With undisguisable excitement, we undertook an exploration of a natural wonder. It was a chance to witness one of the most beautiful spots in all of England.
Like a postcard from a Caribbean hideaway, High Force Waterfall is transported from another world. It’s exhilarating waters crash to earth from 21 meters above, gloriously exploding into a perfect pool below. If an image of heaven exists in England, this is surely it.
The waterfall lies along the River Tees and was only a short drive from home. We were joined on our expedition by the daring ArchaeoUncle Rob and ArchaeoAuntie Christina, expert adventurers always ready for action!
We made our way by occasionally treacherous winding roads to a pub at the gateway of this marvel. Aptly named The High Force Hotel, it is a quaint and charming establishment situated at the peak of the adventure. Here you will find a car park and information points regarding the area of outstanding natural beauty. There is a combined admission price for parking and access to the falls, but it is minimal and the funds go towards the care and upkeep of the area.
The River Tees begins high in the north pennies and picks up strength through the scenic countryside before it reaches this point at Forest-In-Tees. Here it rages in a furious torrent, flowing longingly towards an ocean escape.
This luscious edge of the island was once beneath a shallow tropical sea. 330 million years ago corals, shell fish and crinoids accumulated on the seabed and over time, hardened into limestone. These layers form the lower part of the falls. Layers of sand and mud periodically washed into the sea and formed layers of sandstone above.
Around 295 million years ago, molten rock rose from within the earth, cooling and forming a layer of hard dark rock called dolerite. This rock forms the upper layers of High Force Waterfall, protecting the softer limestone and sandstone beneath from a speedier erosion, and carving out the incredible visual spectacle. Over thousands of years, the softer layers beneath gradually erode and lead to the collapse of the harder dolerite above, forcing the waterfall to slowly retreat upstream.
To reach the waterfall, you must descend steep valley slopes; navigate cliff faces, cross streams, hike woodland and green fields before emerging at the raging riverside. Thankfully a careful path has been forged by the endless pilgrimage of countless souls seeking delight in this magical natural monument.
It has no doubt been a centre of ancient spectacle. Mother Nature has illuminated herself with ferocious power, creating a unique splendour unsurpassed on the island. Perhaps spiritual leaders gathered here to ask the earth for blessings, or made sacrifices in hope of sharing in its majesty. Certainly the modern world of tourism has been widely attracted to this spectacular spot. There is an air of importance about the site, an electric buzz as if in the presence of some supreme might.
Viewing platforms at the foot of the waterfall offer incredible views of the cascading falls. The river roars in a continuous growl, a haze of vapour clouds gather as the water merges with the pristine pool beneath. It is like something from a dream.
There are intriguing caves at the foot of the falls, our inquisitive minds are drawn to the dark chasms, what treasures do they hold? What stories could they tell? Alas, the dangers involved in exploring such openings far outweigh the potential excitement in adventuring towards them. For now, they must keep their secrets.
We lounged at the foot of the falls for some time, enjoying the hypnotising awe of the forever flowing waters and the melodic ferocity of its roaring voice. Afterwards we ascended the well trodden path back to the homely haven of the High Force Hotel. In the glowing warmth of a rustic wood burner, a welcome beer was enjoyed by Emily and I as Audrey delighted in a glass of milk and Bramble lapped up her water.
This natural wonder has undoubtedly conjured fantastic worlds in many an imaginative mind, perhaps the origin of enchanted beasts and magical universes. Such creatures and worlds surely have a home beyond the fierce cascading walls of water known as High Force Waterfall.
