Pictures of Forest-in-Teesdale Pictures of Forest-in-Teesdale Pictures Accommodation Towns Attractions Reviews Facts Map Upload This is one of County Durham's loveliest areas. It's landscape, possessed of a wild untamed beauty, highlighted by the meandering River Tees, has a few ancient farmhouses and old stone cottages. The region also has the awesome sight of one of England's highest waterfalls, High Force, whose silvery waters rush in a shattering crescendo towards the deep waters of the lake. The slabs surrounding the falls appear to have been perfectly placed for sitting and contemplating for a while, enjoying the leap and splash of the water. In the distance the eye is drawn towards the daunting grey-blue dolerite crags and further along the Tees is the swiftly flowing Cauldron Snout which lies immediately below the dam of the Cow Green Reservoir. This pretty watery stretch of over 200 yards, lies between grassed and rocky crags, and is more of a meandering cataract than waterfall.

Nonetheless, despite a 3 mile hike from the carpark at the reservoir, Cauldron Snout acts as a magnate for the hordes of visitors descending annually on the upper reaches of Teesdale. Forest-in-Teesdale is idyllic, tranquil walking country where you can wander at will, gazing at natures wonders. It is on the Pennine way and is close to Langdon Beck and Maize Beck, with Black Hill and Outberry Plain in the distance. Visitors wishing to explore the region will find a scattering of good hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, and at Langdon Beck there is a Youth Hostel. Planning a visit to Forest-in-Teesdale? Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Forest-in-Teesdale hotels & accommodation through this site. in the county of Cumbria (10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction NW of Forest-in-Teesdale) Nestling beside the sparkling River Nent, Nenthead lies on Alston Moor, in a lonely remote North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between the pleasant market town of Alston and the Killhope lead mining museum...

in the county of County Durham (13.7 miles, 22.0 km, direction E of Forest-in-Teesdale) This is a lovely village lying on the edge of the North Pennines in an area of great scenic beauty. It is a wild and beautiful landscape dotted only by scattered farms with meadows full of grazing sheep and cattle... a Historic Market Town in the county of County Durham (13.8 miles, 22.2 km, direction SE of Forest-in-Teesdale) .. a Historic Market Town in the county of Cumbria (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction NW of Forest-in-Teesdale) At a height of over 1,000 feet in the far reaches of the Pennines, this is one of England's highest market towns. Alston is a lively bustling place of steeply rising narrow..... in the county of Northumberland (14.3 miles, 23.1 km, direction NE of Forest-in-Teesdale) Blanchland, Northumberland is a village located close to the Derwentwater reservoir in Durham and Hexham in Northumberland...

High Force (51 Pictures) (1.0 miles, 1.6 km) This is the Tees most spectacular offering, it is also England's highest waterfall. The best time to see High Force is just..... Weardale (19 Pictures) (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction N) This lovely scenic valley lies between the town of Bishop Auckland, seat of princes of the church and the charming market town of..... Killhope Lead Mining Museum (1 Pictures) (8.8 miles, 14.1 km, direction N) Killhope Lead Mining Museum keeps alive the counties lead mining traditions. This is a fully restored site of a working mine..... Hamsterley Forest (12 Pictures) (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction E) Hampsterley Forest encompasses over five thousand acres, it is a combination of parkland and forest, giving access to some of the..... Barnard Castle (26 Pictures) (14.1 miles, 22.6 km, direction SE) This historic town is a picturesque centre for discovering the delights of Teesdale. The town occupies a clifftop site above.....

(14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction NE) The Abbey in the village was constructed in 1163... Bowes Museum (9 Pictures) (14.4 miles, 23.1 km, direction SE) Josephine Bowes, wife of John Bowes was a Parisian actress, and perhaps this shows in the choice of building they chose as a..... YHA Langdon Beck Holwick, County Durham, England (0.9 miles, 1.4 km) With panoramic views over the North Pennines, YHA Langdon Beck is a rural retreat offering scenic hikes and cycling routes in the surrounding area. Free private parking is offered and homemade evening... Scarcroft Cottage Holwick, County Durham, England (2.9 miles, 4.6 km, direction SE) Situated in Holwick in the Durham Region, this holiday home is 40 km from Durham. The unit is 40 km from Darlington. The unit is equipped with a kitchen. A TV is provided. There is a private bathroom...

Old Coach House At The Golden Lion Saint Johns Chapel, County Durham, England (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction N) Old Coach House At The Golden Lion is situated in Saint Johns Chapel, 45 km from Newcastle upon Tyne and 39 km from Durham. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Rooms include a flat-screen TV.... Brookfield House Lanehead, County Durham, England (5.4 miles, 8.6 km, direction N) Situated in Lanehead in the Durham Region, this holiday home is 45 km from Newcastle upon Tyne. It provides free private parking. The unit is equipped with a kitchen. A TV is provided. There is a pri... Leny'S Cottage Middleton in Teesdale, County Durham, England (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction E) Set in Middleton in Teesdale, this holiday home features a barbecue. It provides free private parking. There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and toaster. A TV and D...

The Teesdale Hotel Middleton in Teesdale, County Durham, England (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction SE) Surrounded by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Teesdale Hotel is a former 18th-century coaching inn with free on-site parking, an extensive wine cellar and a well-stocked bar... Dale View Cottage Westgate, County Durham, England (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction NE) Dale View Cottage is a holiday home located in Westgate in the Durham Region and is 44 km from Newcastle upon Tyne. The property boasts views of the garden and is 37 km from Durham.... Waterfall trail, County Durham | Countryfile.com Walks Waterfall trail, County Durham Prepare to feel dwarfed by looming crags and thunderous waterfalls along this colourful riverbank walk in Upper Teesdale 19th April 2011 Walks The unique drama of the North Pennines is largely due to carboniferous limestone laid down more than 300 million years ago as the corals of a tropical sea.

Around 295 million years ago, molten volcanic magma forced its way between these sediments to form a layer of dolerite up to 90m (295ft) thick, which became known as the Great Whin Sill. This spectacular geological feature is exposed at various places throughout north-east England, most famously on Lindisfarne and along the route of Hadrian’s Wall. It dominates the character of the Upper Teesdale, where it resists erosion by the River Tees and forms a series of immense waterfalls. Fed by autumn rainfall and edged with deciduous trees, High Force comes into its own at this time of year. Low Force To reach the first waterfall, stroll across the field south of Bowlees Visitor Centre. The falls are largely hidden from view until you emerge from the trees on to the riverbank and, although they are not particularly high, the cascades offer a tempting suggestion of what lies further upstream. The bouncy Wynch Bridge was built in 1840 to replace an earlier span that, when it was built 100 years earlier, was the first suspension bridge in England.

The walk follows the southern bank westward, along part of the Pennine Way and into the Moorhouse-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve. The slopes to the south are patched with dark green expanses of juniper, while the autumnal yellows and oranges of the deciduous northern bank provide a vivid, ever-changing backdrop to the grey dolerite rocks and peat-brown frothy pools. Keep a sharp eye on the riverbank for dippers and grey wagtails, which feed on insects around the fast-flowing water, and on the open slopes for red grouse, lapwing, curlew and golden plover. High Force You’ll hear the roar of High Force long before you see the falls. The first sighting, from a juniper thicket on the lip of the gorge, is rendered even more impressive by its abruptness. People often mistakenly name High Force, which is 21.5m (70ft) tall, the highest waterfall in England. But it’s Cautley Spout in the Yorkshire Dales, which boasts a single 76m (249ft) drop, that truly deserves the title.

High Force is, however, England’s largest waterfall by volume – something that you can’t fail to notice as you watch the thunderous deluge from your vantage point. The upper whinstone layers of High Force contrast sharply with the lower, sandstone, shale and limestone. The water erodes these softer rocks more quickly, to the extent that periodically, they can no longer support the harder dolerite, which collapses into the river. The waterfall has so far retreated 700m (2,297ft) into its gorge. Onward to Holwick Scar Continue along the riverbank for another mile before parting from the Pennine Way and moving on to a parallel track a short distance to the south. Follow this eastwards and join a broad rubble-surfaced roadway, which leads to the gorge of Holwick Scar and an entrance stile guarded by two stone-sculptured sheep. The crags at Holwick Scar are composed of tall dolerite pillars, split by narrow, vertical cracks that formed during the estimated 50 years it took for the magma to cool.

It’s this same cooling and contracting process that created the characteristic columns found at Giant’s Causeway and Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa. After a short descent to the edge of Holwick village, take a left and follow a track northward, back to Wynch Bridge and Bowlees. Useful Information HOW TO GET THERE A free car park lies in woods that surround the Durham Wildlife Trust Bowlees Visitor Centre, off the B6277, three miles north-west of Middleton-in-Teesdale. Buses run daily from Barnard Castle to Middleton, and from there to Langdon Beck. Two spectacular waterfalls - High Force Waterfall, Middleton in Teesdale Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor “Two spectacular waterfalls” Reviewed 6 August 2014 We recently did a circular walk from the High Force Hotel in Teesdale. Our route involved crossing the River Tees at the footbridge (just downstream from the hotel) and then walking back upstream along the route of the Pennine Way until we reached the location of the High Force waterfall. The walk enabled us to see the River Tees both before and after its descent over the waterfall.

As an added bonus, by continuing west along the Pennine Way, we were also able to take in the other magnificent waterfall near here - Cauldron Snout. As it was raining on the day we made our visit, I think we saw both falls at their best. They are definitely worth a visit - as is Cow Green Reservoir (which lies just north of Cauldron Snout). Visited August 2014 “Waterfall” Reviewed 4 August 2014 This was a great place to visit easy parking and very resonable £2.00 all day and to go down to the falls was only £1.50 each, quite steep going down but plenty of benches to sit on if needed once at the bottom you can go on to some large rocks and get some lovely photos. You can then climbe up some steps to the top of the waterfall to get another view of the falls from above but not recommended if you find it difficult to walk or you are asthmatic.

Visited July 2014 North Pennines book: Upper Teesdale The North Pennines: Landscape and Legend Upper Teesdale Upper Teesdale stretches from the attractive village of Middleton up to the initial headwaters of the River Tees on the High Pennines. Here we have the famous waterfalls, Low Force, High Force and Cauldron Snout, together with many other prominent landforms that owe their origin to the tough resistant rocks of the Great Whin Sill. In times past, the notorious 'Tees Roll' was a feared feature of the river, and though less common now, severe floods do still occur after heavy rain or melting snow. The upper dale is also, of course, famous for its rich flora, spangling the meadows and pastures with vivid splashes of colour. This is therefore a rather special landscape, and often considered the most beautiful section of the Pennine Way long-distance path. Away from the river, there are a multitude of other diversions. The Hudeshope valley has a well-wooded lower section and an upper section with many relics from the lead-mining days.

The well-known features of Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave lie above the charming hamlets of Newbiggin and Bowlees. Across the river is Holwick, another attractive group of buildings strung out on a ridge below the dark frowning crags of Holwick Scar. Above High Force is the old medieaval hunting domain of Forest-in-Teesdale, now a scattering of farms set amongst valley pastures that are renowned for their wildlife (especially birds) and flora. On the fell above Langdon Beck is the prehistoric cave of Moking Hurth, whilst the main road continues onwards into the higher reaches of Harwood dale, where traditional farming techniques still continue but the great lead mining boom days of the 18th and 19thC are long gone. Langdon Beck also provides the access road to the large artificial lake of Cow Green Reservoir, a reflecting bowl for the high fells of Cross Fell, Mickle Fell and Meldon Hill. A short walk from the road-end leads to the wonderful cascade of Cauldron Snout, above the dark crags of Falcon Clints.

For those who wish to explore further there are a plethora of fine walking routes hereabouts, including the celebrated watershed crossing to the Eden Valley via High Cup Nick. River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle | North East | England | Rivers - The UK Rivers Guidebook The UK Rivers Guidebook River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle Written by Mike Redding, Mark Rainsley, Mike Millington and Jim Pullen Last Updated: 21 November 2012 GUIDE TO THE RIVER TEES (Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle) NAME OF RIVER: Tees. WHERE IS IT?: In Teesdale! PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Start at bridge in Middleton in Teesdale village ( NY946251 ). Egress in the town of Barnard Castle ( NZ050160 ). Eggleston Bridge ( NY997233 ) can debatablely be used as an access/egress point via the footpaths, but the neighbouring landowner may not be too happy about this.

The track next to the Balder in Cotherstone ( NZ013201 ) provides an excellent access point with lots of parking - although easy to miss the turning on a first trip! APPROX LENGTH: ~10 miles for the full run, but shorter sections are possible (see above). TIME NEEDED: 4 hours. ACCESS HASSLES: The access is theoretically hassle free between the last weekend of October and the last weekend of March provided you don't use Egglestone Bridge (see Somewhat out-of-date access arrangements ). In reality local paddlers have been paddling the Tees year-round for the last few years with no reported issues. I have spotted fishermen during the summer months at the big wave below Middleton bridge and on the gravel bed river right above Eggleston Bridge during summer paddling - they didn't look too happy to see us, but a smile and a wave and an attempt at paddling out of their way seemed to smooth things over. WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: It's almost all paddleable in lowish levels, but it can take huge amounts of water and still be paddleable...indeed, there regularly are huge amounts of water in this river!

This section is probably the best bet on the Tees if you're desperate for a paddle and the Barnard Castle to Winston bit is too low. Maybe 0.1m or above on the Barnard Castle phone gauge (Environment Agency NE Rivercall service 09066197722), or about 0.50m on the online EA Gauge is the minimum needed to float. GRADING: 3. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Weir in Barnard Castle. *NB the Barnard Castle Weir is currently having work done on it by the EA. This has resulted in the flow doubling over a reduced area, meaning it's now dangerous at much lower levels than previously. The EA has put up some signage to this effect, but be prepared to portage! The work is due to last until Autumn of 2013. Also note that this has made previous river level calibrations from this gauging weir a bit generous!* GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The first thing to note is this section is best when the river is in flood. We did it when the High Force section was too big for the group we had and it was fantastic.

The get in is at Middleton In Teesdale at the field by the caravan site, have a word with the nice lady in the farm and give her a few pennies for letting you use her land (there is a public footpath river right here - no need to cross private land - Jim). The section from Middleton to Eggleston is mostly flat with occasional bits of grade 2 and the odd playwave. There is one notable rapid/standing wave on a right-hand bend, which is fun to surf in the right levels. Below Eggleston Bridge the section consists mainly of big bouncy grade III and loads of excellent play waves (short boats rule here!). However don't get too carried away at the playspots as there is quite a bit of paddling to be done on some boring, but very pretty flat sections. There are a couple of harder rapids on the section which are grade III/IV. The hardest rapid is where the river enters a small gorge and washes up against the wall on a long left hand bend - there is a bit of messy water against the wall on the outside of the bend and at the bottom lies quite a substantial stopper, this is known as Woden Croft Rapid.

Hence a line tight down the left is advisable (and not too difficult!) All in all then a top paddle - big, bouncy and playful but very long and tiring. UPDATE! I ran this section in November '98 when the river was absolutely massive. The Racecourse kicks ass in this level. High levels made it technically less demanding (the alleged big spate holes were washed out) but an awesome experience none the less. By the Kielder outflow on river right was the biggest and nicest wave I have ever surfed - big, green (well, brown really) and clean. If you get the river at these levels paddle it! After the River Balder joins from river right near Cotherstone (another possible access/ egress point), the grade eases to flat water for several miles, with the occasional Grade 1 and 2 rapid. When you are approaching Barnard Castle, watch out for a large weir. This isn't very pleasant in high water. Consider portaging on river left or perhaps trying the chicken chute on that same side? This isn't a bad place to finish if the car is near. If you have the energy, the river picks up again in interest during the next section ...

OTHER NOTES: Consider paddling one of the Tees tributaries if the river is really up, for instance the River Greta , Hudeshope Beck or Eggleston Burn . Two other tribs that come in on this section include the Lune and Deepdale Beck - anyone paddled them? Mike Millington (28/10/02)...'Myself a friend ran the Tees yesterday from Middleton Bridge down to Whorlton Lido in 1 hour 30 minutes (which included a 10 minute portage of the Barnard Castle Weir while we tried to find somewhere to get back on!). In the 10 years I've been paddling this river I've never seen it so big! It really was like paddling a big volume Austrian Alps river. The trip was pretty full on and offered hardly any eddies (unless you fancied breaking out amongst the trees and bushes!) and inspection was definitely of the 'make it up as you go along' variety! Wave trains were huge stoppers of the river-wide and best avoided variety. Nothing appeared to be of the too serious and life threatening variety but the weir at Barnard Castle was to be avoided at ALL COSTS!

The alleged chicken shoot on the left was non-existent as the river was washing over the bank and under a tree. We did intend to have a look at Abbey Rapids but it came up rather quickly and without the advantage of a convenient eddy! Running straight down through the centre in an Inazone was certainly a very amusing experience. Fortunately the stoppers were washed out and replaced by the biggest wave train I have ever paddled in the UK. All in all an absolutely fantastic paddle at a once in a "blue moon" level.' The next section contains more whitewater, including abbey rapids. CONTRIBUTED BY: Mike Redding, Mark Rainsley, Mike Millington and Jim Pullen. No subject -- geyrfugl 2014 Mar 04 08:34:03 AM Water is now flowing over the full width of the weir at Barney again, and the gauge readings will be comparable with before the work. There's more info and some pictures on this thread: [quote="geyrfugl"] Water is now flowing over the full width of the weir at Barney again, and the gauge readings will be comparable with before the work.

There's more info and some pictures on this thread: [url:43kmjjl4] [/quote] 2013 Feb 19 08:42:46 PM SUBMERGED STRAINER/TREE/BRANCH Ran the racecourse today 19th Feb in low water conditions, there's a tree or at least a huge branch located on the final rock in the middle of the river at the end of the racecourse, spent sometime trying to remove using various pulleys etc: a 6-1 wouldn't budge it !! However as much as possible approx a 6ft branch was cut free with a saw and removed. Please be aware this a serious hazard to any potential swimmers at the bottom !!! [quote="Keiran watson"] SUBMERGED STRAINER/TREE/BRANCH Ran the racecourse today 19th Feb in low water conditions, there's a tree or at least a huge branch located on the final rock in the middle of the river at the end of the racecourse, spent sometime trying to remove using various pulleys etc: a 6-1 wouldn't budge it !!

However as much as possible approx a 6ft branch was cut free with a saw and removed. Please be aware this a serious hazard to any potential swimmers at the bottom !!! [/quote] Re: River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle -- geyrfugl 2013 Jan 31 11:01:36 AM Pete Ball and myself had a site meeting with Jenny Evans and the chap in charge at the weir, a week or two after the full flow started going over the left hand side only. Their estimate was that the level above the weir was increased by roughly 20 cm. The online gauge reading, of course, reflects the new level, so if you're used to the calibrations for running the river above and below the weir you'll find the gauge overestimating the level everywhere else. However, as a guide to the water going over the weir it is still exactly right. If you were happy running the weir (or the fish ladder) at a particular level before, then you'll find it the same now at the same gauge reading.

As a result of the meeting, EA improved the signage, which is intended to alert people running the river who aren't aware of the work and would be expecting the flow over the weir to be consistent with levels they've experienced paddling down from Cotherstone. I showed the engineer photos of Glissieres on French rivers to show how they have provided safe routes for boats over some very chunky weirs, and he seemed very interested. It is the intention to remove the existing fish ladder on the left, and replace it with something in the centre of the river which they believe will be more usable by paddlers - and which will project downstream further than the main stopper. It does seem that the main weir face will end in an anti-scour feature sunk deeply in the river bed, but they believed that this would not create any more of a stopper than at present at normal levels as the ledge would be well below the surface.

They were sympathetic to our suggestion that something could be done to make the portage shorter by providing access to a launch point below the weir river left but reckoned they'd need to do a risk assessment for making access to the general public easier (at the moment, they have to climb a fence - a major impediment, obviously:-) I suggested that paddlers wouldn't mind climbing a fence, but what was really needed was somewhere flat to get back into a boat to seal launch safely away from the stopper. We did point out that the major issue with portage was with big open boats which were a pain to carry all the way round the road at present and that these would need more space to put back on. They were at the stage of needing to do a structural assessment of the left bank wall (where the fish ladder is) as this was showing signs of cracking. If this needs to be rebuilt anyway, designing new structure to facilitate portage might well be possible at no significant extra expense. Overall, we came away with a very positive impression and feel that they are trying quite hard to minimise the dangers to paddlers during the work and hopefully will try to be helpful in the design of the second stage.

However, we were aware that the wet summer has delayed them a lot, extra infrastructure had to be built even to gain access to the part of the weir they are rebuilding initially and that consequently they are going to be way over budget so won't really be able to make proposals that would add to the cost of the project. Andy [quote="geyrfugl"] Pete Ball and myself had a site meeting with Jenny Evans and the chap in charge at the weir, a week or two after the full flow started going over the left hand side only. Their estimate was that the level above the weir was increased by roughly 20 cm. The online gauge reading, of course, reflects the new level, so if you're used to the calibrations for running the river above and below the weir you'll find the gauge overestimating the level everywhere else. However, as a guide to the water going over the weir it is still exactly right. If you were happy running the weir (or the fish ladder) at a particular level before, then you'll find it the same now at the same gauge reading.

As a result of the meeting, EA improved the signage, which is intended to alert people running the river who aren't aware of the work and would be expecting the flow over the weir to be consistent with levels they've experienced paddling down from Cotherstone. I showed the engineer photos of Glissieres on French rivers to show how they have provided safe routes for boats over some very chunky weirs, and he seemed very interested. It is the intention to remove the existing fish ladder on the left, and replace it with something in the centre of the river which they believe will be more usable by paddlers - and which will project downstream further than the main stopper. It does seem that the main weir face will end in an anti-scour feature sunk deeply in the river bed, but they believed that this would not create any more of a stopper than at present at normal levels as the ledge would be well below the surface.

They were sympathetic to our suggestion that something could be done to make the portage shorter by providing access to a launch point below the weir river left but reckoned they'd need to do a risk assessment for making access to the general public easier (at the moment, they have to climb a fence - a major impediment, obviously:-) I suggested that paddlers wouldn't mind climbing a fence, but what was really needed was somewhere flat to get back into a boat to seal launch safely away from the stopper. We did point out that the major issue with portage was with big open boats which were a pain to carry all the way round the road at present and that these would need more space to put back on. They were at the stage of needing to do a structural assessment of the left bank wall (where the fish ladder is) as this was showing signs of cracking. If this needs to be rebuilt anyway, designing new structure to facilitate portage might well be possible at no significant extra expense. Overall, we came away with a very positive impression and feel that they are trying quite hard to minimise the dangers to paddlers during the work and hopefully will try to be helpful in the design of the second stage.

However, we were aware that the wet summer has delayed them a lot, extra infrastructure had to be built even to gain access to the part of the weir they are rebuilding initially and that consequently they are going to be way over budget so won't really be able to make proposals that would add to the cost of the project. Andy [/quote] Re: River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle -- ken hughes 2012 Dec 02 02:45:06 PM Even at low levels the weir is pretty sticky with this work going on. Best avoided as a side-surf could take some time perhaps. Cheers, Re: River Tees - Middleton in Teesdale to Barnard Castle -- Big Henry 2012 Nov 24 12:29:01 AM Looks like there's a nasty tow-back at the weir at Barny now that the work is under way, even the pass on river left looks dodgy. Took these on Wednesday: And for reference, this was the level at the County Bridge at the time: Think I'd suggest avoiding it while the work is going on, but you know best.

[quote="Big Henry"] Looks like there's a nasty tow-back at the weir at Barny now that the work is under way, even the pass on river left looks dodgy. Took these on Wednesday:[img:1ccz8iys] for reference, this was the level at the County Bridge at the time:[img:1ccz8iys] I'd suggest avoiding it while the work is going on, but you know best. [/quote] Display # Middleton-in-Teesdale tourist information | tourUK.co.uk Middleton-in-Teesdale Tourist Information Middleton-in-Teesdale, situated on the Pennine Way, lies 9 miles from the impressive High Force waterfall. The small market town began to develop in the early 19th century when the London Lead Company transferred its northern headquarters here from Blanchland in Northumberland. Much of the Victorian architecture from its days as a prosperous company town can still be seen, including Middleton House, the former headquarters of the company. A drinking fountain, at the centre of the green, celebrates the history of this lead mining centre. Today Middleton-in-Teesdale has lots of interesting shops and places to eat.

A regular cattle and sheep market is held on the south side of the River Tees, with special sales of Swaydale rams attracting buyers from a wide area. Reviews or Tips on Visiting Middleton-in-Teesdale " The Teesdale Hotel is a great place to eat. The menu is varied and very reasonably priced,including Sunday lunches. The sausages,apparently from the local butcher,are delicious.Staff are very friendly" - 05/11/2013 IGCSE-Geography-Edexcel - 1.5. River features 1.5. River features 5. How are the main river features formed? Which processes are involved? We have looked at the channel network within the river basin. The source of the river tends to be close to the watershed which occupies the highest ground around the basin. The journey of the river is then downhill to the sea. Example: River Tees: rises on Cross Fell,seen below, that rises to 890m. The sources of the Tees is 130m below the peak. The path the river follows from its source to mouth is known as the river's course.

When studying rivers we often divide it into 3 main sections, the upper course; middle course and lower course. Each part of the river has distinctive features which form and the characteristics of the river and its surrounding valley change. The Upper Course V-Shaped Valleys In the upper course of a river, water flows quickly through a narrow channel with a steep gradient; as it does so it cuts downwards. This vertical erosion results in a number of distinctive landforms including the steep sloping v-shaped valley through which the river flows in its upper course. How does a v-shaped valley form? 1. Vertical erosion (in the form of abrasion, hydraulic action and solution) in the river channel results in the formation of a steep sided valley 2. Over time the sides of this valley are weakened by weathering processes and continued vertical erosion at the base of the valley 3. Gradually mass movement of materials occurs down the valley sides, gradually creating the distinctive v-shape. 4. This material is then gradually transported away by the river when there is enough energy to do so. As the river flows through the valley it is forced to swing from side to side around more resistant rock outcrops (spurs).

As there is little energy for lateral erosion, the river continues to cut down vertically flowing between spurs of higher land creating interlocking spurs. Waterfall An other feature found in the upper course of a river, where vertical erosion is dominant, is a waterfall. The highest waterfall in the world is the Angel Falls in Venezuela (see picture right) which have a drop of 979m. Other particularly famous examples include Niagara Falls (North America), the Victoria Falls (on the Zambia / Zimbabwe border) and the Iguazu Falls (South America). Although much smaller in scale, there are many waterfalls in the upper course of UK rivers (e.g. Thornton Falls, Yorkshire - above), but how do they form? The formation of Waterfalls 1. Waterfalls are found in the upper course of a river. They usually occur where a band of hard rock lies next to soft rock. They may often start as rapids. 2. As the river passes over the hard rock, the soft rock below is eroded (worn away) more quickly than the hard rock leaving the hard rock elevated above the stream bed below. 3.

The 'step' in the river bed continues to develop as the river flows over the hard rock step (Cap Rock) as a vertical drop. 4. The drop gets steeper as the river erodes the soft rock beneath by processes such as abrasion and hydraulic action. A plunge pool forms at the base of the waterfall. 5. This erosion gradually undercuts the hard rock and the plunge pool gets bigger due to further hydraulic action and abrasion. Eventually the hard cap rock is unsupported and collapses. The rocks that fall into the plunge pool will continue to enlarge it by abrasion as they are swirled around. A steep sided valley known as a gorge is left behind and as the process continues the waterfall gradually retreats upstream. High Force, the highest waterfall at 21 metres in the UK is on the River Tees. It has very deep plunge pool at its base. Its the cap rock is made of a very resistant igneous rock called whinstone.

Below the whinstone there are bands or sandstone and shales as well as some very chin coal seams, which are much softer and easily eroded Middle Course of the River In the middle course, the river channel has become much wider and deeper as the river has been fed by many tributaries upstream. Despite the more gentle gradient the velocity of flow may be as fast as in the uplands, as there is less friction and fewer objects that the river has go around. As well as changes in the river channel, its surrounding valley has also become wider and flatter in cross-section with a more extensive floodplain. One more obvious features of the river in the middle course is its increasingly winding. Unlike the relatively straight channel of the upper course, in the middle course there are many meanders (bends) in the river. How do meanders form? Meanders form due to the greater volume of water carried by the river in lowland areas which results in lateral (sideways) erosion being more dominant than vertical erosion, causing the channel to cut into its banks forming meanders. 1. Water flows fastest on the outer bend of the river where the channel is deeper and there is less friction.

The faster moving water tends to travel in a straight line and thus hit the outside of the next bend. It erodes this laterally by attrition and hydraulic action in the main. This also causes greater vertical erosion which deepens the channel, which reduces friction and increases in energy results in further erosion. The lateral erosion results in undercutting of the river bank and the formation of a steep sided river cliff. 2. In contrast, on the inner bend water is slow flowing, due to it being a low energy zone, deposition occurs resulting in a shallower channel. This increased friction further reduces the velocity (thus further reducing energy), encouraging further deposition. Over time a small river beach or run-off slope builds up on the inner bend. Remember - a meander is asymmetrical in cross-section (see diagram). It is deeper on the outer bend (due to greater erosion) and shallower on the inside bend (an area of deposition). Over time meanders gradually change shape and migrate across the floodplain. Floodplains, oxbow lakes and Levées As a river continues its journey towards the sea, the valley cross section continues to become wider and flatter with an extensive floodplain either side of the channel.

The river erodes laterally and deposition also becomes important. By the time it reaches the lower course the river is wider and deeper and may contain a large amount of suspended sediment (hence its muddy appearance). With the addition width to meander in, the bends becomes pronounced due to further lateral erosion and eventually an ox-bow lake may form. How does an oxbow lake form? As the outer banks of a meander continue to be eroded through processes such as hydraulic action the neck of the meander becomes narrow and narrower. Eventually due to the narrowing of the neck, the two outer bends meet and the river cuts through the neck of the meander. The water now takes its shortest route rather than flowing around the bend. Deposition gradually seals off the old meander bend forming a new straighter river channel. Due to deposition the old meander bend is left isolated from the main channel as an ox-bow lake. Over time this feature may fill up with sediment and may gradually dry up (except for periods of heavy rain). When the water dries up, the feature left behind is known as a meander scar. How do Levées form? When the river floods over the surrounding land it loses energy and deposition of its suspended load occurs.

Regular flooding results in the building up of layers of nutrient rich alluvium which forms a flat and fertile floodplain. When the river water bursts its bank, the shallower depth of water flowing over the surface results in frictional drag and a consequent reduction in velocity (speed) of flow. This results in the loss of energy and therefore deposition occurs. The heaviest materials are deposited first as these require the most energy to be transported and therefore build up around the sides of the river forming raised banks known as Levées. Finer material such as silt and fine clays continuing to flow further over the floodplain before they are deposited. > Teesdale | Explore North Pennines Explore North Pennines Contact us Teesdale The sweep of the moors and crags of upper Teesdale have an unrivalled drama which people come back to savour time and time again. Discover more in Teesdale with the interactive map Teesdale is a big draw for botanists with some of England’s rarest upland plants found here. Heritage fans are spoiled for choice with its impressive medieval castles and the exquisite Bowes Museum which is home to a wonderful collection of fine and decorative art.

Some of the most impressive sections of the Pennine Way National Trail are found in Teesdale and there are numerous excellent circular walks. Bowlees Visitor Centre is a great place to start your discovery, with access to the impressive waterfalls of High and Low Force. To discover what else Teesdale has to offer click on the map and start exploring! Ark on the Edge - Animal Rescue Centre, Teesdale Ark on the edge is an animal rescue centre and sanctuary and has a fully equipped wildlife education centre and a mile-long nature trail. The centre offers courses in animal care and group visits are welcome. It is open to the public to visit, see the animals, walk the nature trail, or you can do a spot of pond dipping. Ark on the Edge welcomes disabled visitors, call for details (01833 630505). Location: Woolley Hill Farm, Woodland, Co. Durham, DL13 5RX (NZ044249) Distance: Bird watching, Nature watching, Outdoor education Interests: Balderhead Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site Designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, Balderhead Reservoir has been recognised for the quality of the night time skies.

This is a great place for professional and amateur astronomers to stargaze in the North Pennines AONB. It is also one of best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. Location: From Barnard Castle follow the B6277 to Romaldkirk and then follow the Balderhead road via Hunderthwaite. The reservoir is signposted at the entrance to the car park approximately 4.5 miles along this road. Car park on the NE side of the reservoir. Area: Baldersdale: Hay Time Walk 3 This short walk in Baldersdale visits some of the most spectacular hay meadows in the North Pennines. It also passes close to Hury Reservoir, a popular site for over-wintering wildfowl such as mallard, teal, tufted duck and goosander. The best time to see the flowers is between April and August. Meadows are great for water voles as they favour stream sides with a wide range of flowering plants. The North Pennines is one of their last strongholds Location: Starting from the small car park at Fiddler House (NY971189).

Distance: Bird watching, Nature watching, Walking Interests: Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale: Taste Trail This route (walk, cycle, horse ride) takes you along the old railway line that serviced the stone quarrying industry in Teesdale. The route start is close to Barnard Castle, although you can pick it up at a number of points along to way - splitting it into shorter sections. This guide has been written as a linear route but if you choose to walk it is possible to make shorter circular walks connecting up with other footpaths including the Teesdale Way. The majority of the path is along the old railway line. The section of the railway line from Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale was built by the Tees Valley Railway company during 1868 with stops at Cotherstone, Mickleton and Romaldkirk. There are two major engineering features on the line the Lunedale and Baldersdale Viaducts, you will pass over both these on this route. The decline of this section of railway started in the late 1950s and the line was earmarked for closure as part of the Beeching cuts with the last train running in April 1965.

Location: Starting from Deepdale aqueduct layby on the B6277 outside Barnard Castle. Distance: Bowlees Picnic Area Bowlees picnic area is found is located in a beautiful part of Upper Teesdale. There are four small waterfalls and a riverside footpath leading to Summerhill Force and Gibson’s Cave; Gibson was a 16th century outlaw who lived behind the waterfall to stay hidden from the law. There are plenty of places to sit in quiet contemplation surrounded by the sound of cascading water. Look for the white breast of the dipper bobbing in and out of the water searching for food or the buzzard soaring above your head. The old limestone quarry contains many limestone-loving wildflowers, including seven species of orchids, knapweed and wild thyme. These plants attract butterflies and other insects, which are prey for magnificent dragonflies. Location: The picnic area is located in the car park behind Bowlees Visitor Centre off the B 6277.

Area: Bowlees Visitor Centre Bowlees Visitor Centre, run by the North Pennines AONB Partnership, is a fantastic base for exploring Upper Teesdale, with footpath links to Low Force, High Force, Newbiggin and the Pennine Way. The Centre provides information and displays on the geology and landscape, wildlife and people of Upper Teesdale and the wider North Pennines. You'll find a delicious range of food and drinks and our shop stocks nature inspired gifts and books. You'll find a range of special events are running at the Centre throughout the year. You can also hire the venue for family get-togethers, parties and meetings. We have a range of outdoor cooking facilities which can be pre-booked. The Centre is dog-friendly and you'll find free Wi-Fi access, an iGlass (24-hour information touch screen) and an electric car-charging point. Follow the Richard Watson Trail from the Centre - a 2¾-mile circular route exploring the life and times of Richard Watson, Victorian lead miner and poet. The most popular walk is probably the High Force-Low Force Round. The Centre is also an official Dark Sky Discovery Site.

Location: Newbiggin, Bowlees, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham, DL12 0XE (grid ref - NY906281). 01833 622145. Area: Cow Green Geological Trail The trail will introduce many of the rocks which make the Teesdale landscape so special and which make the dale a haven for rare and interesting plants. This trail is within Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve (NNR), an internationally important place for wildlife and earth heritage. The NNR is managed by Natural England in partnership with Raby and Strathmore Estates and local farmers. Do examine the rocks, minerals and plants you will see along the way but please do not collect them: leave them for others to enjoy. Location: Starting from Wheelhead Sike car park at Cow Green. Distance: Discover Mid Teesdale - routes to walk, cycle and ride Mid Teesdale sits between the two market towns of Middleton and Barnard Castle. The River Tees meanders its way through this beautiful dale, which is surrounded by the high moorland of the North Pennines.

The area has a wealth of history and nature waiting to be explored, with attractive villages from which to base your visit. This publication will help you to discover the area and its main settlements at a leisurely pace, with six routes for walking, cycling and horse riding. Location: Routes starting from either Mickleton (NY967233 / DL12 0JN - nearest) and Middleton-in-Teesdale (NY947254 / DL12 0SH). Area: Egglesburn Wood This woodland came into Durham County Council ownership when the sand and gravel quarry closed in the mid 1960s. Since that time the trees have seeded into the quarry and we now have mixed broadleaved woodland. Eggleston Burn runs along the western edge beside the old sand quarry. In the summer sand martins nest in the cliff face and can be seen from the bottom path. Other birds to watch out for are dippers and birds of prey such as red kite and buzzard. Deer and badger occasionally stray through the wood and many rabbits burrow through the soft sandy soil. Every now and then an otter is sighted on its journey along the river.

There are fantastic views over Teesdale and Mickle Fell, which, standing at 788m, is the highest hill in County Durham. Location: 1 mile west of Eggleston on the B6282 between Eggleston and Middleton-in-Teesdale. The entrance is next to Egglesburn bridge. Nearest postcode for GPS navigation is DL12 0BD. There is limited parking at the entrance. Area: Grassholme Reservoir Grassholme is firmly established as one of the top any method fisheries in the country, lying in the picturesque rolling pasture land of upper Teesdale. With four miles of bank space and many inlets and bays it offers a great variety of fishing. Grassholme also enjoys the luxury of its own local fish farm. Grassholme is suitable for disabled anglers and visitors. On site Northumbrian Water have provided an excellent lodge shop stocked with everything you need for a day’s fishing including rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments including hot and cold drinks. Environment Agency rod licences are also on sale at the fishery.

There is a circular footpath around the lake providing magnificent views across the water and a pleasant picnicking area next to the visitor centre for you to relax at. Location: Take the B6277 from Barnard Castle towards Mickleton. Turn off at the western end of the village, sign posted Grassholme Reservoir. The trout fishery is roughly a mile up the road on the right Area: Grassholme Reservoir Dark Sky Discovery Site Designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site, Grassholme Reservoir has been recognised for the stunning quality of its night skies. This is a great place for professional and amateur astronomers to stargaze in the North Pennines AONB. Access to the reservoir for stargazing is only available during organised events (see for details). Grassholme is also firmly established as one of the top 'any method fisheries' in the country. Location: Take the B6277 from Barnard Castle towards Mickleton. Turn off at the western end of the village, signposted Grassholme Reservoir. The main car park is roughly a mile up the road on the right.

Area: Hamsterley Forest - Blue Trail This mountain bike trail provides you with the ideal opportunity to explore Hamsterley Forest at a leisurely pace. The first stretch to Grove House is on a wide, purpose built cycle trail, before joining the Forest Drive to Blackling Hole. This stretch and the return through the forest to the Grove, is all on loose surfaced forest road. Please exercise caution when cycling on forest roads as this is shared with other users, including timber lorries. The last two miles is on the tarmac section of the Forest Drive. Location: Hamsterley Forest (NZ091312 / DL13 3QH). Distance: Hamsterley Forest - Skills Loop This is a purpose built mountain bike training loop. It is designed with skill development in mind to push your mountain biking to a new level. The Loop contains a multitude of features and riding options, some built in stone to mimic natural trails and others from timber in the North Shore style. Each feature has a skills tips board containing information to help perfect your technique. When you reach the bottom you can either exit The Loop or go back to the top via the climb trail.

The training loop is aimed at anybody confident at riding Blue Grade trail or above, but beware it contains features of all grades from Blue to Black. The trail is not suitable for occasional/family cyclists and all riders are advised to wear suitable personal protective equipment. Location: Hamsterley Forest (NZ091312 / DL13 3QH). Distance: Hannah's Meadow Nature Reserve Hannah's Meadow Nature Reserve has some of the least improved and species rich upland hay meadows in upper Durham. The meadows were previously farmed by Hannah Hauxwell, who managed the meadows using traditional methods that avoided adding artificial fertilizers or reseeding. By doing so the species rich habitat hay meadow habitat that evolved over centuries was maintained. When Hannah retired in 1988 Durham Wildlife Trust purchased her farm and they now manage it as a nature reserve. An unmanned visitor centre at the site provides information about Hannah and her special meadows. Note facilities are located at Balderhead Reservoir car park. Location: From Barnard Castle follow the B6277 to Romaldkirk and then follow the Balderhead road via Hunderthwaite.

The reserve is adjacent to the public road a 1.5 mile east of the Balderhead Reservoir car park. The Pennine Way footpath runs through the reserve. The grid reference refers to the Balderhead Reservoir car park. Distance: Hayberries Nature Reserve Hayberries is a reclaimed sand and gravel quarry which is now a haven for wildlife. parts of the quarry cliff have been retained and put to good use by a colony of sand martins which arrive from Africa at the end of march. They set up home by burrowing into areas of hard sand found along the old quarry face to the west of the site. This part of the site is fenced to prevent disturbance to the birds. Please do not climb over the fence, the sand martins can be seen quite easily from the car park as they collect nesting material. The sandy soil is a rare habitat which contains specialist plants as well as invertebrates such as solitary bees and wasps. The grassland has many native species of wildflowers colonising the bare ground. Of particular note are a number of rare flowers of the Alchemilla family, commonly known as Lady's Mantle, some of which are only found in County Durham.

The ponds attract large numbers of frogs and toads during the breeding season, along with many aquatic plants and insects. The woodland at the eastern end of the site is mainly sycamore with a few old oak and elm trees. You may see a variety of birds including long-tailed tits, woodpeckers, tree-creepers and heron. Buzzards circle the skies above, along with curlew and lapwing. Location: Hayberries is located on the B6281 between Eggleston and Mickleton, approximately 1.5 miles west of the junction of the B6281 and B6282 at Eggleston, signposted from the road. The nearest postcode for GPS navigation is DL12 9EQ. Area: Hury Reservoir Hury is exclusively a fly fishery and is the ideal venue for traditional fly anglers who like to fish with wet and dry flies as well as lures. Stocked weekly, often with grown on fish from our Teesdale fish farm, Hury is a must for traditional fly fishing enthusiasts. For non-anglers, there is a circular walk around Hury.

There is a picnic and play area on the south shore next to the dam wall for you to relax at. Hury is suitable for disabled anglers. Please note, from Wednesday 5 September 2012, day permits for Hury Reservoir are available to buy in person from Grassholme Reservoir, by calling 0845 155 02366 or online at Location: Located in the Balder Valley, the lake can be reached from either Romaldkirk or Cotherstone on the B6277 Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale road Area: Low Force Geotrail A 2 ½ mile (4km) walk exploring landscape, rocks, fossils and mines in Upper Teesdale. This landscape, which has been 300 million years in the making, has been shaped by tropical seas, molten rock, glacial movement and more recently by people. This circular walk will introduce you to some of the special features of this landscape associated with these processes. By spotting clues in the fields, walls, crags and River Tees you'll find out how to read the landscape and discover more about its fascinating past.

Location: Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre (NY906282 / DL12 0XE) in Upper Teesdale Distance: Middleton-in-Teesdale: Cycle Route 1 This 24km route is the main circuit (on the leaflet) with a choice of two shorter variations which can be selected at the appropriate junction. Each variation is worth doing in its own right for the superb scenery, the magnificent views and the stunning descents. The area is shaped by a long history of farming, lead mining and quarrying. Traditional management means that Teesdale is still awash with flower-rich hay meadows. The whitewashed farm buildings of the Raby Estate are a distinctive feature in the upper dale. Be warned the roads are narrow in places with some sharp gravel-covered corners. Please note that the original leaflet was produced and printed in 2005. The routes are still valid but some of the information (e.g. refreshments and facilities) might be out of date. Location: Starting from the intersection between the Market Place and Bridge Street in Middleton-in-Teesdale (NY947254 / DL12 0QB).

Distance: Middleton-in-Teesdale: Cycle Route 2 This mountain bike route follows the first part of Middleton-in-Teesdale Cycle Route 1 but then follows an additional loop which can also be used to extend Route 1 which it re-joins. Route 2 then follows very narrow minor roads as well as off-road sections. It's memorable for its fine off-road sections although the narrow country lanes it otherwise uses are also a joy to cycle on. The gentle ascent from the valley, with the associated views and options, makes this route a good choice for a wide range of cyclists. The area is shaped by a long history of farming, lead mining and quarrying. Traditional management means that Teesdale is still awash with flower-rich hay meadows. The whitewashed farm buildings of the Raby Estate are a distinctive feature in the upper dale. Please note that the original leaflet was produced and printed in 2005. The routes are still valid but some of the information (e.g. refreshments and facilities) might be out of date. Location: Starting from the intersection between the Market Place and Bridge Street in Middleton-In-Teesdale (NY947254 / DL12 0QB).

Distance: Middleton-in-Teesdale: Cycle Route 3 This 13km road route is a gently undulating ‘there and back’ linear ride along a quiet minor road parallel to the River Tees. The beautiful cliffs of Holwick Scar can be seen along this route. The area is shaped by a long history of farming, lead mining and quarrying. Traditional management means that Teesdale is still awash with flower-rich hay meadows. The whitewashed farm buildings of the Raby Estate are a distinctive feature in the upper dale. Please note that the original leaflet was produced and printed in 2005. The routes are still valid but some of the information (e.g. refreshments and facilities) might be out of date. Location: Starting from the intersection between the Market Place and Bridge Street in Middleton-In-Teesdale (NY947254 / DL12 0QB). Distance: Middleton-in-Teesdale: Cycle Route 4 This 10km route 4 follows a rectangle to the north of Middleton-in-Teesdale and is well worth doing for its scenery, views and descents - not to mention the heritage value!

The area is shaped by a long history of farming, lead mining and quarrying. Traditional management means that Teesdale is still awash with flower-rich hay meadows. The whitewashed farm buildings of the Raby Estate are a distinctive feature in the upper dale. Please note that the original leaflet was produced and printed in 2005. The routes are still valid but some of the information (e.g. refreshments and facilities) might be out of date. Location: Starting from the intersection between the Market Place and Bridge Street in Middleton-In-Teesdale (NY947254 / DL12 0QB). Distance: Raby Castle Home to Lord Barnard's family since 1626, Raby is one of the finest medieval Castles in England. Built by the mighty Nevill family in the 14th Century, Raby remained in the Nevill family until 1569 when after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and its lands were forfeited to the Crown. In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder purchased Raby and the Castle has remained in the Vane family ever since.

Highlights include an impressive gateway, a vast hall, a medieval kitchen and a Victorian octagonal drawing room. The rooms display fine furniture, artworks and elaborate architecture. Enjoy the deer park, walled gardens and carriage collection. Sample the menu in the stable tearooms. Events take place throughout the summer. Location: Staindrop, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL2 3AH Area: Spring Gentian Teesdale is a botanist’s paradise, but one plant stands out: the spring gentian. Spring gentians are best seen on warm, bright days, from April to early June. A sun worshipper, this little flower closes as the weather becomes dull, leaving nothing to see but small, dark-blue spikes. However the flowers quickly open again when the sun emerges from behind the clouds. Hidden among the short vegetation, spring gentians often go unnoticed, but when you do find them they stop you in your tracks with their startling deep-blue flowers. The flowers are typically 15 to 30mm across. Look out for a delicate plant with a solitary, intense-blue flower, like a tiny, five-pointed star. It is surprisingly small for a flower with such a big reputation!

You can see gentians in flower from many public footpaths in Upper Teesdale. Please stick to the paths to protect these and other rare plants. Location: Tan Hill Inn Dark Sky Discovery Site Tan Hill Inn was one of the first five Dark Sky Discovery Sites to be designated in the North Pennines AONB. It's famous for being the highest pub in Britain (at 528m above sea level). The Inn is found on the border between the North Pennines (to the north) and the Yorkshire Dales (to the south) - well away from any light pollution. The designation is official recognition that there are high quality dark night skies here with opportunities for astronomers to stargaze. The open moorland landscape provides fantastic horizon-wide views of the skies so that nearly all features in the northern hemisphere can be seen. In clear skies, all of the major constellations, including Orion, can be seen, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Tan Hill Inn also offers some warmth and a place to discuss the latest astronomical news and sightings following an evening’s stargazing - Location: On the border between the North Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales border.

It's signposted as ‘Tan Hill Inn’ off to the south of the A66 Bowes to Brough road. The nearest postcode is DL11 6ED. Area: Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers and Ferns Holwick Head Bridge to High Force This 0.45km (1/4 mile) walk beside the River Tees enters the Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve and has a wealth of wildlife, including numerous plant species. Many are common British species and some belong to the ‘Teesdale Assemblage’ – a uniquely rich association of plants for which Upper Teesdale is famous. The plants included here are the larger flowering ones, trees and ferns that can be seen, at the appropriate time of the year (when they are flowering), from this well-used path. Not all will be in flower on one visit. The flowering times indicated are for the peak period. To prevent trampling on inconspicuous and perhaps rare plants it is advisable to keep to the path and already trampled areas; please do not extend them. Location: Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Distance: Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers and Ferns Wynch Bridge to Scorberry Bridge This 0.9km (1/2 mile) walk beside the River Tees has a wealth of wildlife, including over 200 plant species. Many are common British species and twelve belong to the ‘Teesdale Assemblage’ — a uniquely rich association of plants for which Teesdale is famous. The plants included here are the larger flowering ones, trees and ferns that can be seen, at the appropriate time of the year (when they are flowering), from this well used path. Not all will be in flower on one visit. The flowering times indicated are for the peak period. To prevent trampling on inconspicuous and perhaps rare plants it is advisable to keep to the path and already trampled areas; please do not extend them. Location: Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre. Distance: Tees Bank Flowers: Flowers between Wynch Bridge and Holwick Head Bridge This 1.6km (1 mile) walk beside the River Tees has a wealth of wildlife, including over 200 plant species.

Many are common British species and twelve belong to the ‘Teesdale Assemblage’ — a uniquely rich association of plants for which Upper Teesdale is famous. The plants included here are the larger flowering ones which can be seen, at the appropriate time of year (when they are flowering), from this well used path. Not all will be in flower on one visit. The flowering times indicated are for the peak period. To prevent trampling on inconspicuous and perhaps rareplants it is advisable to keep to the path and already trampled areas; please do not extend them. Location: Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre. Distance: Teesdale Railway Path This 10km route runs from Lonton west (near Middleton-in-Teesdale) to Cotherstone and provides an excellent way to discover Teesdale. The Tees Valley Railway was the remnant of a scheme for a line from Barnard Castle to Alston. It was opened in 1868 by an independent company and was taken over by the North East Railway in 1882. The line closed in 1964 and is now a fabulous way to explore Teesdale on foot, cycle or horseback.

There are amazing views along the entire route, passing picturesque villages and a patchwork of fields, dry-stone walls and mature hedgerow. Location: The route runs between Lonton west (NY951245 / DL12 0PL - nearest) and Cotherstone (NZ011192 / DL12 9QU - nearest). The closest parking is in Middleton and Cotherstone, respectively. Distance: Teesdale Reservoir Walk This interesting walk takes in 3 of Northumbrian Waters reservoirs in Teesdale, with the opportunity to view another 3 reservoirs from the walks highpoint. The walk follows the Pennine Way from Grassholme Reservoir over moorland to reach the rocky flat-topped summit of Goldsborough Hill. Afterward you will descend to follow the shores of Hury and Blackton Reservoirs where you may see wigeon, common sandpiper and tufted duck. You will also pass by Meres beck meadow and Hannah’s meadow, which during the summer will be filled with beautiful wildflowers. Location: Car parks at the Northern end of the Balderhead Reservoir dam wall.

Distance: Upper Teesdale Wildflower Walk A beautifully capturing circular walk from the parking area at Hanging Shaw will introduce you to some of the special plants of Teesdale in the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark and the wildlife that depend on them. Along the way you will discover plants that dance and others that keep insects captive. You might even see rare bees and long-distance visitors from Africa. The spring and summer months are the best time to enjoy this walk. May and June are the time of peak activity for wading birds with June to August being the prime time for wild Flowers. Location: The Start and finish is the Hanging Shaw Parking area in Upper Teesdale (NY867297). Distance: Waterfalls and wildlife walk: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR This walk follows the banks of the River Tees from Low Force, through the juniper woods up to High Force waterfall. Here you can turn round and follow the same route back or continue further upriver and follow the lower slopes of Holwick Fell to return.

On the backbone of England, around the headwaters of the River Tees, 8,800 hectares of upland country forms the Moor House–Upper Teesdale National nature Reserve (NNR). The reserve encompasses an almost complete range of upland habitats typical of the North Pennines, from lower lying hay meadows, rough grazing and juniper woods to limestone grassland, blanket bogs and the summit heaths of the high fells. Nowhere else in Britain is there such a diversity of rare habitats in one location. The remote and dramatic landscape of the reserve can be enjoyed from the Pennine Way National Trail, the Public Rights of Way network and on Open Access land. Location: Starting from Bowlees Visitor Centre car park (NY906282) in Upper Teesdale. Area: Widdybank Fell Nature Trail: Moor House-Upper Teesdale NNR This walk takes you over Widdybank Fell, along the track to Cow Green dam and Cauldron Snout waterfall. The walk follows a tarmac track with 1 large kissing gate and 3 steep sections. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs with strong pushers!

However for the last 100m section, to view Cauldron Snout waterfall, the track is rocky and uneven. On the backbone of England, around the headwaters of the River Tees, 8,800 hectares of upland country forms the Moor House–Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve (NNR). The reserve encompasses an almost complete range of upland habitats typical of the North Pennines, from lower lying hay meadows, rough grazing and juniper woods to limestone grassland, blanket bogs and the summit heaths of the high fells. Nowhere else in Britain is there such a diversity of rare habitats in one location. The remote and dramatic landscape of the reserve can be enjoyed from the Pennine Way National Trail, the Public Rights of Way network and on Open Access land. Location: Starting from the Cow Green Reservoir car park (NY811309) Distance: Wild Brown Trout - Balderhead Reservoir Balderhead Reservoir in Teesdale is one of best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. It is full of fighting fit trout, providing excellent sport.

Surrounded by the fantastic scenery of the North Pennines grouse moors, there are few more tranquil and relaxing ways to spend a day’s fishing than roaming the banks of these waters, and even fewer places where you can catch truly wild browns. The trout in these reservoirs are 100% native, having descended from the original upland brownies which lived in the streams before the dams were built. Lightning quick and very hard fighting with unique colours and markings, these fish are a joy to catch. Please note, from Wednesday 5 September 2012, day permits for Cow Green, Balderhead and Selset are available to buy in person from Grassholme Reservoir, by calling 0845 155 02366 or online at Location: Car park on the north east side of the reservoir. Area: Wild Brown Trout - Cow Green Reservoir Cow Green Reservoir in Teesdale is one of best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. It is full of fighting fit trout, providing excellent sport.

Surrounded by the fantastic scenery of the North Pennines grouse moors, there are few more tranquil and relaxing ways to spend a day’s fishing than roaming the banks of these waters, and even fewer places where you can catch truly wild browns. The trout in these reservoirs are 100% native, having descended from the original upland brownies which lived in the streams before the dams were built. Lightning quick and very hard fighting with unique colours and markings, these fish are a joy to catch. Please note, from Wednesday 5 September 2012, day permits for Cow Green, Balderhead and Selset are available to buy in person from Grassholme Reservoir, by calling 0845 155 02366 or online at Location: Starting from the Cow Green car park Area: Wild Brown Trout -Selset Reservoir Selset Reservoir in Teesdale is one of best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. It is full of fighting fit trout, providing excellent sport.

Surrounded by the fantastic scenery of the North Pennines grouse moors, there are few more tranquil and relaxing ways to spend a day’s fishing than roaming the banks of these waters, and even fewer places where you can catch truly wild browns. The trout in these reservoirs are 100% native, having descended from the original upland brownies which lived in the streams before the dams were built. Lightning quick and very hard fighting with unique colours and markings, these fish are a joy to catch. Please note, from Wednesday 5 September 2012, day permits for Cow Green, Balderhead and Selset are available to buy in person from Grassholme Reservoir, by calling 0845 155 02366 or online at Location: Car park on the north east side of the reservoir off the B 6276. Area: Wood n Wheels Wood n Wheels are the only licenced cycle hire centre in Hamsterley Forest. They offer a full range of cycles for all the family! Hamsterley is the biggest forest in the North East and County Durham and the premier bike destination in the region.

With over 5000 acres of forest to explore and over 33 miles of way marked trails. Whether it's big downhill thrills in the purpose built centre, a fun filled ride on the skills training loop, or a quiet cycle with your kids, this forest has something for you to enjoy! All cycle trails start by the information point opposite the cycle hire centre and shop. Location: Hamsterley Forest, Redford, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, DL13 3NL / NZ091312 Area:

Question: Which major waterfall lies on the River Tees at Forest-in-Teesdale?
Answer: HIGH FORCE