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- middleton in teesdale circular route one
Middleton-In-Teesdale Circular Route One
Route facts
Waterways:
Grassholme Reservoir »
Hury Reservoir »
Distance: 14.91 miles / 24 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Circular route from: Middleton-In-Teesdale
This is the main circuit 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 route starts in the main Tees valley but the character and scenery soon changes as quiet country lanes gently gain height to offer excellent views of County Durham's hidden 'lake district'. On a fine day, these views change to vistas as an amplified reward for your effort.
1.1 Head due south out of the town to cross the River Tees on the B6276 (signposted: Brough, Scotch Corner and Mickleton, Romaldkirk, Cotherstone) - take care on this first section. 1.2 Keep Left (signposted: B6277 Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland). Look out for viaduct on Right 200m beyond which is your Left turn. 1.3 Bear Left onto narrow lane marked by two concrete bollards. 1.4 At T-junction, turn Left, take care on s bend decent to farm. 1.5 Where road forks, keep Left (stone barn on Left). 1.6 Turn Left into Mickleton to soon join B6277 (garage shop to your right). 1.7 Turn Left to follow B6277 - care! 1.8 Bear Left on B6281 (signposted: Eggleston Hall Gardens) with fine views of the river - stay alert! 1.9 Turn Right (signposted: Romaldkirk 3 4) gentle ascent to village, passing church on Right before reaching Romaldkirk village green. 1.10 Turn Right up to B6277 then Turn Left at red phone box (signposted: Cotherstone 2, Barnard Castle 6). 1.11 After 150m bear Right (signposted: Balderhead Reservoir 4, Hunderthwaite 33 4, Hury 2 3 4) 1.12 Keep Right at Hunderthwaite to climb gently towards Hury. R1a Alt. - 17kms / 101 2 miles. One steady climb towards Hury. 1.13 Turn Right (no signpost) slight decent over narrow bridge before steady climb to crossroads then follow directions from R2.10 - steep descent with amazing views - care! R1b Alt. - 19.5kms / 12 miles. One steady climb towards Hury. 1.14 Turn Right (signposted: Grassholme 2) then climb steadily before glorious descent - care! 1.15 Turn Right after New Houses. 1.16 Turn Right at crossroads (small signpost: Grassholme Visitor Centre) then descend gently to Mickleton. 1.17 Turn Left along B6277 and return to start.
Getting there
Parking: Town centre.
