On this walk to High Force you will also see Low Force Waterfalls first which are very impressive in themselves and worth seeing, with most visitors to High Force not venturing down this way.

A short walk to High Force waterfall via Low Force from Bowlees

The walk starts from Bowlees Visitor Centre and within 10 misn you are at Low Force.  It’s basically 2 miles along the side of the River Tees to High Force Waterfall, where ther are some excellent viewpoints. You then just retrace your steps!

As you can see the distance on this route is 4 miles exactly and there isn’t much up or downhill so perfect for a leisurely stroll!

Photos of this stunning walk to High Force Waterfall along the River Tees

The foot bridge over the river Tees is a nice little start to the walk upon leaving Bowlees Visitor centre

Low Force in all it’s glory

Looking up the River Tees over the cascading water

This is the best view to be had of High Force Waterfall in my opinion, form above rather than from below! Keep an eye out for the path that swings a right as soon as you hear the roar of High Force. You might want to stay heer for 5 mins to admire the views – but make sure you carry on right to the top of High Force

Looking over the edge of High Force – not a place to lose your footing 🙂

Chilling just at the top of High Force Waterfall before turning around and retracing our steps

Longer 7 mile High Force circular walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre

If you have a bit more time on your hands and want to extend the walk above to 7 miles then starting at the same place (Bowlees) you can again head up to High Force via Low Force – but keep on the Pennine Way a bit longer after High Force and then track the River Tees until the crossing – where you can then come back to the north of the River Tees.

High Force Waterfall from below

Here’s a photo of High Force Waterfall from ground level. This wasn’t taken on the walking routes above, but on a previous visit. To see High Force from this level you actually need to pay in to the Raby Estate a few quid. It’s worth doing if you don’t have much time, but to be honest I much prefer the views from above High Force featured further up this blog post and you can do a much longer walk too!

Bowlees Visitor Centre & Gibsons Cave Waterfall

Those unfamilar with the area may not know about the tiny village of Bowlees and it’s Visitor Centre – but it’s the place I highly recommend to start your walk to High Force. The car park is a decent size and only a couple of quid donation (no rip off fees here!). The Visitor Centre, which is a nicely converted church, stocks a good selection of hot/cold food & drink (and cake!). You’ll also find plenty of information in here to help you explore the area and toilets too. Finding it is easy and as you drive along the B6277 and the car park is clearly sign-posted.

If you park at Bowlees Visitor Centre – it’s also worth a detour walk to the waterfall at Gibsons Cave. On the map at the top of this page this waterfall is marked by the pink star and is 10/15 mins walk form the car park in a northerly direction on a well marked footpath which takes you right to this view. Not many vistors to the area even know about this one!

As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go.  If you have any questions about this route – just post a comment and I’ll try and answer.