United Kingdom · County Durham, England
High Force
England tallest single-drop waterfall pours over the edge of the Whin Sill, a slab of hard volcanic rock that also underlies Hadrian Wall further east. The peaty upland water runs amber-brown, a natural tannin stain rather than pollution, most striking after heavy Pennine rain.
England tallest single-drop waterfall pours over the edge of the Whin Sill, a slab of hard volcanic rock that also underlies Hadrian Wall further east. The peaty upland water runs amber-brown, a natural tannin stain rather than pollution, most striking after heavy Pennine rain.
High Force drops 21 metres (69 ft) on the Tees, inside North Pennines AONB. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Middleton-in-Teesdale, with NCL the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Spring and autumn rains give the fullest flow over the resistant dolerite sill.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring and autumn rains give the fullest flow over the resistant dolerite sill.
Entry: Small car park fee
Getting there
- Base townMiddleton-in-Teesdale
- AirportNCL
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RegionCounty Durham, England, Europe
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
54.6603, -2.1808
Quick answers
How tall is High Force?
High Force drops 21 metres (69 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Tees.
When is the best time to visit High Force?
Peak flow is March to May and October to November. Spring and autumn rains give the fullest flow over the resistant dolerite sill.
What can you do at High Force?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to High Force?
The usual base is Middleton-in-Teesdale, and the closest airport is NCL. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Small car park fee.
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