High Force Hotel : High and Low Force Waterfalls

(S/E) Leave the High Force Hotel crossing the road and bearing left, in 20 meters you will come to a footpath sign directing you down some steps to the right (South-East). Down the step, through a gate, and along the banks of the River Tees until you meet a footbridge.

(1) Cross and turn right (South). Follow the path up some further steps, through a gate, and then through the juniper forest, the largest in England. After 800 meters you will note an unmarked pathway to the right, take this (West) for an excellent view of High Force. Continue for 400 meters until you reach High Force. Please take care as you as looking down at the power of the Falls.

(2) Now return along the path you came from passing the footbridge, going through gates with the River Tees always on your left-hand side. You have views of Holwick Scars to the right on this stretch of about 1 mile. Coming to a sculpture of two sheep you are now nearly at Low Force.

(3) At the next junction, cross the Wynch Bridge, built in 1830, one at a time, and enjoy a closer look at Low Force waterfall. Then continue on the pathway (North-East) up to a gate and a squeeze stile into farmland. Cross two fields straight ahead to reach the road (B627) at Bowlees Farm.

(4) Cross the road turning right (East) for a few meters before turning left (North-North-East) into a lane with Bowlees Visitor Centre in front of you. Here you can find refreshments and toilets. (Alternative starting point for the walk: Bowlees Visitor Centre.)

(5) Leaving the Visitor Centre, turn right (North-West) to a foot gate in the wall next to a farm gate. Stick (North-West) to the well-marked and often a vehicle used trail on the left all the way to Ash Hill Farm. You are now walking on the old carriage way up hill through several fields past Ash Hill Farm.

(6) From the farm, carry on (West-South-West) on a paved surface down to Dirt Pit Farm. Pass through the farm as the road curved left and up the hill still on the track to a minor road.

(7) At the road, you can choose to go over the fields (South-West) back to the High Force Hotel car park OR if the weather conditions are not suitable, follow the minor road back to the main road (B6277); then at the junction turn right (West) and follow the main road back to High Force Hotel car park. (S/E)

Parking :

• There is a pay car park for the waterfall to the side of the High Force Hotel, or if you are combining the walk with refreshments at the Hotel you may be able to use their car park - check with hotel staff before setting out.
• Alternatively, you can start the walk from Bowlees Car Park and stop en-route for a drink and or lunch.

Alternative starting point for the walk : Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Refreshments: High Force Hotel is open all day 7 days a week. For lunch and dinner, there is an ever-changing, selection of bar meals and snacks along with real ales, a selection of wines, and non-alcoholic drinks. Rambling Clubs also have the opportunity to benefit from the function room as they can book it for a private gathering. The hotel also offers a takeaway menu as well as providing packed lunches and picnic boxes. In winter there is an open fire and in summer the beer garden, patio, and courtyard are available to customers. Dogs are welcome.