Barnard Castle Flatts Wood Waterfall Walk

This walk in Barnard Castle visits Flatts Wood where you can enjoy a stroll along the Percy Beck to a series of pretty waterfalls. You can start the walk in the town and follow paths around the historic castle to the River Tees.... Follow the riverside path north west and it will take you into Flatts Wood where you can enjoy peaceful woodland trails, wooden bridges and pretty cascades along the beck.
The waterfalls are not particularly large, but they are very attractive as the beck tumbles over the rocky stream bed beneath the trees. The sound of running water accompanies you through much of this section, with the woodland providing a peaceful contrast to the nearby town. After wet weather the cascades are particularly impressive as Percy Beck carries more water through the valley.
The route also passes beneath the old Percy Beck railway bridge, a striking reminder of Barnard Castle's railway history. The Grade II listed bridge was built in 1861 for the South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway and now forms an impressive feature among the trees. You can then continue through the woodland before returning towards the River Tees, where there are pleasant riverside views and opportunities to see wildlife including birds along the water.
As you make your way back towards Barnard Castle, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy further views of the castle and surrounding countryside. The walk combines the waterfalls and woodland of Percy Beck with riverside scenery and the historic attractions of the town, making it a varied short walk with plenty to see along the way.
For more waterfall walking near the town try the High Force Waterfall Walk.

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Barnard Castle Ford

Percy Beck viaduct. This bridge was built by the South Durham and Lancashire Railway and was completed in 1861, carrying traffic from Barnard Castle across the Pennines to the main line in the west. The line had many spectacular trestle viaducts, all now removed, but this stone-built one with brick arches remains, now carrying a private road, having been closed as a railway in 1964. Flatts Wood, through which this view was taken, is a popular walking and children's play spot, being on the fringes on Barnard Castle, with footpaths down to the River Tees.

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