Nearest train station: Darlington
The epically-named Low Force Waterfall is the smaller, safer sibling of the larger and even more epically-named High Force Waterfall, which lies a little further upstream on the River Tees.
High Force is too large and dangerous to swim in, though Low Force has a calmer (albeit very deep) pool beside a wooded island that is ok to swim in in the right conditions.
The area is popular with walkers traveling the surrounding North Pennines AONB, though if you walk around the River Tees nearby the waterfall itself you’ll be sure to find a nice secluded spot for a swim.
Given that this is a large waterfall in the North Pennines area, the water can be dangerously cold regardless of the season. We highly recommend proceeding with great caution, making sure you have with you the correct gear for cold water swimming.
How to Get to Low Force Waterfall
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this stunning North Pennines waterfall by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode DL12 0XF into your sat nav, which will take you a layby that allows easy access to the waterfall. There is also a free car park nearby on the B6277 road that runs alongside the River Tees in this section of the North Pennines.
From here, follow the footpath across the river, crossing at Wynch Bridge, passing the Stone Sheep sculpture and then accessing the water via the Pennine Way.
By public transport
Getting to Low Force Waterfall by public transport is a possible though is pretty arduous. It’s best to drive or cycle, if you’re able to.
If not, then you can get a train as far as Darlington. From here, take the X75 MAX bus route from the Town Hall towards Barnard Castle (perfect if you’re in need of an eye test!) and alight at Galgate, Stand B. From here, you can take the 95 bus to Horsemarket, then change to take the 73 bus to Langdon Beck, getting off at the aforementioned car park.
By bike
The North Pennines are a dream for adventurous cyclists. Regardless of where you start and finish, you can make Low Force part of your cycle route as you take on some of the stunning vistas of Teesdale.
Check out the Middleton Cycle Route which loops around the river and both the Low and High Force Watefalls.
What else is near Low Force Waterfall?
Check out the adjacent High Force Waterfall a little further upstream, or simply follow the River Tees through Teesdale which offers plenty of wild swimming opportunities (again, take care in the cold water).
The Derwent Reservoir also isn’t too far away if you fancy booking a spot there for a swim and some other watersports.