Waterfalls and wildlife walk: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR

This walk follows the banks of the River Tees from Low Force, through the juniper woods up to High Force waterfall. Here you can turn round and follow the same route back or continue further upriver and follow the lower slopes of Holwick Fell to return. On the backbone of England, around the headwaters of the River Tees, 8,800 hectares of upland country forms the Moor House–Upper Teesdale National nature Reserve (NNR). The reserve encompasses an almost complete range of upland habitats typical of the North Pennines, from lower lying hay meadows, rough grazing and juniper woods to limestone grassland, blanket bogs and the summit heaths of the high fells. Nowhere else in Britain is there such a diversity of rare habitats in one location. The remote and dramatic landscape of the reserve can be enjoyed from the Pennine Way National Trail, the Public Rights of Way network and on Open Access land.
High Force © DCC/Mike Ogden

Location: 

Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre car park (NY906282) in Upper Teesdale.

Terrain: 

  • Off road sections
  • On road sections
  • Steep sections

Area: 

Access: 

  • Car parking
  • Public transport

Interests: 

Facilities nearby: 

  • Accessible toilets
  • Cafe
  • Toilets