High Force Geotrail

Starting and finishing at Dirt Pit in Upper Teesdale, this moderate circular route follows a stretch of the River Tees renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and dark whinstone crags. From the trailhead you head down towards the river, passing Snouts Plantation before reaching the tumbling shelves of Low Force and the lesser-known Middle Force Waterfall further upstream.

The path then climbs away from the water beneath the dolerite buttresses of Staple Crag, part of the great Whin Sill that shapes so much of the North Pennines landscape. A quieter upland section follows, taking in Helen's Garden and the small watercourse of Hillock Sike as the route swings around White Hill.

The return leg rolls back through open pasture and moorland fringe with wide views across the dale, closing the loop at Dirt Pit. Nearby, walkers can extend their visit to Barney Byre or explore the surrounding woodlands of High Hag, Low Hag and Bow Lee Plantations, all threaded by the lively Bow Lee Beck.