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United Kingdom
England
North East England

Romaldkirk

Top 6 Natural Monuments around Romaldkirk

Best natural monuments around Romaldkirk are found in the scenic Teesdale countryside, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This region is recognized as a Natural Nature Reserve and a European Geopark, highlighting its significant geological and ecological value. The area offers a diverse landscape of rivers, valleys, and moorlands, providing a setting for exploring notable natural features. Romaldkirk serves as a base for experiencing these natural monuments.

Best natural monuments around Romaldkirk

  • The most popular natural monuments is High Force Waterfall, a viewpoint that features one of England’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. The River Tees dramatically drops 69 feet (21 m) into a plunge pool below, making it a powerful natural spectacle.
  • Another must-see spot is Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound, a natural monument and historical site. This location features a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill above Middleton in Teesdale, marking an ancient burial site.
  • Visitors also love Lunedale Valley, a gorgeous valley in the Pennines AONB. This area includes two reservoirs, Selsett and Grassholme, which offer walking opportunities.
  • Romaldkirk is known for its waterfalls, valleys, and summits. Visitors can explore a variety of natural monuments, from powerful cascades to ancient burial mounds and scenic moorland peaks.
  • The natural monuments around Romaldkirk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 photos and over 240 upvotes.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

High Force Waterfall

Highlight • Viewpoint

High Force is one of England’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. Starting as a trickle high in the North Pennines, the River Tees steadily gathers pace until it drastically drops 69 feet (21 m) into the plunge pool below at High Force. When there has been a lot of rain, the waterfall is immense. However, it is a great place to visit at any time of year and there is lovely walking in the surrounding woodland.

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With a drop of 21 meters, this is one of the largest waterfalls in England and certainly one of the most impressive.
The area also holds geological significance, as some of the rocks you see here are up to 300 million years old.

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Lunedale Valley

Highlight • Natural

Similar in character to the neighbouring Baldersdale, Lunedale is a gorgeous valley in the Pennines AONB. Upper Lunedale hosts two reservoirs, Selsett and Grassholme, which are a delight to walk around.

The Pennine Way passes through on its way to Middleton-in-Teesdale, crossing the Grassholme Reservoir via Grassholme Bridge.

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Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound

Highlight • Natural Monument

Kirkcarrion is a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill above Middleton in Teesdale. The trees were planted in Victorian times on a Bronze Age burial mound. The trail is just off the Pennine Journey trail but worth the detour.

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Monks Moor Summit Trig Point

Highlight • Natural Monument

Monks Moor is a broad hill above Teeside in the North Pennines AONB. It reaches 1,854 feet (565 m) above sea level and its summit is crowned by a trig point. The hill is characterised by remnants from the mining industry, rocky outcrops and is clad in heather, a delightful sight in autumn.

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Tips from the Community

Keith 🥾⛺️🗺🧭
January 8, 2025, River Above High Force Waterfall

Be careful on the top looking over.

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Alex Foxfield
December 31, 2023, Lunedale Valley

Similar in character to the neighbouring Baldersdale, Lunedale is a gorgeous valley in the Pennines AONB. Upper Lunedale hosts two reservoirs, Selsett and Grassholme, which are a delight to walk around. The Pennine Way passes through on its way to Middleton-in-Teesdale, crossing the Grassholme Reservoir via Grassholme Bridge.

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Kirkcarrion is a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill above Middleton in Teesdale. The trees were planted in Victorian times on a Bronze Age burial mound. The trail is just off the Pennine Journey trail but worth the detour.

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With a drop of 21 meters, this is one of the largest waterfalls in England and certainly one of the most impressive. The area also holds geological significance, as some of the rocks you see here are up to 300 million years old.

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Kirkcarrion is a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill above Middleton in Teesdale. The trees were planted in Victorian times on a Bronze Age burial mound. The trail is just off the Pennine Journey trail but worth the detour.

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StevieT
November 15, 2022, High Force Waterfall

A nice easy walk on a clearly marked path takes you all the way to High Force.

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Don't pay to access from the High Force Hotel. Take the free path downstream, cross the footbridge and walk up the other side. if on the Pennine Way you will already be on the correct side (river to your right as you walk upstream).

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Perfect little trip for you and the kids to see such a powerful waterfall. The tracks are well-maintained so no worries about walking ability. To do the full route at a nice pace I would say about 40 min to do 1 loop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of natural features can I explore around Romaldkirk?

The area around Romaldkirk, nestled in the North Pennines AONB, offers a diverse range of natural features. You can discover powerful waterfalls like High Force Waterfall, scenic valleys such as Lunedale Valley with its reservoirs, and expansive moorlands crowned by summits like Monks Moor Summit Trig Point and Raven Seat Summit. The River Tees also flows nearby, contributing to the rich landscape.

Are there any natural monuments with historical significance near Romaldkirk?

Yes, Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound is a notable site. It features a copse of pine trees planted on a walled hill above Middleton in Teesdale, marking an ancient Bronze Age burial site. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit around Romaldkirk?

Absolutely. High Force Waterfall is very popular with families, offering well-maintained paths suitable for all ages. Lunedale Valley, with its reservoirs, provides pleasant walking opportunities for families, and Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound is also considered family-friendly.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments near Romaldkirk?

The natural monuments around Romaldkirk can be enjoyed year-round. High Force Waterfall is particularly impressive after heavy rainfall, showcasing its immense power. Spring and summer bring wildflower-filled meadows, while autumn transforms the heather-clad moorlands, such as those around Monks Moor Summit, into a delightful sight.

What kind of wildlife can I spot near the natural monuments?

The diverse landscape of fields and moorlands around Romaldkirk provides excellent opportunities for wildlife watching. Common sightings include curlews, lapwings, and red grouse. The River Tees and its banks also support rich biodiversity, making it a great area for nature photography.

Are there hiking trails near these natural monuments?

Yes, the region is excellent for hiking. The Easy hikes around Romaldkirk guide features routes like the Hury Reservoir Circular Trail. The Pennine Way also passes through Lunedale Valley, offering longer walking opportunities. Many natural monuments, including High Force Waterfall, have well-maintained paths for exploration.

Can I go cycling near the natural monuments around Romaldkirk?

Yes, the area offers various cycling routes. You can find options for both road cycling and touring. For example, the Road Cycling Routes around Romaldkirk guide includes challenging rides like the Weardale–Teesdale Pass, while the Cycling around Romaldkirk guide offers routes like the Grassholme Reservoir loop, which passes through scenic areas.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in this area?

Visitors frequently praise the powerful spectacle of High Force Waterfall, noting its impressive scale and the well-maintained paths that make it accessible. The tranquil beauty of Lunedale Valley and the unique historical context of Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound are also highly appreciated. The overall natural beauty and opportunities for walking are consistently highlighted.

Are the natural monuments around Romaldkirk dog-friendly?

Many natural monuments in the area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy walks with your canine companion. For instance, Lunedale Valley and Kirkcarrion Bronze Age Burial Mound are listed as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock or wildlife.

What is the difficulty level of exploring these natural monuments?

The difficulty varies. Sites like High Force Waterfall offer easy, well-maintained paths suitable for most visitors. Other locations, such as the summits like Monks Moor Summit Trig Point and Raven Seat Summit, involve intermediate-level walks across moorland terrain. Lunedale Valley also offers intermediate trails.

Is Romaldkirk a good base for exploring the North Pennines AONB?

Yes, Romaldkirk is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural monuments of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its tranquil village setting provides easy access to significant natural features like High Force Waterfall and the scenic River Tees, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Romaldkirk:

NorthumberlandElsdonCallalyNethertonSnitterThroptonHarbottleWhitton And TossonHeppleHollinghillBiddlestoneNetherwittonNunnykirkRothleyCounty DurhamRothburyHesleyhurstBrinkburnEdlinghamLongframlingtonForest And FrithAlwintonStanhopePlenmeller With WhitfieldThirlwallAlnhamWoolerWarkEarleIngramLunedaleBowesKirknewtonFeatherstoneGreenheadAkeldIldertonAllendaleMelkridgeHaltwhistleSimonburnHenshawBardon MillEdmondsleyCoanwoodGreat LumleyDenwickPeltonEglinghamChattonLowickLonghoughtonNorth LodgeBournmoorSeaton ValleyKyloeHaydonNewton-By-The-SeaEllinghamNewbigginBeadnellLittle LumleyKilhamCrasterRenningtonLesburyLanchesterMiddleton In TeesdaleAlnmouthShilbottleAlnwickCramlingtonBlythEmbletonRoddamKnaresdale With KirkhaughRochesterHolwickWarkworthOustonFordNewbroughKimblesworth And PlawsworthWaldridgeSouth HettonPittingtonNewton-On-The-Moor And SwarlandEgglestonLonghorsleyAncroftWolsinghamWolsingham Park Moor Lands Cmn To Stanhope, Tow Law And WolsinghamHexhamshireWhittinghamSeahamMarwoodBurnhopeMiddletonBelfordStanleySeaton With SlingleyDalton-Le-DaleHaswellWest BedlingtonLilburnMuggleswickOtterburnDoddingtonMickletonAcklingtonHunstanworthWest AllenBamburghChollertonPontelandAdderstone With LuckerSouth BedburnNorth SunderlandHartleyburnStanningtonEast ChevingtonCarhamMurtonHopeScargillWiddrington VillageBlanchlandWest RaintonFramwellgate MoorWoodlandHedleyWhaltonShotley Low QuarterBroomley and StocksfieldEast BedlingtonMilfieldThirstonHoly IslandWiddrington Station And StobswoodShadforthTritlington And West ChevingtonBavingtonHedgeleyEllington And LintonBranxtonTogstonBowsdenHunderthwaiteHawthornNorth TynesideNorhamFeltonRedcar and ClevelandBelmontLands Common To Hamsterley, Lynesack And Softley And South BedburnEwartMatfenBarninghamTarsetChoppingtonWhittingtonAmble By The SeaHauxleyHealeyWheatley HillEdmondbyersCresswellEasington VillageShoreswoodBerwick-Upon-TweedOrdHorncliffeLartingtonKirkwhelpingtonThornleyMitfordGilmonbyWitton GilbertSacristonLangleydale And ShottonStamfordhamDuddoChillinghamSunderlandSouth TynesideGlantonSherburn VillageHepscottMorpethAshingtonPegswoodBirtleyCornhill-On-TweedHamsterleyLynesack And SoftleyHorsleyPrudhoeKielderWallington DemesneBellinghamCotherstoneCorbridgeWardenHumshaugh

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