Newbiggin, near Barnard Castle, County Durham

Low Force Waterfall

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Donation

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

RiversideValleyWalkersPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.2

The River Tees breaks into broad, stepped cascades at Low Force, with the historic Wynch Bridge spanning the gorge above. The falls also featured in the film 1917.

Low Force combines a striking run of cascades with a historic suspension bridge and a straightforward riverside approach from Bowlees. It makes a rewarding short Teesdale outing, with the option to extend the walk upstream towards High Force.

Dramatic · Atmospheric

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Newbiggin, near Barnard Castle, County Durham

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The experience

Come for the wide cascades and the view beneath Wynch Bridge. The short walk from Bowlees makes this a manageable stop; walkers wanting a longer outing can continue upstream towards High Force.

Things to do

Walk from Bowlees to Low Force

Follow the public footpath from Bowlees Visitor Centre through open countryside and woodland to the stepped cascades.

Around 20 minutes each way, according to the supplied route guide

See the falls beneath Wynch Bridge

Take in the cascades from the riverside and look up to the historic suspension footbridge. The bridge is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Extend the walk towards High Force

Low Force can be included on a walk continuing upstream towards High Force. Check a current route guide and conditions before attempting the longer walk.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Around 20 minutes walking, plus time at the falls

Quick Escape: Low Force and Wynch Bridge

01
Start at Bowlees Visitor Centre.
02
Follow the public footpath to Low Force.
03
Take in the stepped cascades and view Wynch Bridge above the river.
04
Return to Bowlees the same way.

Half day · Half day; confirm route distance and conditions before setting out

Half Day: Follow the Tees towards High Force

01
Begin at Bowlees Visitor Centre and walk to Low Force.
02
Cross or view the river at Wynch Bridge, subject to current access and conditions.
03
Continue upstream towards High Force on the established walking route.
04
Return to your start point; check the route details and river conditions before departure.

Verified history

Wynch Bridge is a historic chain suspension footbridge at Low Force, rebuilt in the 19th century. Low Force is also identified as a filming location for 1917 in the supplied source row; the supplied sources do not provide further detail about the filming.

Hidden details

The bridge above the falls — Look beyond the water to Wynch Bridge, the historic suspension footbridge that gives the waterfall setting an added human-scale landmark.

When to go

· Not established by the supplied sources; check conditions before visiting.

The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal peak. River conditions and path conditions may affect the visit.

Check local weather and river conditions before setting out. The approach includes natural surfaces and uneven ground.

Worth pairing with

High Force

A longer walk upstream can combine Low Force with the larger waterfall at High Force; check a current route guide and access conditions before setting out.

Bowlees Visitor Centre

The reported starting point for the short walk to Low Force, with parking, toilets and a small café noted by the supplied route guide. Check current facilities and opening before visiting.

What to look for

Look for the stepped cascades of Low Force and the chain suspension structure of Wynch Bridge above the river.

The story

Historic Wynch Bridge

Best time to go

Check current conditions before setting out; the supplied sources do not specify a best season.

The supplied sources do not establish a best time of day or seasonal peak. Check conditions before visiting, especially around the river and uneven paths.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Newbiggin, Barnard Castle DL12 0XF

Website

raby.co.uk

Google rating

4.8 · 1,671 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached by public footpath from Bowlees Visitor Centre. The waterfall is beneath Wynch Bridge on the River Tees.

Parking

A large donation pay-and-display car park is reported at Bowlees Visitor Centre; check current arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Toilets are reported at Bowlees Visitor Centre; check availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

A small café is reported at Bowlees Visitor Centre; check opening and availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are reported as welcome on a lead on the Bowlees approach; check current signage and local rules.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The approach is described as partially accessible, with natural surfaces, gates and uneven ground. Wynch Bridge is not suitable for wheelchair users. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Donation

Water

River Tees and waterfall; swimming permission is not established by the supplied evidence.