Cauldron Snout and Cow Green Reservoir Walk
County Durham
Cauldron Snout is the longest cascading waterfall in England, a 180 metre torrent of white water tumbling over the Great Whin Sill directly below the dam at Cow Green Reservoir. The walk from the Cow Green car park follows a geological trail across the high North Pennines plateau before dropping you out at the top of the falls, and it is a dog friendly big-sky outing for owners who love wild, empty country and don't mind the weather.
Keep dogs on the lead on the exposed dam causeway, along the reservoir edge and especially at the top of Cauldron Snout where the rocks are slippery and the drop is serious. Upper Teesdale is full-on sheep country with grazing across the whole walk, so close control is non-negotiable. The outbound track is a good stone roadway, accessible as far as the dam, then the final section to the falls is rough, uneven and rocky. There are no facilities at the car park beyond a pull-in and toilets so bring supplies.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Reservoir, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on site, nearest cafe and toilets at the Langdon Beck Hotel or Bowlees Visitor Centre.
- Parking
- Free car park at Cow Green Reservoir at the end of the single-track road off the B6277.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cauldron Snout and Cow Green Reservoir Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog friendly walk with a rating of 7.5 out of 10, and it's a genuinely rewarding outing for owners who enjoy wild, open countryside. That said, it's a remote and exposed route across the high North Pennines, so it suits dogs and owners who are comfortable with rugged terrain and unpredictable upland weather.
Can dogs be off lead at Cauldron Snout and Cow Green Reservoir Walk?
Off-lead time is limited on this walk. The entire route passes through active sheep grazing country in Upper Teesdale, so close control is essential throughout, and dogs must be kept on the lead on the dam causeway, along the reservoir edge, and at the top of Cauldron Snout where the rocks are slippery and the drop is serious.
What should I know before visiting Cauldron Snout and Cow Green Reservoir Walk with my dog?
The outbound track to the dam is a solid stone roadway, but the final section down to the falls is rough, uneven, and rocky, so sure-footed dogs will manage it best. There are no facilities at the car park beyond toilets, so bring water and supplies for both you and your dog; the nearest café is at the Langdon Beck Hotel or Bowlees Visitor Centre.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk6.1 mi awayLow Force and Wynch Bridge Circular
County Durham
Short dog friendly loop linking the Low Force cascades, the single-file Wynch Bridge and an easy riverbank return from Bowlees.
Walk6.1 mi awayBowlees and the Gibson's Cave Trail
County Durham
Gentle, dog friendly stroll from Bowlees up a wooded beck to Gibson's Cave, the recess carved behind Summerhill Force.
Walk6.2 mi awayHigh Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk
County Durham
Riverside Teesdale ramble from Bowlees to England's most dramatic waterfall, dog friendly on lead with real sheep country to respect.
Walk17.5 mi awayHamsterley Forest Redway Trail
County Durham
Waymarked forest loop through oak woodland, burns and conifer stands at Hamsterley, dog friendly with plenty of off lead scope on the forest roads.
Walk18.4 mi awayLowther Castle and Askham Village Walk
Cumbria
An easy, historic loop through estate parkland and a pretty Cumbrian village, a genuinely dog friendly day out for all abilities.
Walk19.1 mi awaySwaledale: Keld to Muker Circular
North Yorkshire
A classic Swaledale circular through the wildflower meadows and gorge paths linking Keld and Muker, the picture-postcard walk of the Dales.
