9.6 miles.

Outdoor Leisure Map OL31, - North Pennines, Teesdale and Weardale

This walk is best undertaken with in good weather and good visibility so that you can enjoy the views.
The walk is in "high country" (the highest point is 2000 ft) which means that in bad weather the walk could become fairly arduous. In good weather, however, it makes for a superb day out.
Almost all of the walk is very straightforward with respect to navigation, and utilises farm tracks and paths which make for easy walking. However, there is one section of the walk which involves some very rough ground, - climbing up and crossing rough moorland, with tussock grass. Use of a map and compass is essential here, as well as needing to look out for old lead mine workings which could be dangerous.
At Marshes Gill Farm the footpath goes through part of the farmyard, where 4 very loud and active dogs are kept on chains which keep the dogs away from passing walkers. The dogs are a bit alarming, but the chains are kept short enough to keep the animals away from you!

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

Start from the public parking area at Cow Green Reservoir, NY81036 30913.
Head North West along the sign posted track. This takes you past several disused mine workings, with views towards Cross Fell to the West. The track gently ascends over about 4 miles, and eventually reaches the B6277 Alston - Middleton-in-Teesdale Road.
Here, turn right and follow the road for half a mile or so (care! - traffic) until you come to the Spitley Tongue, - a track that gently descends to the Harwood Beck and Herdship Farm.
Pass Frog Hall and Herdship Farm.
Just past the farm, on your right, is a waymarked footpath that takes you across a couple of fields to the disused chapel that stands by the Harwood Beck.
Cross the beck by the very substantial footbridge, and follow the footpath with the beck on your left until you come to the minor road at Low End Bridge.
Here turn right and follow the road for a short distance to Marshes Gill Farm.
Take the footpath through the farmyard that leads you up the hillside to Binks House Farm (not occupied, but used as farm buildings).
From Binks House Farm set a South Westerly course across very rough ground to reach the minor road just above Cow Green Reservoir.
From here, make your way back to the car park.