Cauldron Snout, Cascading waterfall in County Durham, England
Cauldron Snout is a waterfall in the North Pennines where the River Tees cascades over stepped dolerite rock formations. The water drops across several hundred meters, creating a dramatic flow of falling water over the hard stone.
The rock formation over which the water falls is part of the ancient Whin Sill, a volcanic structure that shaped the landscape millions of years ago. This natural feature has defined the North Pennines terrain since prehistoric times.
The poet W.H. Auden referenced this waterfall in his 1941 work, connecting it to personal memories of the Weardale region. Literary references like this show how the place has captured the imagination of writers over the decades.
You will need to walk from the Cow Green Reservoir car park along trails to reach the waterfall viewing areas. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are essential since the terrain is hilly and often exposed to wind.
The water flowing down to create the waterfall comes from Cow Green Reservoir upstream, which means the flow changes depending on how the reservoir is managed. This makes each visit different, as the amount of water and the force of the cascade can vary from day to day.
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