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Chester le Street Group

We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

A moderate, circular walk of 8.5 miles

From the main car park, behind Bowlees Visitor Centre, this scenic walk takes us alongside The River Tees on well worn tracks, encountering the stunning Low Force and High Force Waterfalls along the way

There are moderate hills and undulations throughout the walk, with a mixed terrain across open fields, moorland, rocky riverside paths and steps, with two short, steep rocky descents

There are a mix of approximately 8 stiles / stone wall ladders on this walk

A short walk option will be available on the day

Sunday, 7 September 2025
Meeting time:
10:00 am
Start time:
11:00 am
Estimated finish time:
3:30 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
13.7km / 8.5mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

 

Take the A691 to Lanchester then turn left at the Kings Head pub on to the B6296 to Wolsingham. The road crosses the A68 at a staggered junction after 6.2 miles. At Wolsingham, turn right at the junction with the A689 to Frosterley. In Frosterley, turn left on to Mellbutts bank, sign posted White Kirkley and Hill End. After approx. 3.3 miles this road joins the B6278 as a left turn. Continue on the B6278 for approx. 4.1 miles and turn right on to the road signed for High Force and Middleton-in-Teesdale. Turn right at the junction, only 130 yards on. In Middleton-in-Teesdale, 4.3 miles further, turn right on to the main road (still the B6277) towards High Force. Follow the B6277, and after 3 miles look out for the white buildings of Bowlees Farm on your right. Turn right after 100 yards on to a narrow road leading to Bowlees Visitor Centre car park.

 

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NZ 27520 51929
Nearest postcode:
DH3 3UA
what3words:
icons.gazed.flat
Meeting time:
10:00 am

9.50am for 10.00am departure leaving the Civic Centre Car Park, Chester Le Street, DH3 3UA

Starting point

Grid reference:
NY 90781 28279
Nearest postcode:
DL12 0XE
what3words:
gurgling.worthy.player
Start time:
11:00 am

Start Time: 11.00am Bowlees Visitor Centre Main Car Park, Bowlees, Newbiggin, Co. Durham DL12 0XE please note slightly later start time, to allow for extra travel time Nearest Postcode: DL12 0XE What3Words: gurgling.worthy.player End Time: 3.30pm approximately At the end of the walk, we have the option to visit Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave (600m from car park) Parking Free All Day Toilets Available

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking