1 THE JEWELS OF THE PENNINES: HIGH FORCE & LOW FORCE
Route length: 21.3km/13.3 miles
Total ascent: 565m/1853ft
Start/finish: bridge over River Tees at Middleton-in-Teesdale (NY947253)
High Force and Low Force are jewels that have been lying around, undisturbed since the last glacial period, along the River Tees, which cuts a sweeping path down a dale that has been shaped by glacial carving and meltwater scouring. The river would be another steady stream of rippling stones but for the volcanic intrusion of the Whin Sill, which cuts right across the dale, and creates these violent torrents. You can look over Low Force, as viewed from a superb suspension footbridge, and from here you’ll hear the rumblings and tumblings of its big brother, High Force, nestled in juniper and birch woodland. Continue to the
