The Grey Panthers

The described route is not the one originally intended, although in retrospect it probably offers far more. The intended route was simply to walk the length of Deepdale then cut up to Lartington for the return to Barnard Castle. To d that, it would have been essential to take the "upper" footpath through Deepdale.
By taking the "lower" footpath, we came across a ford over the Deepdale Beck that was impassable due to the beck running full.
However, by being unable to cross this ford we took an alternative route over farmland which crossed the Deepdale Beck by Nabb Bridge. Visiting this bridge is one of the highlights of the walk.
Navigation is reasonably straightforward, though a 1 : 25000 OS map is highly advisable for following some of the field footpaths.
Having said that, the footpaths were generally well marked.
There are several very awkward stiles to cross, and a steep plunge (and climb back up again) over the North Gill Beck near Lartington.

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 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 web site, - just use QUO!!

Start from the parking area at the Demesnes common ground, at the Southern end of Barnard Castle (NZ05048 16014).
Cross the River Tees by the pedestrian bridge then walk beside the River Tees to the main road bridge. Continue until almost opposite the footbridge by the Deepdale Aqueduct there is a gate leading into Deepdale.
There is a broad footpath heading almost due West from this gate.
When the footpath divides, take the left hand fork. (The right hand fork will take you through Deepdale on the "upper" footpath).
Follow the footpath beside the Deepdale Beck (it is well waymarked) until you come to a clearing.
If you follow the waymark that directs you to the right you will come to the ford over the Deepdale Beck, which, if crossed, would take you to the "upper" footpath.
Turn left and head uphill on the farm track, until you come to Smart Gill Farm.
Turn right at Smart Gill Farm, then follow the waymarked footpath over fields and the railway track bed to North Field Farms.
Continue on the waymarked footpaths due West to North Thornberry.
Here turn right onto the farm road which takes you to Nabb Farm.
At Nabb Farm, watch for the footpath sign which directs you to the side of the farm buildings, and continue to Nabb Bridge.
After crossing Nabb Bridge, turn left and head uphill to High Crag Cottage, then follow the farm track to Low Crag Farm.
At Low Crag Farm, turn right and then follow the farm road Northwards to Lartington Green Lane.
Turn right and after about 50 yards take the field footpath Northwards to Naby Farm. This footpath crosses the North Gill Beck at North Gill Wood.
At Naby Farm head Eastwards along the farm road to the B6277.
Cross the B6277 and take the footpath Eastwards. Continue Eastwards to Pecknell Farm and Pecknell Woods, and eventually return to Barnard Castle.