Bowlees & High Force
A moderately graded Teesdale walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre to High Force waterfall via Wynch Bridge at Low Force, Holwick Head Bridge and the Raby Estate woodland walk which begins across the road from the High Force Hotel and for which there is a modest admission charge. Return from the High Force Hotel via the same route as far as Wynch Bridge, then continuing on the Pennine Way to cross the Tees via Scorberry Bridge before returning direct to the visitor centre. You can avoid repeating the route by using the High Force Geotrail between High Force Hotel and Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
-
Activity: Walking -
Distance: 5.07 mi -
Average duration: 2h 35 -
Difficulty: Not specified -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 318 ft -
Descent: - 331 ft -
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Highest point: 1,073 ft -
Lowest point: 817 ft
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Country:
United Kingdom
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City:
Newbiggin -
Start/End: N 54.648747° / W 2.145908° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 912 ft - Start on
- 1 : mi 0 - alt. 912 ft - Turn right
- 2 : mi 0.01 - alt. 912 ft - Turn slight left
- 3 : mi 0.08 - alt. 896 ft - Turn right onto B6277
- 4 : mi 0.1 - alt. 896 ft - Turn left
- 5 : mi 0.29 - alt. 853 ft - Turn right
- 6 : mi 1.32 - alt. 938 ft - Turn right
- 7 : mi 1.35 - alt. 935 ft - Turn left
- 8 : mi 1.65 - alt. 1,033 ft - Turn slight left onto B6277
- 9 : mi 1.68 - alt. 1,040 ft - Turn right
- 10 : mi 2.5 - alt. 1,033 ft - Keep right
- 11 : mi 2.8 - alt. 935 ft - Turn right
- 12 : mi 2.83 - alt. 938 ft - Turn left
- 13 : mi 4.41 - alt. 823 ft - Turn left
- 14 : mi 4.43 - alt. 817 ft - Turn slight right
- 15 : mi 4.93 - alt. 889 ft - Turn sharp right onto B6277
- 16 : mi 4.93 - alt. 886 ft - Turn sharp left
- 17 : mi 5.01 - alt. 909 ft - Turn left
- 18 : mi 5.07 - alt. 912 ft - Turn right
- S/E : mi 5.07 - alt. 912 ft
Other walks in the area
Bowlees to Selset Reservoir - Durham Round Trail
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+768 ft
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The 16th section of the Durham Round Trail begins in Bowlees, crosses the Tees once more, and then crosses moorland to the first of several reservoirs in the area. This section includes a climb for the first half of the walk which is rewarded with stunning views across the Pennines.
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+591 ft
-617 ft
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This Tees circular walk from Bowlees takes in the spectacular scenery of Teesdale, Low Force, the Iconic view of High Force, the geographically famous Holwick Scars and views of the Royal residency at Holwick Lodge.
Bowlees circular taking in he Pennine way via Kircarrion
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+1,024 ft
-1,024 ft
5h 30
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Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
A circular walk from Bowlees. Following the river Tees downstream to Middleton-in Teesdale before climbing out through open moorland via the mysterious corpse of ancient Kircarrion, with wonderful views over Lunedale before descending the dramatic Holwick scar back to base.
Bowlees to Middleton Teesdale
Visorando Member 10.69 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,178 ft
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Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
A very mixed terrain walk, taking you over the military-built wire swing bridge over the Tees at Low Force, offering amazing views of the cascading water from both banks of the river.
You will see glimpses of Holwick Hall Royal residence, the fabulous rocky formation of Holwick Scar, before taking to the open fells to climb from Teesdale to Lunedale, though quickly returning to Teesdale for the descent towards Middleton in Teesdale.
The remainder of this interesting walk follows the river Tees upstream back to Low Force via the well-signposted Pennine Way.
Bales Hush art installation
Visorando Member 
4.33 mi
+689 ft
-682 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
An easy walk from the Bowlees Car Park / Visitor Centre up to Bales Hush and the art installation called Hush.
The Strathmore Arms : Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave
Visorando Member 3.56 mi
+243 ft
-243 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Holwick (County Durham)
Circular walk around Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave.
High Force Hotel : High and Low Force Waterfalls
Visorando Member 
4.63 mi
+354 ft
-364 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
Easy and circular walk around High and Low Force Waterfalls.
High Force and Upper Teesdale
Visorando Member 
8.87 mi
+919 ft
-932 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
A lovely circular walk with a variety of interest. From the popular waterfall of High Force through upland pasture and then the more desolate upland landscape of Thistle Green before descending to the River Tees and following its course with a final leg through farmland.
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