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High Force in County Durham named best waterfall walk in UK
The dramatic waterfall – which plunges 21 metres (70ft) into a gorge on the River Tees – has topped a new ranking of the country’s most stunning waterfall walks, compiled by outdoor experts at GO Outdoors.
The list placed High Force, in the heart of Upper Teesdale, ahead of 14 other waterfalls across Britain, including Falls of Glomach in the Scottish Highlands and Pistyll Rhaeadr in Wales, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.
Set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, High Force sits on the famous Whin Sill — a layer of ancient dolerite rock formed from molten lava more than 295 million years ago.
What makes the walk so special?
The GO Outdoors ranking grades the High Force route as moderate, covering 11.05 km with an estimated walking time of around three hours and 20 minutes.
The terrain takes in open countryside, woodland and rocky paths alongside the River Tees.
A well-maintained path through woodland leads visitors to the base of the falls, where viewing platforms offer safe and striking views of the cascade and the surrounding scenery.
Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, said: “Waterfalls offer beautiful scenery and an escape into nature, making them a great choice for a summer walk.
“Whether you’re looking for a short woodland stroll or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of impressive waterfalls to discover across the UK.”
She added that walkers should plan ahead, wear sturdy footwear, carry plenty of water and pack waterproof clothing, as conditions can change quickly even in summer.
Someone who was equally a fan recently visited the area and wrote in a review on Tripadvisor: “The place is breathtaking. We went on a little tour and loved every minute of it. You can get fairly close and the view is spectacular.”
Planning your visit
High Force is located on the B6277 at Forest-in-Teesdale, around four-and-a-half miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
The nearest major road is the A66.
The site is open daily during the summer season from 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission costs £3.95 for adults and £2.45 for children aged four to 15, with under-fours going free.
A family saver ticket for two adults and two children costs £10 online or £12 on the day.
Parking is available on site, with charges of £4 for four hours and £6 for six hours.
Dogs are welcome on leads.
The top 10 UK waterfall walks, according to GO Outdoors:
- High Force, County Durham
- Falls of Glomach, Ross-shire, Scotland
- Pistyll Rhaeadr, Powys, Wales
- Steall Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland
- Hardraw Force, Yorkshire Dales
- Aira Force, Lake District
- Ingleton Waterfall Trail, Yorkshire Dales
- Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons
- Becky Falls, Dartmoor
- St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
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