10.8 miles.
Explorer Map OL31, - North Pennines, Teesdale & Weardale
A walk which can be undertaken at any time of the year,
with plenty of interest and some superb views.
Although this is a "year round" walk, we found that the ground
was very slippery and muddy in places (in January), and allowance should
be made for this.
There are no undue gradients, although there are one or two ascents
and descents.
Navigation is very straightforward, and there are footpath signs at
all parts of the walk.
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 parking area at the Demesnes common ground,
at the Southern end of Barnard Castle (NZ05048 16014).
Head South East, keeping the River Tees on your right, across the common.
Follow footpath signs, keeoing the river on your right all the time,
until you come to Eggleston Bridge.
Cross the River Tees using this bridge (watch for traffic, - controlled
by traffic lights).
Take the road North West to Eggleston Abbey (signposted).
From Eggleston Abbey (no entrance fee) take the waymarked footpath across
fields to the minor road. Hereturn right for a short distance, before
taking the waymarked footpath North Westwards along the hill edge until
you come to a caravan park. At the caravan park either follow the footpath
signs down to the river, or take the footpath that leads you to the
minor road heading to Startforth. A few hundred yards along this road
is a footpath that takes you down to the river as well.
Continue with the River Tees on your right past Barnard Castle Bridge,
and past the entrance to Deerbolt Young Offenders Institute.
Where there is a sharp left hand bend in the road, take the track straight
ahead where the Teesdale Way is signposted.
Continue along the track, and then footpath, until you come to the remains
of the railway viaduct.
Here take the right hand footpath, looking down on the River Tees. Continue
along the waymarked Teesdale Way to Cotherstone.
Cross the River Tees by the footpbridge at Cotherstone.
Now take the waymarked Teesdale Way towards Barnard Castle on the North
Bank of the River Tees.
At NZ031 185, about 1/2 mile past East Holme House Farm, the Teesdale
Way drops down to follow the River Tees along the River Bank.
An easier way to return to Barnard Castle (depends on ground conditions)
is to continue on the ground overlooking the River Tees, and to NOT
take the Teesdale Way downwards.
In Barnard Castle, follow the High Street Southwards to return to your
starting point.