10.0 miles.
Explorer Map OL31, - North Pennines, Teesdale and Weardale
If you have some good weather, this is a highly rewarding
walk as there are some sensational views to be had.
The first part of the walk involves a steady climb up onto Crossthwaite
Common, using the Pennine Way footpath.
The walk then descends to the dam at the Eastern end of Selset Reservoir,
before following the footpath along the Southern edge of Grassholme
Reservoir.
From this Reservoir, the walker return by field footpaths and the Tees
Railway Walk to Middleton-in-Teesdale.
There are no particular navigational problems, and apart from the initial
climb out from Middleton-in-Teesdale no particular gradients.
There were a few muddy patches on the Southern side of the Grassholme
Reservoir.
All-in-all, a very pleasant day out, - especially in fine weather with
good visibility.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from a convenient parking place in Middleton-in-Teesdale
(NY948 253).
Take the road South over the bridge across the River Tees, past the
Cattle Market. At the T-junction, the Pennine Way footpath is signposted
heading Southwards.
Follow the Pennine Way footpath for the next two miles or so, past Pin
Gate and Wythes Hill Farm.
Where the farm track meets the minor road, turn right and follow the
road for about 1/2 mile (Care : traffic).
A clearly marked gateway on your left leads you to the dam at the East
end of Selset Reservoir.
Cross the dam, and then head for the farm track that takes you to the
Western end of Grassholme Reservoir.
Follow this minor road for a short distance, past a farm house. Where
there is a slight bend in the road, a footpath sign points to the footpath
along the Southwestern shore of Grassholme Reservoir.
Use of this footpath involves climbing a couple of fences where no stiles
have been provided.
When you reach the end of the footpath, near the road bridge that crosses
the reservoir, there is gate with clear signs that leads you to the
well-maintained permissive footpath along the Southern shore of Grassholme
Reservoir. This footpath eventually comes out at the reservoir's Visitor
Centre.
From here, take the road for a short distance, until you come to the
signposted field footpath on your left that takes you in the direction
of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
From here, use the well signposted Tees Railway Walk,
and footpaths, to return to Middleton-in-Teesdale