Teesdale Three Waterfalls Circular Walk

5 miles (8.1 km)

This spectacular circular walk explores one of the most attractive sections of Upper Teesdale, taking in three impressive waterfalls along the way. Starting at Bowlees Visitor Centre, the route combines riverside paths, woodland, open moorland and historic features, with Summerhill Force, Low Force and High Force Waterfall providing the main highlights....
The landscape around Bowlees is part of the North Pennines and is particularly noted for its wild scenery and rich variety of plant life. The River Tees cuts through a dramatic valley of rocky outcrops and wooded slopes, while the surrounding upland pastures and moorland provide extensive views. In spring and early summer the surrounding grasslands are particularly colourful, with the area supporting a wide range of wildflowers and ground-nesting birds.
Summerhill Force is reached through the woodland beside Bow Lee Beck and is accompanied by Gibson's Cave, a dark recess beneath a limestone overhang. The waterfall takes its name from the Old Norse word 'foss', meaning waterfall. Gibson's Cave is traditionally associated with William Gibson, who was reputed to have used the cave as a hiding place while evading the authorities in the 16th century.
Further along the River Tees, Low Force is a broad series of cascades over the underlying rocks and is crossed by the historic Wynch Bridge, one of the distinctive features of this part of the valley. The Pennine Way follows the river through this section, with rocky paths, steep drops in places and changing views across the surrounding moorland.
High Force provides the most dramatic spectacle of the walk, with the River Tees plunging around 21 metres over a hard rock ledge. The waterfall is particularly impressive after periods of heavy rain when the volume of water increases, while the surrounding gorge, trees and exposed rock give the site a striking character. Access to the waterfall is via a fee-paying path from the High Force Hotel.
The combination of waterfalls, ancient woodland, upland scenery, historic paths and distinctive geology makes this one of the classic walks in Upper Teesdale. There are several climbs and descents, with sections of rocky and uneven ground and stone steps, which can become slippery in wet conditions.