Tees Circular

Park at Bowlees Visitor Centre Car park

(D/A) Leaving the car park, cross the bridge to pass the visitors centre continue down the lane for 200m turning right on the B6277 for 50m, take the gate into the field to follow the well trod footpath to the swing bridge crossing the river Tess.

(1) Turning right onto the Pennine way follow the river upstream passing Low Force before finally making the short climb bringing you above the High Force Water Fall.

(2) Continue upstream on the Pennine way footpath hugging the banks of the Tees, crossing a footbridge at Bleabeck and a second footbridge covering two streams just prior to climbing away from the river to summit Bracken Rigg.

(3) At the summit of Bracken Rigg, leave the Pennine way taking the footpath to the right at the junction, heading towards Noon Hill, after 400m cross through a gate in the wall, following the left hand side of the wall all the way to Whiteholm Bank, from Whiteholm bank the footpath runs away to the right where the wall makes a distinguished left turn, following the contour of the footpath over moor crossing Bleabeck once again, this time without the aid of a footbridge, continue directly on the footpath to reach a gate entering a moorland lane.

(4) Follow this line to the left downhill toward Holwick passing the privately marked road to Holwick Lodge.

(5) Continue along the lane towards Holwick, there is a clear waymarked footpath on the right after 300m which takes you from the lane and provides excellent views of Holwick Scar, this is a recommended alternative to staying on the farm track, which you re-enter at a farm cottage just outside the village, the lane changes into a blacktop road, follow this passing one junction to your left until you reach a telephone booth.

(6) From the telephone, take a farm lane on the left, following this to the termination and cross through a gate crossing two fields to re-join the River Tees. Crossing the bridge over the Tees, continue over two fields to the corner of a wood.

(7) At the corner of the wood before the bridge crossing the stream turn left to follow the edge of the wood crossing the B6277 continues along the edge of the wood for a further 200m to come out at the road near the car park.

(8) Turn left on the road for 100m then right into the visitors centre and access to the car park.(D/A)

Full walking equipment required
Food and drink for the day required.
Can be wet underfoot
No Shelter is available on route
Strathmore Arms in Holwick village is closed Tuesdays. food is available here but your only 1 hour from walk completion.
The visitors centre at Bowlees offers toilet and café facilities
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.

Swing Bridge over the river Tees offering great views of Low Force from both banks of the Tees.
One of the UK's best collection of Junipers is passed through following the Pennine way up to High Force.
Take the well trodden 50m footpath around 300m below High Force to reach the most Iconic view in County Durham
Secure viewing platform safe for all ages.
Great views from the top of High Force, though care is needed as exposed drop are a hazard, avoid the edges in wet conditions, rocks can be slippy.
the walk through Holwick Scar crag is of Special Scientific Interest due to the rich diversity of rare species and relict arctic-alpine plants.