Walk 6 miles for 60 years of the Pennine Way

The Pennine Way celebrates its 60^th anniversary on 24 April 2025, the trail was the first National Trail in England and is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance walks.  The Pennine Way cuts through the heart of the Culture County and showcases some of the most spectacular landscapes across the UK, including one of the most iconic landmarks of the trail High Force Waterfall. The Pennine Way stretches for 268 miles across England’s wild northern uplands, and the trail enters the Culture County’s boarders in the Sleighholme moors and then departs the county just before Dufton.

Ahead of the 60^th anniversary of the Pennine Way, we recently took on the challenge of walking 6 miles for 60 years of the Pennine Way.  The route starts in the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale and joins the Pennine Way in a Northwest direction towards Holwick following the River Tees, via Low Force then continuing onto the spectacular High Force. The route proceeds past Homestead and then eventually finishes at Pasture Foot with the Stone Quarry on the opposite side of the Riverbank.

Starting Point: Middleton-in-Teesdale

The route starts at the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, near to the fountain in the main square. The fountain was built in 1877 to honour Robert Walton Bainbridge, superintendent of the London Lead Mining Company.  You will need to head south departing the fountain and then head over the bridge, past the Middleton-in-Teesdale auction centre, where you will find the entry point to the Pennine Way on your right. You will continue on the Pennine Way following the path in a Northwest direction with the Pennines Mountain range in the distance to the west and Middleton-in-Teesdale behind your right shoulder.

Mile 1: Middle Crossthwaite

You will reach the first marker point of the route at mile 1 which is Crossthwaite, giving you great views of the Pennines Mountain range to your West. You will also get a great view of Cross Fell mountain, which is the highest mountain in the Pennines mountain range and the highest point in England outside the Lake District. The route to this point is relatively flat and will take you passed wildlife, streams, and little footbridges.  

Mile 2: Park End Wood

After a gradual climb up, you will reach the second milestone of Park End Wood, still heading in a Northwest direction you will have an elevated view back towards Middleton-in-Teesdale and the surrounding area. You will continue on the Pennine Way with the River Tees to your right and the Park End Wood on your left, the route will gradually slope down towards the riverbank and will follow the small twists and turns of the River Tees.

Mile 3: Holwick Quarry

After continuing to follow the riverbank Northwest you will reach the halfway mark of the route, a great place to stop for a break and to take in the scenic Durham Dales. Proceeding with the River Tees to your right you will continue on the route as you head up river towards Low Force and High Force.  The route is very flat once you have reached the riverbank and the trail is well signed posted making it easy to follow.

Mile 4: Low Force

After 4 miles you will arrive at one of the route's standout points, Low Force. This Durham landmark has featured on TV and Movie screens and continues to draw thousands of visitors every year.  You will need to continue up stream with the River Tees on your right, as the route will slowly start to rise up and so will the noise of the water as you get closer to the much-anticipated High Force.

Mile 5: High Force

You will more than likely hear High Force before you see it! However, once you have climbed the steep bank and worked your way along the Pennine Way you will finally see the stand out landmark of this route, High Force. The 21-meter-high waterfall is one of the most spectacular and iconic waterfalls in the UK, it’s also a great spot to enjoy a break from the walk and soak up the views.  

Mile 6: Pasture Foot

The end is in sight; after departing from High Force you will continue to follow the River Tees up stream, and you will eventually reach the stone quarry on the opposite side of the riverbank which marks the end point of the route. You can continue on the Pennine Way towards the scenic Cauldron Snout or even turn around and head back towards High force and visit the High Force hotel for a much-needed rest.  

Whether you're walking this 6 mile section or just exploring the Durham Dales you will certainly experience the beauty, rich history, and unforgettable scenery of Durham. Dotted across the route are some great places that are worth a visit. The Bowlees Visitor Centre is nestled in beautiful woodland, close to Low and High Force waterfalls and is surrounded by rolling fields with some of England's finest hay meadows. The centre features an information hub, a café, a gift shop, and a picnic area, making it great for walkers, cyclists, and dog lovers after a long day of walking.  

Close to the route the cozy High Force Hotel is filled with character and warmth. The hotel is perfect for walking and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the UK, and great if you love open fireplaces, rustic floorboards, and a relaxed vibe, the High Force Hotel is perfect for your family, including your furry friends! Discover more outdoor events and walking activities across the culture County.