On a bank holiday Monday, (really, that’s how long it’s
taking me to put this post up. I’ve had such shoddy internet connection lately,
I’ve all but given up.) there’s no better place to be then somewhere dosed in
nature. (Well that, or a beer garden.) I jumped in the car with the fam (I’m
getting too cool for my own good these days) and we headed on the hour and a
bit drive to High Force Waterfall.
High Force is the biggest waterfall in England, located in Forest-in-Teesdale right in the Durham Dales. The River Tees is at the heart of the waterfall and you can see it gather before falling 21ft below. There is lush countryside surrounding the falls (Upper Teesdale) and it is also situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty. Which basically means it's a sight to behold. It won a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor last year, so you can bet its a big deal.
Think meandering little paths and bridges going through
little forested areas, thundering waves crashing along on one side, high cliff
edges filled with different coloured trees and foliage. Rock formations and
carved names on the other.
We walked along the footpath, you could stop at various points
to get the perfect snapshot. When you first turn the corner and see the glimpse
of the falling water its quite spectacular. I really was like a little giddy
kid the closer we got.
You can go down some questionable steps (A bit too narrow
and steep for my liking) and go right into the heart of it all. I’m not talking
Niagra Falls, little boat through them, but right down next to them. You can
feel the spray hitting you in the face. I felt connected with all of the other
keen nature goers. Lots had dogs and walking boots on, It’s probably like the
moment a man with a really great beard passes another man with a rocking face
fuzz. They just connect.
We sat on the rocks for a moment and just felt at one. Well
I tried to anyways. I kept getting distracted by all of the pretty sights
around me, my phone going click click click.
There were also stairs leading to the top of the waterfall.
One side of me was screaming to go up and explore, the other, scared crap-less of
heights was a bit more reserved. Unfortunately the gate was locked. Some
brave individuals went up anyways, but we aren’t rule breakers. (I so want to be though.)
We headed back through the forest and onto another section
of the tour. Those steps leading down were even steeper than the other ones.
The route took you through fields beside a little flowing river, up over a
bridge and then it was time to start the accent up into the cliffs. (You know
those ones from earlier.) Well we may not have been able to access the
waterfalls from above at the other side, but that’s exactly where this path was
leading. After a 15/20 minute walk or so the breath-taking falls came back into
view.
You could go right onto the edge and see them so clearly,
strong and poignant. I didn’t even give my fears a chance to settle in. I
wasn’t going to come all of this way without going up and getting a proper
look. If I thought they looked good from down below, it was just truly amazing
seeing them from way up high.
We carried on walking until we were practically on top of
the falls. You could see the little people below, getting spray in their faces
no doubt.
After all of the excitement and walking, we headed back to the car with heavy legs and hungry bellies. The only way back is following the same route. It may take a little while, but it's definitely worth it.
It was such a great experience. I love nature as you’ve
probably already guessed, but there’s just something else about water. Stick me
beside a lake or a little trickling stream and I could sit there all day just
listening to the sounds, watching it glisten. I don’t know if it’s because
I’m curious as to what’s under the surface, but it just seems so mythical almost .
There's a car park which is £2 per car. There's lots of picnic tables about, toilets and a gift shop. So you could definitely have a little rest stop. The High Force Hotel nearby could also be worth a look.
The falls are £1.50 to see per adult, which isn't bad considering how much land there is to explore. At the moment they are open 10am - 5pm (last entry half an hour before closing)
It's one for the bucket list that's for sure, and now I can tick it off. Will you be joining me?
Have any of you explored the beauty of High Force?
