It is without a doubt that this is one of the most spectacular days on the Way. The path follows the River Tees, with bluebell woods and sickeningly sweet tableaus of bunnies in fields. The 2 main waterfalls, Low Force and High Force, are both well worth a day walk to visit in themselves.
The route then turns west up another river valley (still technically the Tees), with some difficulty walking, boulder-hopping on the river's edge. Turning a sharp corner you are confronted by the power of Cauldron Snout, the natural outflow of Cow Green reservoir. The bridge is above the falls, and is reached by some more rather precarious climbing.
Finally, after slogging along the ridgeline and passing back across the Maize Beck (now much smaller than where it feeds into the River Tees), and feeling like you've already been astounded enough, you reach High Cup Nick. No photo I've seen does just to this breathtaking glacial valley, and coming from this side means that you appear at it's upper edge without warning, sheer cliffs and buttressed rock overlooking the perfectly smooth curves of the valley. Truly something that must be experienced.
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| High Force |
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| Below Cauldron Snout |
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| Above Cauldron Snout - not so much a waterfall as a chute |
Totally inadequate photos at High Cup Nick:
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