High Force

High Force is a waterfall on the River Tees in Teesdale, County Durham, northern England, a short drive from the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale. The entire river drops about 21 metres (70 ft) over a rock lip, and the surrounding landscape lies inside the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which also carries European Geopark status.

What will you see?

The Tees tumbles over a dark crag in two stages and gathers in a deep plunge pool at the foot of the gorge. After heavy rain, a normally dry channel on the right-hand side also comes alive, splitting the flow into two separate falls. Only rarely does the water rise enough to spill across the central section as well; the last recorded occasion was December 2015, following Storm Desmond. In severe winters the falls can freeze into towering ice formations.

How do you get there?

The best-known approach starts at the High Force Hotel, where the ticketed entrance to the Raby Estate land is located. The north bank is reached along a private estate footpath, and a fee applies. The opposite bank can be reached free of charge on the public Pennine Way footpath. Prices and opening hours change with the season and differ between sources, so check the Raby Estate website before you travel. Tickets are sold online and at the site.

Many visitors pair High Force with nearby Low Force. A typical loop begins at the Bowlees visitor centre, roughly 3 miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale, crosses Wynch Bridge, passes Low Force and follows the river up to High Force. Depending on the variant, it covers about 4.5 to 8.5 miles and takes around 2.5 to 4 hours. Use OS Explorer map OL31.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall is at its most dramatic after prolonged rain or snowmelt, when the flow is strongest. Opening hours of the paid area are longer in summer and shorter in winter. A frozen High Force is a spectacle in its own right, though paths are riskier in icy conditions.

What should you watch out for?

Rocks around both High Force and Low Force can be extremely slippery, with steep drops and fast-moving water, so stay on the marked paths. Dogs must be on a lead through the livestock fields. Drones are not allowed on the Raby Estate land without prior permission. The meadows beside the trail can be boggy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for High Force?

Yes, if you use the private estate path from the High Force Hotel. The opposite bank can be viewed for free from the public Pennine Way. Check current prices before your visit.

Where is High Force?

On the River Tees in Teesdale, County Durham, near Middleton-in-Teesdale and within the North Pennines AONB.

How tall is High Force?

About 21 metres (70 ft), falling in two stages.

Can I visit High Force and Low Force on one walk?

Yes. Both lie on the same stretch of river and are linked by the Pennine Way. A circular day walk from Bowlees is a popular choice.