High Force and Low Force, Teesdale

4 May 2007

Having dropped Lucy, Henry and Ellie off at Oxenholme railway station on Friday lunchtime, George and Stephen motored across the Pennines to Yorkshire for the last few days of the holiday.

Plan B was for Lucy to take George instead of Henry because of George's sore feet and/or stiff legs, but Friday morning saw George looking much perkier and we changed to Plan C, which changed back to George going with Stephen but us taking it easy on Friday. A planned hill walk was changed to a lowland walk, and that reorganised to give us the opportunity to cut it short.

George on a bridge over the River Tees between High Force and Low Force

The River Tees

The Pennine Way, climbing gently from the bridge towards High Force

High Force, looking rather subdued with a modest flow of water. At only 21 metres high, it is not the highest in England as is sometimes said - at 30 metres Hardraw Force is much higher - but has much more water going over it and when in spate is probably the most impressive. Stephen had been to High Force several times, but didn't recall visiting this, the south side, before.

Looking down on the falls

George seeming to be having no problems at all, we extended the walk downstream to Low Force. So far from chasing sheep, George seems often to have a fascination with them, and this flock were no exception, following us along the pathway.

We then reached this delightful little suspension bridge across the Tees, and just had to cross it even though our route didn't lie that way.

George looking cheerful on the far side of the bridge. Back again!

From the bridge, Low Force

George and more sheep

George making easy work of the stiles

A happy George as we near the end of a very enjoyable walk, with no signs of distress from George.

On the way to our hotel, a brief stop at Egglestone Abbey, another spot revisited from childhood. There were a number of boys climbing where they shouldn't and making a lot of noise, so the peaceful exploration that was desired was not to be found, but it was still interesting to stop off here for a short while.