9.4 miles
Explorer Map No OL31, - North Pennines (Teesdale and Weardale)
A "four seasons" walk, - suitable for just about any
time of year. Although enjoyable in winter, it would be doubly
pleasurable in the summer.
The route is easy to follow, and there are no particularly difficult
gradients to deal with.
There are a couple of places where the footpath is not totally
clear to follow, but a quick check of the map soon has one right.
There are a couple of stiles which may prove difficult.
If the weather is very wet and there is a lot of mud, then after
visiting Egglestone Abbey it would be best to return to Barnard
Castle along the minor road to Lendings.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the
above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory
Map)
Some new mapping software is now availabe 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 a parking area overlooking the Demesnes (NZ05049
16005).
Follow the Teesdale way Esatwards to Egglestone Bridge. Cross the
Rover Tees by this bridge (though care for traffic).
Once over the bridge, take the signposted Teesdale Way footpath to
the Meeting of the Waters, beside the River Tees.
Leave the Teesdale Way at Mortham Tower, and take the footpath Southwards
to Greta Bridge.
When you reach the road turn right and cross the River Greta by the
road bridge.
Once over the river, take the footpath beside the river that leads
to Brignall (you may find the stile over the wall at Greta Bridge
quite difficult).
Follow the footpath to the old church of St. Mary at Brignall, then
take the clearly marked footpath up the hill to the new church of
St. Mary at Brignall..
Here turn left and follow the road for about 400 yards, then take
the footpath that heads almost due North to Rokeby, the A66 trunk
road (cross with care), and the River Tees.
Head back to Egglestone Bridge via the Teesdale Way.
When you reach the bridge, don't cross the river but follow the road
to Egglestone Abbey then the footpath back to Barnard Castle.