Teesdale Way Circular Walk

12 miles (19.3 km)

This is a fine circular walk using a section of the Teesdale Way between Barnard Castle and Eggleston. It runs for about 12 miles using waymarked footpaths on both sides of the river. You'll visit the villages of Egglestone, Romaldkirk and Cotherstone, while enjoying some splendid scenery.
The walk starts in the popular town of Barnard Castle, situated on the River Tees. The attractive town includes a historic 12th century castle where the walk begins. The castle includes views over the Tees Gorge, a sensory garden of scented plants and the fascinating remains of the medieval chapel of St Margaret. From here you pick up the riverside path heading north west towards Cotherstone Crag. There then follows a short woodland section through Shipley Wood before coming to Eggleston where you cross the river.
The return leg follows the trail along the western side of the Tees, with the first section taking you to the little village of Romaldkirk. Here you will find a pretty village green and a noteworthy church. �The Grade 1 listed building, contains surviving sections of�Anglo-Saxon�walls either side of the chancel arch, as well as a late medieval�rood stair, a stone tomb effigy of Hugh Fitz Henry (who died on campaign with�Edward I�in 1305) in chain mail, and a 12th-century font.
You continue toward Cotherstone, crossing the River Balder and passing the remains of Cotherstone Castle on the way. The final section takes you through Pecknell Wood before returning to Barnard Castle.
To extend the walk continue south east along the river to Egglestone Abbey. The interesting riverside ruins include remains of a�13th century church and a range of living quarters.
You could also try our Tees Railway Walk which runs from Cotherstone to Ronaldkirk along a disused railway line.

Teesdale Way Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Teesdale Way Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Teesdale Way Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Teesdale Way Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Romaldkirk there's the Rose and Crown for a pit stop. The 18th century coaching inn sits in a fine position in the village centre, next to the Saxon church. They serve good quality food and have some outdoor seating as well.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head south east along the river from Barnard Castle and you will soon come to Greta Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters. It's a scenic spot where the River Tees and the River Greta meet. The village also includes the noteworthy Morrit Arms, an historic hotel dating back to the 17th century. The area has literary connections with Charles Dickens who researched his novel 'Nicholas Nickleby' here.
For more walking ideas in the area see the County Durham Walks page.