The Teesdale Way

Location: Cumbria; Durham, Cleveland

OS Maps: Explorer ; Outdoor Leisure

The Teesdale Way explores the course of the River Tees for exactly 160km, from its source on the high moors of Cross Fell in the Cumbrian North Pennines to its outlet at Middlesbrough on the north east coast. This is a delightful walk through unmatched river scenery including historic sites, SSSI's, pretty villages, woods, rolling farmland and wetlands. Passing as it does from remote Pennine moorland through traditional dales towns and finally to Teesside's industrial heartland, the Teesdale Way gives a facinating cross-section of the region's social, cultural and economic life.

At the start of the walk the young, but vigorous river passes through spectacular scenery including whinstone cliffs at Falcon Clints, limestone ridges and wild heather moorlands. The turbulent waters cascade down dramatic waterfalls at High Cup Nick, Cauldron Snout and High Force, the largest waterfall in England and with a 70ft fall. Downstream from Low Force cascades the river begins to calm and passes under County Bridge at Middleton-in-Teesdale as a broad smooth flowing water course between tree lined banks. Not far downstream is the confluence with the River Lune and at Eggleston Burn there are fine views and interesting ancient cultivation terraces. After the pretty farming village of Romaldkirk are the curious 'Fairy Cupboard' miniature river-cut caves and the superb viewpoint at Piercy Myre Rock. If you are travelling in May the Great Wood bluebells provide a stunning carpet of blue mist.

Shortly after the market town of Barnard Castle is the Meeting of the Waters, a lovely location at the confluence of the River Greta. At Piercebridge, where there are the remains of a Roman fort, Dere Street once crossed the River Tees. Close to Neasham, the Sockburn Meander or 'peninsula' was once home to Viking raiders. Down river from Yarm the Way passes through the industrial towns of Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesborough. This section of the Way provides a complete contrast, but provides a facinating insight into the shipbuilding and engineering heritage of the area as well as more recent works such as the Tees Barrage. The final stretch along the southern side of the estuary crosses Coatham Marshes where redshank, curlew and lapwing can be seen an on to South Gare Breakwater where seabirds and grey seals can be spotted.

As well as being a classic walk in its own right the Teesdale Way links with the Pennine Way to form part of a much wider network, the E2 European Long Distance Path from Harwich to Stranraer. The Tees Link (see Information Leaflet below) joins the Teesdale Way with the Cleveland Way providing another vital connection in this network.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

The Teesdale Way by Martin Collins This comprehensive guide with detailed directions to the entire route includes plenty of information on terrain, wildlife and history, accommodation, transport and refreshment, together with a final chapter outlining 10 circular walks around various parts of the Tees for smaller excursions. Detailed sketch maps and photographs accompany each section, together with a milage chart and useful addresses.

Information Leaflets [Click for free copy]

The Tees Link - This is a 17km trail which connects the Cleveland Way at Highcliff Nab to the Teesdale Way at Middlesbrough Dock. This leaflet, however, illustrates a longer walk, spanning the Tees Valley from Saltburn to Yarm, enabling anyone to enjoy a walk between town and country. The route described is from Saltburn to Guisborough Forest and Walkway, Middlesbrough Dock and Yarm, a total distance of 51km. The Tees Link accommodates long distance walkers as part of the E2 European route from harwich to Stranraer.

The Teesdale Way - It is surprisingly easy to explore the Teesdale Way. Use this leaflet as a starting point for seeking inspiration, fresh air and fine countryside. The walking is not hard and there is no need to do it all at once. Several sections can be adapted into short circular walks, as described in Martin Collins guide, using both banks of the river, or linear walks taking advantage of local bus services.This leaflet has been jointly sponsored and published by the following councils: Durham County Council; Darlington Borough Council, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Middlesborough Council and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Photograph of High force, Upper Teesdale courtesy Durham county Council. Photograph of Teesdale courtesy of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council ©