11.3 miles
Explorer Map OL31 - North Pennines, Teesdale and Weardale
This walk takes in some long stretches of open moorland. Because
of this, it is suggested that the walk is best enjoyed in good
weather, when it is reasonably warm and conditions are not too
wet.
There are several patches on the open moorland which are wet and
boggy, the more so in wet weather.
Navigation is not particularly difficult, though the footpath
becomes quite indistinct in places, even though it is on the Pennine
Way. Because of this, use of a compass or satellite navigator
is recommended.
You will certainly feel as though you have spent a good day out
by the time you return to Bowes.
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 the main street in Bowes, near the church
(NZ44628 22755). There is a convenient parking area opposite the old
Post Office, where there are some benches and a bus shelter.
Head down the lane between the church and the castle. Just past the
cemetery there is a field footpath South to the River Greta and Gilmonby
Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk into Gilmonby.
Take the first turn on the right and follow the road and then farm
track to West Charity Farm. Continue past this farm, crossing the
Sleightholme Beck by a footbridge.
Continue to East Mellwaters Farm, and continue along the track and
footpath to West Mellwaters Farm.
From here take the field footpath to God's Bridge over the River Greta.
Now head Northwards along the Pennine Way footpath, under the A66,
to Ravock Castle and the Deepdale Beck in Sled Dale.
For the most part, the Pennine Way is clear to follow. However, there
are sections where it becomes indistinct and a compass or good sense
of direction is required.
Where the Pennine Way crosses the Deepdale Beck, a shooters' hut provi8des
some very welcome shelter.
Continue uphill from here to Race Yat Rigg.
At the field gate, turn right and follow the clear footpath to Ladyfold
Rigg.
Do not pass through the field gate on Ladyfold Rigg, but turn right
and head steeply downhill with the field wall on your left.
When you come to a corner at the bottom of the field, turn right and
head towards Levy Pool Farm.
Cross the Deepdale Beck by the footbridge, then follow the road to
West Stoney Keld Farm.
Here follow the signposted Pennine Way back to Bowes.