high force waterfall

First, yes this is a great natural wonder, especially in full spate when it is very loud and powerful. The main not issue perhaps but thing you should be aware of is access. There is free access and there is paid for access. First, car parking, there is a pub/ hotel opposite and if in tourist season bank holidays etc if will be manned and you have to pay to park. This is fair enough there are toilets provided and if the hotel is open refreshments. Sometimes in high summer I have seen ice cream vans here and the whole place is very very busy and best avoided. It is possible to park for free but not on the main road and to be honest it's probably just not worth it. This can be a dangerous road. In winter it often has snow on when it has been clear for weeks in the surrounding cities.Access, often the gate to the walk down to the falls is unmanned and so an honesty system is in place. Be aware in bad weather the gate is often locked and access denied. There have been numerous incidents of people spraining ankles or just not making it back up the hill although the paths are well maintained gravel pathways. The pathway from the bottom of the falls to the top is currently closed due to the amount of accidents city folk have climbing the path. The other access is totally free but involves parking and crossing a bridge a little down stream and walking up the opposite bank along part of the Pennines way. The disadvantages of this are you need to find the bridge so a map is advisable, but on a busy day you will have a fantastic view of the falls without the crowds, be careful though your view is from the top of the falls. A word of caution, the road running up the dale can be very busy or totally empty. However it is used as a racing track by motorbikes and cars alike so be carefull driving or crossing the road as the roads are very bendy and cars come rushing past the car park and access to the falls where you must cross the road.

We went out of season...mid February so the parking was free, the large pub/ hotel next door was completely shut down, shame it looks like it once was a great place,Walking boots are advised to get down the tracks to the waterfall, although the tracks are very well kept and at the time of our visit although some snow and ice on the ground there was a couple with a lady in a wheelchair and they seemed to cope very well and made it to the bottom view point of the falls.There was an honesty box at the entrance and everyone seemed to be donating, however I believe there is an entrance fee in open season.It's about half a mile through woodland to the falls, and once there the falls are spectacular, evidently the highest in England.I believe there is access to the top of the falls but for safety reason this was closed off at the time.In summer I would expect this to be even better walk when in full bloom.I will try post a couple of photos soon as this facility is not available from my iPad.So guys thanks for reading, hope you consider leaving me a helpful vote, and feel free to read my other reviews.A spectacular stop off on my World Domination Tour. Bye for nowMing

Had to pay £2 to park car AND was then charged £1.50pp how can u charge for a car and driver separately! Once we crossed rd the entrance had honesty box bit of a rip off

I'd been wanting to go and see this waterfall for a while and finally took my nephew down to see it, if you park at the hotel there is a charge, you walk across the road onto the path and there's a small charge ( to keep it well kept I imagine) it's a short 5-10 minute walk to the falls in really nice scenery, the falls themselves are stunning, hear the roar before you see it, there's a few steep steps down to the waterside so something to consider if you aren't able bodied, it's a stunning scene and England's highest waterfall, it's somewhere you've got to tick off your list!

Loved the waterfall and walk, we walked up next to the waterfall and round. When we got to the bottom we discovered that the walk way had been blocked off. It is definitely in need of a spruce up but the waterfall is well worth a visit The pub is fine for a drink.

High Force is right up there with some Britains must see attractions be it natural or man made. The absolute best time to see it is in full speight,after a thaw of the winter snow on the Durham Pennines,but it is an equally rewarding visit at any time of year.

This was amazing, I honestly cannot think of anything I have seen in this country that I found more surprising or more spectacular. If you are reading this review you are considering visiting, my advice to you ... just go!

A lovely walk from Low Force to High Force taking in the lovely Teesdale Countryside. This is a region that is so easy to pass by but truly rewards interest.

A cold and misty morning, the noise it's quite something, not quite Niagara, nontheless special. Very atmospheric and enjoyable.

I believe this is the highest waterfall in England. I have seen this when nearly dry and also in flood, the latter being the most spectacular. If your up a for a gentle walk, park at the Bowlees visitor centre prior to reaching High Force and walk there. You will be well rewarded for your effort. You cross over the Wynch Bridge lovely views of Low Force, follow the footpath upstream by the Tees, one easy hill to climb before reaching High Force. The car park at Bowlees is free and is the sight of the waterfall and you actually get a better view of it from this side of the river. Be warned if you park at the High Force Hotel car park there is a fee as there is to also access the footpath that takes you to the waterfall on this side of the river. It's about an hours gently walk to High Force from Bowlees and I guarantee this will be one of the prettiest walk you'll ever do.

Excellent place to visit. The walk to the falls is not too difficult. Steps to the top are bit challenging but well worth the hike. Would recommend this for a visit

Wherever you travel from, the drive to the falls are beautifully scenic, miles of North Pennine countryside.I usually stop off at a layby between Egglestone and Middleton to take in the fantastic views across the Tees valley towards Mickleton and Romaldkirk and then stop near Bowlees and walk from Low force up to High force .Great to see any time of the year but especially so after heavy rainfall when the river spews forth thunderously right across the whole cliff face.and as a bonus there are a few lovely desolate reservoirs within a short drive across upper Teesdale.

High force was worth the climb,it just took a long time as it was icy part of the way up.Easy to find from the road, and in summer ( well March 5th onwards) at the starting point there is a coffee shop and public tiolets, much needed on the return trip.

High Force is the tallest waterfall in England, a short walk down a well maintained woodland path takes you there from the car park over the road. There are steps at the end of the walk way, but you don't need to go down them to see the falls.To see a film I made of High Force Falls, copy and paste this link into your web browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjhY5aYSaHc .

Have visited numerous times and at various times of the year. The walk is a pleasant stroll and the views stunning. Ideal place to take a picnic and camera.Every visit the views change.I like to visit after a period of heavy rain as the extra water certainly makes the waterfall stand out.