This route offers walkers a great view of Low Force, High Force and the Tees Valley in general.

Circular  |  11.6km (7.22 miles)  |  Difficulty: Medium

Low Force to High Force Elevation

This route traverses the section of the Tees between Bow Lees and High Force before travelling up hill before looping around and heading back down river.  An alternative route around High Force is discussed in this post.

1: At the start point there’s car park. From here the route heads through the village, across the main road and down towards the Tees.

2: Here the route reaches a swing bridge across the Tees which afterwards walkers you can choose to go right or left.  Left will take walkers uphill whereas right will lead towards High Force.  It doesn’t matter which way a walker goes as this walk is circular.  This route is written assuming a clockwise approach is taken.

3: The route here passes High Force.  This is one of the most scenic places in England.  One the Southern side of the river walkers can get quite a close look to the waterfall.

4: Here the route leads uphill to the top of a foothill.  From here walkers should take the left hand path and head back downhill.  Here the route crosses a stream thens heads up another hill.

5: Unfortunately this section of the route does require walkers to cross two streams without bridges.  As long as the rock aren’t too wet this isn’t difficult.  There are some excellent views along this section.

6: Walkers will eventually find themselves in Holwick where they should follow the first road to the left. The roads here are quiet but walkers should still be vigilant. The route soon leaves the road and leads back to the swing bridge where walkers can retrace the earlier section of the route back to the car park.

This route is great as walkers will get to see the amazing High Force Waterfall without having to pay for parking in addition to seeing Low Force up close as well.

Adapted from the Teesdale Way