Wellbeing Walk - Bowlees Three Waterfalls Circulat

Category 1/2 Walk – Easy/Moderate. A selection of trail and moorland that involves some ascent and descent. Total distance is 10.6km (6.6miles). Total elevation gain is 282m.

Set off is 10am.

Overview:

Starting and finishing at Bowlees Car Park in the North Pennines, this is a loop taking in 3 waterfalls - High Force, Low Force and Summerhill Force, and also offers the opportunity to explore Gibson Cave. 

The trail starts by first visiting Summerhill force and Gibson's Cave, before starting the circular route in a westerly direction through fields which can be slightly uneven underfoot.  

We then head in a southerly direction towards High Force – England's biggest waterfall heading past High Hag Plantation and into the grounds of High Force Hotel. We then follow the path through Snout's plantation up to High Force. 

From there, we make our way down to the Tees riverside and cross the River at Holwick Head Bridge, joining the Pennine Way, taking in Middle Force and Low Force. If the weather is suitable, it is an opportunity to stop for lunch along this stretch and take a dip in the river.  

At Low Force, we cross the river and make our way back to Bowlees Car Park. 

At the end of the walk, there are coffee shops in Middleton-in-Teesdale which serve food and drinks.  

Please note, with this route there is an access fee to High Force of £3.95 per adult, payable at the High Force Hotel. 

Kit needed:

• Decent walking boots/shoes with firm soles and good grip

• Comfortable walking trousers/shorts/leggings

• Base layer

• Jumper/fleece

• Coat

• Waterproof coat

• Waterproof trousers (if you have them)

• Hat

• Gloves

• Backpack to include:

  • Water (1l-1.5l)

  • Snacks/lunch

  • Any medication

  • Handwarmers (if needed)

  • Change of clothing

  • Change of footwear

  • Swimwear and Towel (if planning to take a dip)

Cost of Event:

The wellbeing walk is offered as a free event, as the ability to pay should not be a barrier to access nature in support of your health and wellbeing.

However, if you feel you are able to make a contribution to cover the costs of these walks, we would be very grateful for the offer of a donation - either in cash on the day or via bank transfer.

This will help not only cover the costs for the day but also scale up the number of walks we are able to offer.

For those able to pay, a donation of between £5-£10 per person would be great.

This can be paid in cash on the day, or via online transfer. Bank details for online transfer are:

Conscience Coaching and Consulting CIC

08-92-99

67388516