10.2 miles
Explorer Map OL31, - "North Pennines"
Choose a fine day, when the visibility is good, and this walk
is top-of-the-range.
The route outwards follows the Pennine Way beside the River Tees,
reaching the waterfalls at Low Force.
The return to Middleton-in-Teesdale is via Holwick and Holwick
Scar, crossing Crossthwaite Common to rejoin the Pennine Way for
the return to Middleton-in-Teesdale.
It is advisable to be able to use a map and compass in crossing
the moorland. Although the paths are reasonably clear, it is advisable
to check your route on occasion by consulting the map.
There is a reasonably steep climb up Holwick Scar.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the
above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers website, - just use QUO!!
Start from the centre of Middleton-in-Teesdale (NY94777
25096).
Take the road South out of the village and cross the River Tees on
the road bridge.
Just past the cattle market, the footpath to Newbiggin and Low Force
is signposted. This path (part of the Pennine Way) basically follows
the River Tees all the way to Low Force.
At Low Force, take the signposted footpath due South to Holwick.
Turn right at the road junction and head up hill past the small house.
Take the footpath that leaves the broad farm track to ascend the Scar
(the footpath first drops down into a small valley before then climbing
fairly steeply up the Scar).
As you ascend the Scar and onwards to the moor, the footpath is reasonably
clear. However, you should check your position using the map and compass.
The moorland footpath continues in a Southerly, and then South Easterly
direction, to Brown Dod.
At Brown Dod, there is a field gate. Through the gate continue ahead
on the footpath, but then drop down to the shooters' track.
Continue Eastwards on the shotters' track until you come to the Pennine
Way footpath on Harter Fell.
Return to Middleton-in-Teesdale on the Pennine Way footpath.