The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend
Upper Teesdale
Upper Teesdale stretches from the attractive village of Middleton up to the initial headwaters of the River Tees on the High Pennines. Here we have the famous waterfalls, Low Force, High Force and Cauldron Snout, together with many other prominent landforms that owe their origin to the tough resistant rocks of the Great Whin Sill. In times past, the notorious 'Tees Roll' was a feared feature of the river, and though less common now, severe floods do still occur after heavy rain or melting snow. The upper dale is also, of course, famous for its rich flora, spangling the meadows and pastures with vivid splashes of colour. This is therefore a rather special landscape, and often considered the most beautiful section of the Pennine Way long-distance path.
Away from the river, there are a multitude of other diversions. The Hudeshope valley has a well-wooded lower section and an upper section with many relics from the lead-mining days. The well-known features of Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave lie above the charming hamlets of Newbiggin and Bowlees. Across the river is Holwick, another attractive group of buildings strung out on a ridge below the dark frowning crags of Holwick Scar.
Above High Force is the old medieaval hunting domain of Forest-in-Teesdale, now a scattering of farms set amongst valley pastures that are renowned for their wildlife (especially birds) and flora. On the fell above Langdon Beck is the prehistoric cave of Moking Hurth, whilst the main road continues onwards into the higher reaches of Harwood dale, where traditional farming techniques still continue but the great lead mining boom days of the 18th and 19thC are long gone.
Langdon Beck also provides the access road to the large artificial lake of Cow Green Reservoir, a reflecting bowl for the high fells of Cross Fell, Mickle Fell and Meldon Hill. A short walk from the road-end leads to the wonderful cascade of Cauldron Snout, above the dark crags of Falcon Clints. For those who wish to explore further there are a plethora of fine walking routes hereabouts, including the celebrated watershed crossing to the Eden Valley via High Cup Nick.