High Force Waterfall

About:

High Force Waterfall stands as one of England’s most spectacular natural phenomena, nestled deep within the dramatic upland landscape of Upper Teesdale, County Durham. Located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a European Geopark, it is a point where the River Tees suddenly and spectacularly drops 70 feet (21 metres) over a precipice.

While not the tallest waterfall in England, High Force commands attention for its sheer volume, possessing the greatest volume of water falling over an unbroken drop when the river is in full spate—a power that gives it its Nordic name, “High Fosse”. The river typically plunges in two stages. However, following heavy rainfall, the water can also cascade over a normally dry right-hand channel, creating a dual-fall spectacle. In particularly harsh winters, the force of the water can freeze, forming awe-inspiring, “cathedral-like ice formations”. The misty rain thrown up by the impact frequently refracts sunlight, giving rise to a large and brilliant rainbow, a sight that adds to the location’s mysticism and magnificence.

This immense power is the result of fascinating geology dating back over 300 million years. High Force was created where the River Tees cuts across the hard, igneous rock of the Whin Sill, a layer of dolerite also seen at Hadrian’s Wall. The waterfall itself is composed of three rock types: the resistant dolerite at the top, a thinner layer of baked Carboniferous sandstone, and softer Carboniferous Limestone below, which is easily worn away. This differential erosion causes the waterfall to slowly move upstream, carving out the deep, narrow gorge that currently stretches for about 700 meters.

Visitors are drawn to its raw beauty and can access the falls via a gentle woodland walk leading to the base. The surrounding Upper Teesdale area is celebrated for its wide-open moors, flower-rich hay meadows, and inky-black night skies, making it perfect for stargazing. The unforgettable location has historically attracted notable figures, including the painter J. M. W. Turner, who sketched the scene in 1816.