We parked in Thorngate NZ 049 161 near to the Blue Bell (just off A67, bottom of The Bank, Barnard Castle, 275 yards before bridge over the River Tees).

 

 

We headed off along the metalled road, over the bridge below the castle and along to the Deepdale aqueduct where we joined the Teesdale Way. After a short walk we turned left into Pecknell Wood and followed Scur Beck to Pecknell Farm where we crossed the beck and entered Lartington Hall park. At the hall we turned right

 and follow the path NNW, making a short detour in to

the small cemetary to visit this unusual grave.

 

From here we followed the track, under the dismantled railway to Cotherstone where we had our lunch on the village green.

 

After lunch we headed towards the remains of Cotherstone Castle where we crossed the River Balder & River Tees then headed SSE following the Tesdale Way back towards Barnard Castle.

 

Shortly after passing East Holme farm we follow the path down to the riverside. This was be an ideal

 Cotherstone Village Green             

 

We called into The Blue Bell, for a drink & a chat sitting in the warmth of an open fire in a market town pub with plenty of character.

 

 

         The  Castle from Flatts Wood 

 

The walk is approx. 8.4 miles but for those who wish to do a shorter walk (approx. 7.5 miles) there is an option to return via the Teesdale Way down the south bank of the Tees to the Deepdale aqueduct and retrace your steps back to the car. The walk can be increased to 9.2 miles by adding a loop through Shipley Woods & Low Shipley before rejioning the Teesdale Way.

      

 

An easy walk through beautiful countryside.

 

 

The walk was co-led by Norman Farrer & Gordon Lindsley.
 Write-up by Norman Farrer.

Photos © 2006  14th May. - Norman Farrer