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- middleton in teesdale circular route two
Middleton-In-Teesdale Circular Route Two
Route facts
Waterways:
Blackton Reservoir »
Hury Reservoir »
Distance: 21.13 miles / 34 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Circular route from: Middleton-In-Teesdale
This route is memorable for its fine off-road sections although the narrow country lanes it otherwise uses are 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.
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 Sharp Left Turn (Access Only signposted: Cotherstone 2). 1.14 Turn Right along B6277 - take care! 1.15 On entering Cotherstone, Turn Right (signposted: East Briscoe 2, Hury and Blackton Res. 21 2) or Straight ahead to visit village. Note! Straight ahead at Briscoe - do not turn left down to bridge. 1.16 Turn Left (signposted: Hury and Blackton Res, Clove Lodge 3 - No Through Route). Alternative: Straight ahead very steep descent / ascent up to T-junction to join main route - choose Right (signposted: Hunderthwaite 11 2) or Left (signposted: Hury 1 2). 1.17 At Clove Lodge Turn Left through gateway with tree on your Left then Straight ahead (further gate) on a double width track keeping stone wall on your Right - descend to cross bridge. 1.18 Turn Left through gate and climb up permissive track up to Reservoir road then over cattle grid to join county road. 1.19 Turn Right along minor road. 1.20 Turn Left uphill (signposted: Unsuitable for motors) post box in wall. 1.21 Turn Right along good track at Botany. 1.22 Turn Left towards mast - steep descent with sharp corners - gravel on road, take care! 1.23 At sharp Right hand bend turn left to join rail path to return to viaduct (1.2). 1.24 Off-road option: At bridge use small gate on Left to follow rail path to minor road before viaduct (1.2). Turn Right then Turn Left along B6277 back to start. 1.25 Road option: In Mickleton Turn Left along B6277 back to start. NB: The rail path is permissive for cycling but it does have many gates. WARNING HERE! This is the start / end of the rail path and, due to the previous bridge removal, is now at road level on a blind bend. Be aware of this and use only with great care!
Getting there
Parking: Town centre.
