the waterfall and the birds.

Mill Force sits roughly at grid reference NY 991 132 and makes a peaceful finale to the walk. It’s also another good spot for photographers or anyone who enjoys a quick wild dip on a summer’s day.

Digital Route & OS Map

👉 View our full digital route on Hiiker
👉 Buy OS Explorer OL31 – North Pennines

Shorter option from the A66

If you just want a taste of God’s Bridge, there’s a shorter 1.5-mile there-and-back route from a layby on the A66. From the layby, a path crosses a field and joins the Pennine Way directly to the bridge. It’s a simple route with big rewards  perfect if you’re short on time or just want a quick family wander. Please take care when parking and crossing near the road.

Find the shorter digital route here

Nearby waterfalls and walks

Cauldron Snout Waterfall– dramatic and wild

High Force and Low Force– two of Teesdale’s best-known falls

Black Force Waterfall Walk– hidden and rugged

White Force Waterfall Walk– off the beaten track

Flushiemere Beck Waterfall– a quiet local gem

Hannah’s Meadows Nature Reserve– peaceful wildflower pastures

Bowlees Visitor Centre– great base for walks and info

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