Best attractions and places to see around Holwick include a range of natural features and historical sites in County Durham. The area is characterized by its dramatic river landscapes, including several notable waterfalls along the River Tees. Holwick provides access to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering opportunities for exploring diverse natural monuments and cultural heritage.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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This is among the more interesting of the bridges that cross the river Tees. This suspension footbridge owes its existence to the Holwick lead miners who used it to get to the lead mine at Little Eggleshope in the fells to the north.
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The waterfall is fed by the Cow Green Reservoir, with water running over a dam wall and then plunging into the river.
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it more of a long cataract than a waterfall and at 200 yards long ,reckoned to be the longest waterfall in England . keep away from the edges cos can be very slippery when wet .
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Cow Green Reservoir is a three-kilometre long reservoir set in the heart of the North Pennines. It is set in a beautiful, wide valley under the shadow of Meldon Fell. There is a large car park with porta loos nearby that provides the only parking in the area for the myriad of outdoor activities, including hiking, in the area. Cauldron Snout, a famous waterfall, is also nearby, located on the other side of the dam.
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Cauldron Snout is a stunning series of waterfalls accessible from the Pennine Way, and the large car park at Cow Green Reservoir. There is a rocky footpath that is a bit of a scramble leading down to it from Cow Green Dam; the latter makes a super nice backdrop to the first waterfall. This footpath is treacherous when wet, and you need to be very careful, a fall could have serious consequences.
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Mickle Fell is the highest peak in Yorkshire, depending on which list you look at. It is an imposing bulk of a mountain and difficult to get to as a large chunk of it is in the Warcop military training range and access is limited. Normally, 10–12 weekends are set aside annually by the military to allow hikers to walk one of two routes to its summit. There are two routes: the Northern Route and the Southern Route, and both require permits. I did the Southern Route, which is a linear route following a fence for most of the way. The middle section of this route is difficult and boggy. For further information, scheduled hiking days, and contact numbers, see the links below. Access Days — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warcop-access-times General Information — https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a79714ce5274a2acd18cdf4/dte_info_leaflet_northwest.pdf Application procedure — https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66339f8e4d8bb7378fb6c172/WTA_Mickle_Fell_Access_Permit_Request_Procedures.pdf
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Cauldron Snout is a rocky ravine below Cow Green Reservoir that the infant River Tees descends through spectacularly. The falls, which nestle within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), are caused by the upper Tees passing over dolerite steps of the Whin Sill.
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Cow Green reservoir is 3km long and was completed in 1971 to supply water to Teesside. It controls the flow in the river Tees keeping the supply to industry downstream safe during dry periods. The area surrounding the reservoir is an important habitat for rare alpine plants.
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The Holwick area is rich in dramatic natural landscapes. You can visit High Force Waterfall, one of England's most impressive waterfalls, or the series of cascades at Low Force Waterfall. Further upstream, explore Cauldron Snout Waterfall, where the River Tees descends through a rocky ravine. The wider area also includes Summerhill Force & Gibson's Cave and the expansive Moor House - Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.
Yes, the region offers several significant historical sites. You can see Wynch Bridge, a historic chain suspension bridge over the River Tees, believed to be one of the first of its kind in Europe. Other notable sites in the vicinity include the ruins of Egglestone Abbey, the dramatic Barnard Castle, and the Killhope Lead Mining Museum, offering insights into the area's industrial past.
Families visiting Holwick have several options. High Force Waterfall is considered family-friendly with well-maintained paths. The Cow Green Reservoir and Dam area is also suitable for families. Beyond the immediate vicinity, attractions like The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle and Hall Hill Farm offer interactive experiences for children.
Absolutely. Holwick is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy walks and more challenging routes. For specific hiking trails, explore guides like Hiking around Holwick, which features routes like the 'High Force Waterfall – Low Force Waterfall loop'. The Pennine Bridleway National Trail also passes nearby, offering longer adventures.
The waterfalls around Holwick, such as High Force and Low Force, are impressive at any time of year. However, they are particularly spectacular after heavy rainfall, when the River Tees is in full flow, showcasing their immense power. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while summer provides pleasant weather for walks.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The paths around High Force Waterfall are well-maintained and suitable for most abilities. You can find a selection of accessible routes in the Easy hikes around Holwick guide, including loops around High Force and Low Force waterfalls that are not too challenging.
For High Force Waterfall, there is dedicated parking available at the High Force Hotel, which provides access to the waterfall path. For Cauldron Snout Waterfall and Cow Green Reservoir, a large car park with facilities is located near the reservoir, serving as a starting point for various walks in that area.
Many of the natural attractions and walking trails around Holwick are dog-friendly, especially those in the open countryside. For example, the area around Cow Green Reservoir is suitable for dogs. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves, and to check specific rules for indoor attractions or private estates.
Viewpoints around Holwick offer diverse and stunning vistas. From High Force Waterfall, you'll witness the powerful plunge of the River Tees. From Mickle Fell Summit Cairn, the highest peak in Yorkshire, you can expect expansive, dramatic upland views across the North Pennines. Wynch Bridge also provides unique views up and down the Tees gorge.
Yes, experienced hikers can find challenging routes in the Holwick area. The ascent to Mickle Fell Summit Cairn, for instance, is a demanding hike, often involving boggy terrain and requiring permits due to its location within a military training range. The path to Cauldron Snout Waterfall also involves a rocky scramble that can be treacherous when wet.
The Holwick area and wider Teesdale offer excellent opportunities for cycling, particularly mountain biking. You can explore various routes, from moderate to difficult. Check out the MTB Trails around Holwick guide for options like the 'High Cup Nick and Great Dun Fell Loop' or routes around Blackton and Grassholme Reservoirs.
Visitors frequently praise the powerful and impressive nature of the waterfalls, especially High Force, noting the well-maintained paths and the overall scenic beauty. The historic Wynch Bridge is appreciated for its unique structure and views. The sense of adventure and the stunning natural landscapes, particularly within the North Pennines AONB, are consistently highlighted.
Yes, the most prominent is Cow Green Reservoir, a three-kilometre long reservoir set in the heart of the North Pennines. It's an important habitat for rare alpine plants and offers beautiful views, with a large car park nearby. Other reservoirs in the wider area include Grassholme Reservoir and Blackton Reservoir, which are popular for walks and cycling.


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