Low Force Waterfall County Durham
Stunning tiered cascades on the River Tees, offering dramatic natural beauty and a gateway to North Pennines walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Low Force Waterfall County Durham
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stunning tiered cascades on the River Tees, offering dramatic natural beauty and a gateway to North Pennines walks.
"The rock formations are AMAZING, even when we went in July the water was thundering over the falls. "
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre, with donations welcome. Blue badge holders have designated spots. :car:
🥾 Easy Access Walk
A 10-minute walk from the visitor centre leads to the main falls, mostly flat with one incline. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cascading Falls
River Tees
Witness the stunning tiered cascades of Low Force, a truly breathtaking natural spectacle.
Wynch Bridge
River Tees
Cross the iconic wire rope suspension bridge for unique perspectives of the falls and river.
Rock Diving Spectacle
Main waterfall area
In warmer months, watch brave locals and visitors dive into the deeper pools below the falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre, with donations welcome. Blue badge holders have designated spots. :car:
🥾 Easy Access Walk
A 10-minute walk from the visitor centre leads to the main falls, mostly flat with one incline. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the Wynch Bridge for unique photo angles of the cascades and river. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Bridge Safety
The Wynch Bridge is a wire rope suspension bridge; cross one at a time for safety. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre, with donations welcome. Blue badge holders have designated spots. :car:
🥾 Easy Access Walk
A 10-minute walk from the visitor centre leads to the main falls, mostly flat with one incline. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the Wynch Bridge for unique photo angles of the cascades and river. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Bridge Safety
The Wynch Bridge is a wire rope suspension bridge; cross one at a time for safety. :warning:
🏞️ Beyond the Main Falls
Explore other viewing points and trails, including a suspension bridge further downstream. :hiking_boot:
🌦️ Weather Preparedness
The North Pennines can have unpredictable weather; pack layers and waterproofs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Low Force Waterfall, particularly its cascading tiers and the dramatic water flow after rain. The Wynch Bridge offers unique viewing angles, and the surrounding scenery is consistently praised. While some find the atmosphere diminished by noise from other visitors or rock divers, most agree it's a must-visit natural wonder and a great starting point for walks.
"Low Force is a beautiful waterfall and only a short walk from Bowlees Visitor Centre car park. The path takes you through fields before you reach the river, where the falls tumble over layers of rock. It’s such a calm place to visit and always worth the short stroll. We’ve been many times and love how every season makes it look a little different."
Outdoor Exploring Family
"Lovely place with multiple viewing points over the falls... We watched the rock diving guys drop into the deepest part... Then passed over the wire rope bridge (one at once) to the two stone sheep for more great views of the water and surrounding area... Ducks, gulls and other water birds were dotted around the rocky edges... Great start for our walk to high force.. river Tees to one side and fields of sheep and cattle to the other, stunning views high in to the distance... Drone footage from my son,...jakeysjpegs Instagram"
Trevor Smith
"Parked by visitor centre, free for blue badge with designated places, nice chioc, latte and sausage roll. Sat outside ON picnic benches but there are seats inside the visitor centre and nice, locally, handmade gifts! Quite a flat, easy walk to the low force waterfall, but there was a incline at one point and a narrow bridge. Other waterfalls to look at too, from the main carpark, that included some steps."
Jo Childs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Low Force Waterfall is located in County Durham, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The easiest way to access it is by car. Parking is available at Bowlees Visitor Centre, which is a short walk from the falls.
Yes, there is free parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre. Donations are appreciated. Blue badge holders have designated parking spaces.
Public transport options are limited. While buses may serve nearby Middleton-in-Teesdale, a car is generally recommended for convenient access to Low Force Waterfall.
From Bowlees Visitor Centre, it's about a 10-minute walk to the main Low Force waterfall. The path is mostly flat with a slight incline and a narrow bridge.
The main path from Bowlees Visitor Centre is relatively flat and accessible for much of the way. However, some areas may have inclines or uneven terrain, and the Wynch Bridge is not accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Low Force Waterfall itself. Parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre is free, though donations are welcome.
Low Force Waterfall is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, Bowlees Visitor Centre has specific opening hours.
There is no entrance fee for Low Force Waterfall. It is a natural site within the North Pennines AONB.
As there is no admission fee, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Low Force Waterfall.
While there are no specific entry restrictions, visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and follow safety guidelines, especially around the water and bridges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning cascades, walk across the Wynch Bridge for different views, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. It's also a great starting point for longer walks.
Yes, Low Force is an excellent spot for hiking. It's a popular starting point for walks to High Force and other scenic routes in Teesdale.
While some visitors engage in rock diving into deeper pools, swimming is generally not advised due to strong currents and submerged rocks. Always exercise caution.
Yes, toilets are available at Bowlees Visitor Centre, which is located near the car park and a short walk from the falls.
Yes, families can enjoy the relatively easy walk to the falls and the beautiful scenery. However, supervision is essential around the water and bridges.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Bowlees Visitor Centre has a cafe that serves refreshments like coffee, sausage rolls, and fish and chips.
Yes, picnic benches are available at Bowlees Visitor Centre, and you can also find spots to enjoy a picnic amidst the natural surroundings.
The cafe at Bowlees Visitor Centre offers a selection of hot and cold food, including locally handmade gifts.
Middleton-in-Teesdale, a nearby market town, offers various pubs and cafes for dining options.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy responsibly in the designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wynch Bridge offers unique perspectives of the cascades. The rocky edges of the falls and the surrounding riverbanks also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Drone footage has been captured at Low Force, showcasing its beauty from above. However, always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, while after rain, the dramatic water flow is ideal for capturing powerful shots.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and not obstruct pathways or disturb wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, and utilize the picnic benches at the visitor centre. Ensure close supervision near the water and the Wynch Bridge, as it can be a narrow and potentially slippery crossing. Consider combining the visit with a shorter walk or exploring the visitor centre's facilities. The natural beauty and the chance to see ducks and other water birds can keep younger ones entertained. It's a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the natural landscape.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The surrounding Teesdale valley offers numerous trails with stunning scenery, from riverside paths to open moorland. +1The North Pennines AONB provides a rich environment for nature observation, with diverse flora and fauna. The dramatic water flow, especially after rain, is a highlight for photographers and anyone who appreciates the power of nature.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changeable weather conditions. 📸 Photographers
The Wynch Bridge provides a unique vantage point, allowing for creative compositions. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve silky smooth water effects or to freeze the motion of the cascades. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grandeur of the scene, while a polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water's surface.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Beauty of Low Force
+1The falls are particularly impressive after periods of rain, when the water flow is at its most powerful and dramatic. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views, with the river on one side and fields dotted with sheep and cattle on the other. This makes it a fantastic destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the British countryside.
+1While many visitors flock to the more famous High Force nearby, Low Force offers its own unique charm and beauty. It's a place where you can appreciate the raw power of nature and enjoy a peaceful walk, especially if you visit during quieter times.
+1Exploring the Area: Walks and Bridges
Many visitors combine a visit to Low Force with a walk up to High Force, creating a rewarding day out in the Teesdale valley. +1A key feature of the Low Force area is the Wynch Bridge, a wire rope suspension bridge that spans the River Tees. Crossing this bridge offers a different perspective of the falls and the river's rapids. It's a thrilling experience, though it's important to cross one person at a time due to its nature.
Beyond the main falls and Wynch Bridge, there are further footpaths and signboards that lead to other parts of the river. While some visitors may not have time to explore these extensively, they offer opportunities for deeper exploration of the Teesdale landscape.
Filming Location and Local Lore
Beyond its cinematic appearances, the area around Low Force is steeped in local lore and natural history. The North Pennines AONB is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its significant geological heritage. The rock formations themselves tell a story of ancient geological processes.
Visitors might also encounter local traditions, such as the brave act of rock diving into the deeper pools below the falls during warmer months. This practice, while exhilarating to watch, underscores the powerful nature of the river and the adventurous spirit of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit