High Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk
County Durham
High Force Waterfall drops seventy feet over the Great Whin Sill into a dark plunge pool, the loudest, most theatrical falls in England, and this walk from Bowlees stitches it together with the gentler cascades of Low Force and the wild upland sweep of Upper Teesdale. The trail is dog friendly along the river, with big basalt terraces, meadow sections and the pretty Wynch Bridge to cross before the climb up to the main falls.
Keep dogs on a short lead throughout: the waterfall viewpoints have drops, the Pennine Way section shares grazing with hill sheep, and the final approach narrows on rocky steps above the river. Paths are good gravel and packed earth with one steep pitch near High Force itself, and Bowlees Visitor Centre at the start has a small cafe, toilets and ample parking, with the B6277 lay-bys as overspill. Expect a busy car park on sunny weekends.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, River
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets and a small exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre, nothing further along the route.
- Parking
- Free car park at Bowlees Visitor Centre with space for around 40 cars, plus B6277 lay-bys nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk dog friendly?
Yes, High Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk is a dog-friendly route with a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The path runs alongside the River Tees from Bowlees, taking in Low Force, the Wynch Bridge and the dramatic seventy-foot drop of High Force itself, with good gravel and packed earth underfoot for most of the way.
Can dogs be off lead at High Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk?
Dogs should be kept on a short lead throughout this walk. The waterfall viewpoints involve significant drops, the Pennine Way section passes through active sheep grazing land, and the final approach to High Force narrows on rocky steps above the river — so a lead is essential for safety rather than just courtesy.
What should I know before visiting High Force Waterfall and Teesdale Walk with my dog?
The route is well-suited to dogs but does include one steep pitch near High Force, so it's worth being confident your dog is comfortable on uneven, rocky terrain. Facilities are concentrated at the start of the walk — Bowlees Visitor Centre has a cafe, toilets and parking for around 40 cars — so make sure your dog is watered and ready before you set off, as there's nothing further along the route. The car park can get busy on sunny weekends, but B6277 lay-bys nearby offer overspill parking.
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