16 of us set off from Bowlees Visitor Centre in Teesdale, with light rain showers and mixed cloud and sunshine, quite windy. This was a totally glorious walk led by Margaret Thompson, easy going generally with some rocky sections on the path. The route mostly follows the Pennine Way after crossing the Tees over Wynch Bridge one at a time, and leads to a lunch stop with views of High Force without paying any entrance fee. The flowers on the path above the river are amazing, with lots of insects and butterflies, including orchids and are in profusion with soft views of the hillsides across fields full of more flowers. This is a function of the limestone geology and the conservation priorities of the landowners. The path above High Force is full of twists and turns through thick bracken and juniper.

For me personally I was in a kind of meditative dream like one was walking through the Garden of Eden. It was so uplifting. One of the best walks I have done since moving to the North East.

It is deservedly popular but there were actually not that many people about apart from a well behaved primary school coach group of children, and it was lovely to feel their delight and enthusiasm.

A tonic for mental and physical health, but don’t do it on a bank holiday weekend !

Author - Richard E