Low Force
OS grid reference:-
Low Force is situated on the River Tees, and lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The waterfall, which was once known as Salmon Leap, consists of an impresive eighteen feet (5.5 metres) high set of falls, further upstream is its larger sister, the spectacular High Force waterfall.
The word force (pronounced 'foss' locally) derives from 'fors' in the old Norse language used by Viking settlers in the area.
Low Force is the site of the Wynch Bridge, a suspension bridge which spans the ravine. The bridge was completed in 1830 and was originally built for the Holwick lead miners who used it to access the lead mine at Little Eggleshope in the fells to the north. It is suggested that only one person at a time should cross the Wynch Bridge as it may be unstable.
The waterfall is easily accessible from Bowlees Visitor Centre and picnic centre which is situated around 3 miles northwest along the B6277 road from Middleton-in-Teesdale.