Low Force Waterfall Walk in Teesdale
Teesdale Waterfalls
Low Force is one of Teesdale’s most peaceful waterfalls, a short gentle walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre with woodland paths, river views and the historic Wynch Bridge close by. It’s a lovely spot for families, photographers and anyone looking for a quiet moment by the River Tees.
Quick Facts
Location: Bowlees, near Middleton in Teesdale
Postcode for parking: DL12 0XE
Walk time: Around 10–15 minutes from the car park
Path type: Fields, woodland and clear riverside paths
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes
Wheelchair access: Partially accessible route from Bowlees
Mobility hire: All-terrain mobility scooters available via North Pennines Outdoor Mobility
Accessibility Information
The path from Bowlees to Low Force is short and mostly gentle, though it includes natural surfaces, gates and uneven ground. It is best described as partially accessible.
Visitors can also hire an all-terrain mobility scooter from the Outdoor Mobility scheme at Bowlees Visitor Centre, making it easier for those with limited mobility to reach the Low Force area. Booking is required, so check availability before visiting.
Useful links:
How to Reach Low Force
Start at Bowlees Visitor Centre (DL12 0XE), where you’ll find toilets, a café and a small woodland play kitchen area by the beck. Follow the signed path up past the visitor centre, then walk down to the main road and cross with care. Go through the large wooden gate and follow the path into the fields, with the sound of the river getting louder as you go.
Continue straight ahead until you reach the next gate (or slip between the two standing stones beside it). A short walk through the small woodland brings you to Low Force, the Wynch Bridge and the two well-known stone sheep sculptures.
A simple, family-friendly walk that’s perfect for first-time visitors.
About Low Force Waterfall
Low Force flows over the Whin Sill, a tough volcanic rock that shapes many of Teesdale’s most dramatic landscapes. The waterfall spills in a series of stepped cascades, changing character with the seasons from calm and gentle in summer, louder and more powerful after rain.
The area around the falls sits within the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s a beautiful place to pause, enjoy the river and take a few photos.
You can cross the Wynch Bridge for extra viewpoints, but it’s not required to reach the waterfall.
What You’ll See at Low Force
The Stepped Cascades
Beautiful, multi-tiered waterfalls formed by the Whin Sill.
Wynch Bridge
A historic suspension bridge from the 1830s, offering lovely river views.
Stone Sheep Sculptures
Two carved sheep standing proudly beside the path, a favourite with children.
Woodland and Riverside Corners
Peaceful spots to sit, listen and take in the landscape.
A Moment of Calm by the River Tees
Low Force is one of those places where the sound of the river and the open space around it create a quiet, calming atmosphere. At Outdoor Exploring Family we believe nature can help support a clearer, healthier mindset, and gentle riverside moments like this are often the ones you remember most.
If you want to turn this into a longer walk, simply follow the riverside path upstream and continue towards High Force, another of Teesdale’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a lovely extension with changing scenery all the way.
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 are from our own family adventures, with simple directions designed to help you explore confidently and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Watch our short Low Force walk video on TikTok – Outdoor Exploring Family.