High Force near Middleton on Tees is one of the most dramatic section of waterfalls in England and rightly popular. High Force itself is best known but Low Force is a lovely spot to spend some time whilst Gibson’s Cave is a hidden Gem.
High Force plunges 70 feet over 2 sections in to a deep pool. It is spectacular to look at and everyone should certainly take the pleasant walk along the shores of the River Tees from Bowlees. The walk starts off at the Lower Falls which is surronded by rocks to lounge round on a summer’s day. Perfect for wild swimming which Holly, my border collie, certainly enjoyed (bit cold for me). I then followed the southern banks and to enjoy the views of High Force. There is also an option to pay an entrance fee to approach the falls on the northern side where you can get close to the deep waters at the waterfalls foot.
From the waterfalls I headed in land along an excellent farm lane to the north east of the High Force hotel. This offers some wide ranging views across this section of Teesdale and towards Middleton in Teesdale market town. On returning to Bowlees a short 1 mile excursion through the woods took me to Gibson’s Cave, the alleged hiding place of a sheep rustler from times past. It reminded me a lot of Janet’s Foos near Malham, but quieter.
Many just make the short trip from High Force Hotel to the waterfall, pay their entrance fee (£4 in 2026) and return. This misses much of the drama of the area and an extended walk offers a much better feel to the area. It is possible to walk up the River Tees from Middleton along the Pennine Way but I prefer the circular from Bowlees.
A river is known as hand rail and makes and walk close to it impossible to go wrong. However look for the footbridges as you will not be crossing the Tees anywhere else.
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