8.5 miles

Explorer Map OL31, - North Pennines (Teesdale & Weardale)

This walk is an old favourite of ours, and is highly popular in general. The route uses the Teesdale Way on both the Western and Eastern banks of the River Tees between Barnard Castle and Cotherstone.
The footpath is very well marked by both finger posts and waymarks, and the footpath gates were all in very good condition.
On the return section (above the Eastern bank of the River Tees) there are several stiles to cross.
There are two or three sections involving moderately steep ascents and descents, but generally this walk should be suitable for all.
Navigation is very straightforward.

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 car park on Barnard Castle's Demesnes (NZ05045 16013).
Cross the River Tees using the footbridge by the Mill apartment buildings.
Walk towards Barnard Castle road bridge (over the River Tees), and continue along the road.
Just past the Deepdale Aquaduct (on your right) the road bends left. At this point, on your right, the Teesdale Way is indicated through a gateway by a finger post.
Continue Northwards along the farm road, and then track into Pecknell Wood.
When you reach the remains of the old railway bridge, take the footpath through the field gate.
Follow the waymarks on the footpath past Towlerhill Farm, and continue to Towlerhill Plantation.
When you reach Cooper House Farm, the footpath has been diverted to pass the farm on the left (it used to go starlight ahead on the right).
Follow waymarks until you descend to be beside the River Tees at Cotherstone.
Cross the River Tees by the footbridge.
Now follow the Teesside Way Southwards as indicated by the finger post and subsequent waymarks.
Past East Holme Farm you have the choice of dropping down to the River Tees using the Teesdale Way footpath, or, alternatively, continuing on the field footpath until it eventually also drops down to the woodland by the Percy Beck.
Follow the track until you come to the Deepdale Aquaduct.
Cross the River Tees by the footbridge part of the aquaduct and retrace your steps to the Demesnes.