Upper Teesdale wander.

[johnkaysleftleg]

The River Tees is one of England's most spectacular rivers. The fact that it resides in my home county makes it all the more embarrassing that its best features have remained unvisited by me for many years. In spite of the good Lakeland forecast we decided to have a wander up a section of the Tees visited by the Pennine Way.

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The free parking area at Bowlees is hard to fault. Loads of spaces, public toilets and access to some wonderful countryside. Our previous visit was when Grace was only a toddler, so a short walk to the beautiful Gibson's Cave was the extent of our wanderings. Today we decided to follow the river from Low Force, past High Force and back via the Moor to Holwick Scar. We'd previously visited High Force on a few occasions but this was our first visit to Low Force. Turned out that it was more accessible and photogenic than it's larger cousin and the highlight of the walk.

Low Force

and again

Wynch Bridge

After an spending a while exploring we made our way over Wynch Bridge (one at a time please!) and onto the Pennine Way. We were almost immediately confronted by a pair of stone sheep which our daft mutt took exception to with a frenzy of Growls and barks.

Grace with Hughie's new friends

After much mirth at Hughie's expense we continued onwards to High Force. Considering the time of year it was very cold and it was no surprise to see a few flakes of snow drifting down as we lunched with the birds at the High Force view point.

High Force

One of our lunch companions

High Force from the top

Looking back down river

Our route continued up the river for a while before doubling back upon ourselves and returning across the Moor. If you wanted a longer walk you could easily continue along the Pennine way for another few miles to visit Cauldron Snout and Cronkley Scar.

Cronkley Fell

The way back across the Moor is boggy and uninspiring but made worthwhile by crossing what must be the finest stile in England and visiting Holwick Scar. The Scar is part of the same huge volcanic event, the Whin Sill eruption 295Million years ago that created High Force, the crags of Hadrian's wall and High Cup Nick.

Best stile in England?

Holwick Scar

Looking across Teesdale

Idyllic Teesdale

A short walk back the the car park passing Low Force once again completed a pleasant, if somewhat chilly day out.

[SusieThePensioner]

A lovely walk, John, used to be one of our favourites when I called still get out walking

Some beautiful photos and a happy reminder, thank you

[johnkaysleftleg]

Glad you enjoyed it Susie. It's allways good to bring back some happy memories.

[L-Hiking]

I have been meaning to get to see High Force on many occasions and not yet been there.. A nice report with some good pics of an area I have not wandered.

Appetite now wetted

Cheers JK

[johnkaysleftleg]

I have been meaning to get to see High Force on many occasions and not yet been there.. A nice report with some good pics of an area I have not wandered.

Appetite now wetted

Cheers JK

It's a magnificent part of the river. If you get there following a particuarly heavy deluge you might get to see High Force doubled up, it's quite some sight.

[colgregg]

Thats a great walk, High Force never fails to impress (going this way it too is free both costwise and "day tripper wise). Low force to Cauldron snout is probably the best riverside walk in the country

[johnkaysleftleg]

Thats a great walk, High Force never fails to impress (going this way it too is free both costwise and "day tripper wise). Low force to Cauldron snout is probably the best riverside walk in the country

I've yet to visit Cauldron Snout. Could be tempted this Wednesday however

[ChrisW]

wow - love this JK, it seems to capture all that I miss...or perhaps the recent family visit has me pining for home a little....either way this was a lovely reminder - cheers

[johnkaysleftleg]

wow - love this JK, it seems to capture all that I miss...or perhaps the recent family visit has me pining for home a little....either way this was a lovely reminder - cheers

I was in two minds as to do a report on this walk or not, glad I did now. Thanks for the kind comments.