High Force Waterfall Walk in Teesdale
High Force is one of England’s most impressive waterfalls, reached by a peaceful and varied riverside walk from Bowlees. The route passes Low Force, crosses the historic Wynch Bridge and follows the River Tees upstream through woodland and open river scenery. It is a walk filled with small surprises, gentle moments and a powerful finish as the waterfall reveals itself ahead.
Quick Facts
Location: Bowlees, near Middleton in Teesdale
Postcode for parking: DL12 0XE
Walk time: Around 40 minutes each way
Path type: Fields, woodland and rocky riverside paths
Difficulty: Moderate but family friendly
Dog friendly: Yes
Route length: Approx 4.2 miles return
Map: OS Explorer OL31 for this area.
Walking route: Bowlees to High Force map
A Short Introduction
High Force is one of those places where you hear it before you see it, a low steady rumble tucked away behind the trees. The walk from Bowlees builds gently through quiet paths and woodland beside the River Tees, passing Low Force and the stone sheep sculptures before the landscape opens and the waterfall reveals itself ahead. It is a classic Teesdale walk with a little bit of everything.
Walking from Bowlees to High Force
Walking to High Force from Bowlees begins at the visitor centre (DL12 0XE), where there is parking, toilets and a small café if you want a drink before or after the walk. Follow the signed path beside the building, cross the road with care and head through the gate opposite.
The walk across the field is gentle and open, with views towards the woodland that hides the River Tees. As you reach the far gate, the sound of water becomes more noticeable, guiding you naturally towards Low Force and the Wynch Bridge.
The Wynch Bridge is one of the earliest suspension bridges in England, first installed in the 1830s. It has been strengthened since, but it still has a soft, memorable sway that children and adults usually enjoy. Once over the bridge, turn right and climb the short set of steps. At the top, two carved stone sheep appear above the wall, watching the path. They always raise a smile and make a fun landmark before the final part of the walk.
From here the route stays close to the river, weaving between woodland corners, open viewpoints and places where the river grows louder and the landscape opens beside you. High Force makes itself known long before you see it. Its steady, powerful roar carries through the trees, growing louder as the path begins to climb.
The final viewpoint feels dramatic every time you arrive. The River Tees drops around twenty one metres over the Whin Sill, a layer of ancient volcanic rock that shapes much of Teesdale’s scenery. The waterfall plunges into a deep pool below and looks different in every season, calmer in summer, louder after heavy rain, always impressive.
If you continue a little further upstream along the Pennine Way, you can also reach Bleabeck Force, a small hidden waterfall that many visitors walk past without realising it is there.
What You’ll See Along the Way
Low Force Waterfall
Stepped cascades flowing over the dark volcanic rock of the Whin Sill.
Wynch Bridge
A historic suspension bridge from the 1830s with gentle movement and lovely river views.
Stone Sheep Sculptures
Two carved sheep standing proudly beside the path, a popular photo stop for families.
High Force Waterfall
A dramatic single-drop waterfall and one of the most powerful sights in the North of England.
High Force Aerial View
A downward aerial view of High Force with the River Tees flowing towards the waterfall and the rocky landscape surrounding it.
High Force from Above
A top down view of High Force showing the dark rock formations and the riverside path beside the waterfall.
A Personal Moment by the River
There is something grounding about this walk. The mix of woodland, open riverbank and the steady presence of the river creates a feeling of space. High Force is powerful, but the journey to reach it is gentle and peaceful. At Outdoor Exploring Family we believe nature can help support a clearer, calmer mindset and walks like this are exactly why. They remind you to slow down, breathe and enjoy being outdoors.
About This Guide
This page is part of Discover Teesdale, our local guide to waterfalls, quiet walks and peaceful places across the dale. All routes and photos come from our own family adventures with the hope that they help others explore confidently, find calm moments in nature and enjoy the landscape at their own pace.
Watch our short High Force walk video on TikTok – Outdoor Exploring Family.