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All the United Kingdom England Forest-in-Teesdale High Force and Low Force Waterfalls

High Force and Low Force Waterfalls

These remarkable cascades are the jewels of Upper Tees.

Forest-in-Teesdale, England

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Alan Newman
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CAPTION
High Force.   High Force/cc by 2.0
High Force.   Les Hull/cc by-sa 2.0
High Force.   Colin Gregory/cc by 2.0
High Force.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Low Force.   Andy Waddington/cc by-sa 2.0
High Force.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Low Force in the distance.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Wynch Bridge.   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Wynch Bridge at Low Force.   David Dixon/cc by-sa 2.0
Sheep Sculpture near Low Force.   Andrew Curtis/cc by-sa 2.0
High Force   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
High Force   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In northeast England, the term "force" is often used to indicate a waterfall. High Force and Low Force are two cascades not to be missed in the North Pennines, situated just about 1.5 miles apart from one another on the Upper Tees in County Durham.

The upstream waterfall, High Force, is visited mainly for its impressive beauty, and the enormous force of its 70-foot plunge. Meanwhile its downstream counterpart, while smaller, is the site of some very exciting kayaking. Both falls are geologically caused by the dolerite inclusions in the riverbed, which provide a hard resistance to erosion.

At Low Force, you can cross the river by the Wynch Bridge, an interesting suspension footbridge, then follow the river upstream via the Pennine Way footpath to High Force. On the way, don't miss the interesting sheep sculptures standing on top of a dry stone wall.

Wynch Bridge is a great place to get a view of Low Force. It is a chain suspension bridge across the river Tees. The first bridge was built in 1741, possibly the first chain bridge in England (and sometime claimed to be the first in Europe). It was built by public subscription to allow lead miners from to reach the mines at Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The original bridge wooden but was supported by iron chains. It was 70 feet long and crossed a 60 feet deep chasm. It was only two feet wide and had only one handrail. It is said that the bridge swayed considerably when used.

In 1802, a chain snapped, and the bridge collapsed under the weight of nine miners. Two men fell into the  Tees below and one was drowned. Despite repairs the bridge was considered unsafe so in 1830 a new Wynch Bridge was built on the orders of the Duke of Cleveland. This is the current bridge, which is built of wrought iron hangers with a timber deck. The authorities recommend that only one person at a time uses the bridge.

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Waterfalls Geology Bridges Kayak Nature Water

Know Before You Go

The above map coordinates point to the High Force waterfall. You can also park for free at Low Force and there is no admission fee. If you use the tourist car park and the footpath from the nearest road (right bank) for High Force you will pay about £3 to park and £1.50 entry. However, you can get a good view of the falls on the left bank for free.

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

Jaszmina Szendrey, Meg

  • Jaszmina Szendrey
  • Meg

Published

May 10, 2019

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High Force and Low Force Waterfalls
Alston Rd
Forest-in-Teesdale, England
United Kingdom
54.650681, -2.186765
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Nearby Places

Rookhope Arch

Rookhope, England

miles away

Killhope

County Durham, England

miles away

Groverake Mine

Rookhope, England

miles away

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England

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Rookhope Arch

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England

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Places 2,212
Stories 144

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