Low Force

A series of powerful stepped falls where the Tees drops over Whin Sill dolerite in Upper Teesdale, less famous than nearby High Force but far more accessible for flying and free of that site's private-estate ticket gate. Park at Bowlees Visitor Centre and walk down to the Wynch Bridge, a Victorian suspension footbridge that makes a superb foreground with the falls behind. The launch is from the open riverside and meadow, which sits on Raby Estate land within the Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve and SSSI, so keep flights low-impact, avoid overflying the fragile arctic-alpine grassland and give walkers space. High Force itself, a mile upstream, is on Raby's ticketed land where flying is prohibited, so do not stray up there. From the air the black dolerite ledges, peat-brown water and the little bridge are a strong, characterful Pennine composition. Ground-nesting waders use the meadows in spring, be careful April to July. No FRZ, nearest airport Durham Tees Valley about 40km east. Best after rain when the Tees is in spate and the falls thunder, on a still day so the sub-250g holds steady over the moving water.