The Teesdale Way
The Teesdale Way is a long distance walking trail crossing three counties in the North East of England. The western end lies in the sleepy Cumbrian village of Dufton, in the Eden Valley, while across the North Pennines, on the North Sea coast, there’s a choice of either remote Teesmouth or bustling Redcar. On the way you’ll pass through historic towns in County Durham and Teesside including Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, Darlington, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough and many pleasant villages in between.
The route rarely strays far from the River Tees and like the Weardale Way, it can be walked equally well in either direction. I’ve chosen to present it west-to-east so that, in most cases, the wind is on your back (something you’ll be grateful for if caught in the rain when crossing the Pennines. I don’t doubt that some will prefer the increasing physical challenge and sense of remoteness that comes with tackling it the other way around but the route files we supply work well in either direction.
Bear in mind that the Teesdale Way is not a National Trail and lacks the investment and infrastructure associated with, say, the Pennine Way or Cleveland Way, both of which ARE National Trails. My goal has always been to help promote the trail as the fantastic resource I’ve found it to be and on which I’ve spent so much time over the decades. Wherever I personally encounter, or am made aware of, issues I post trail updates as well as promoting feedback from walkers who are kind enough to leave helpful comments on this site.
So feel free to drop me a line if you have a particular concern but please bear in mind that this is an unpaid, private resource and not the trail authority. For an official response issues should be reported to the Public Rights of Way team at the respective authority. For Durham County Council this can be done by emailing prow@durham.gov.uk. In well over ten years I’ve seen the trail improve slowly but surely and, even though some parts might never reach the standard elsewhere on the trail, I consider it fairly easy to follow, especially with an appropriate OS map and a copy of the TEESDALE WAY POCKET GUIDE.
Stats at a Glance
Distance 148 km/92 miles | Height Gain 1476 m/4842 ft | Maximum Elevation 600 m/1968 ft (Narrow Gate, High Cup Gill) | Number of Sections 14 | Average Distance per Section 10.6 km/6.6 miles | River Length 160 km/99 miles; Tees Head to Cow Green Reservoir 14 km/8.7 miles; Cow Green Reservoir 3.6 km/2.2 miles; Cow Green Dam to Teesmouth 142 km/88.2 miles | GPS File
Plotaroute
I use Plotaroute for all my route planning and is where I keep all of my route files. Clicking a GPS File link in Stats at a Glance takes you to the appropriate page on Plotaroute from where you can download the FREE route file in a variety of formats. How to Use Plotaroute.
Click the PLAY arrow on the map to view the Teesdale Way in its entirety. You’ll also need to visit the individual section pages for links to the most up to date files we have (it’s not possible to keep renewing the whole route file every time we’re informed of a temporary diversion).
Whole Route Files
Although the file in Stats at a Glance above is for the whole route IT ISN’T ROUTINELY UPDATED given that there are so many “open-ended” diversions over time, some of which are never resolved. If you’re relying on a GPS for fine navigation or route options I’d recommend using the individual section files.
The Teesdale Way – Section by Section
Section 1 Dufton to Cow Green (14.4 km/8.9 miles)
Section 2 Cow Green to Holwick Head (10.9 km/6.8 miles)
Section 3 Holwick Head to Middleton-in-Teesdale (7.3 km/4.5 miles)
Section 4 Middleton-in-Teesdale to Romaldkirk (9 km/5.6 miles)
Section 5 Romaldkirk to Barnard Castle (9.7 km/6 miles)
Section 6 Barnard Castle to Whorlton (6.8 km/4.3 miles)
Section 7 Whorlton to Gainford (9.2 km/5.7 miles)
Section 8 Gainford to Darlington (12.6 km/7.8 miles)
Section 9 Darlington to Hurworth-on-Tees (9.4 km/5.8 miles)
Section 10 Hurworth-on-Tees to Middleton One Row (9.9 km/6.2 miles)
Section 11 Middleton One Row to Yarm (11.7 km/7.3 miles)
Section 12 Yarm to Stockton-on-Tees (12.2 km/7.6 miles)
Section 13 Stockton-on-Tees to South Bank (12.8 km/7.9 miles)
Section 14 South Bank to Teesmouth or Redcar (11.9 km/7.4 miles OR 10.6 km/6.5 miles )
Walked section 9 from Darlington to Hurworth yesterday (& back). Lovely route, there’s a slight diversion as cows with calves. Considerate farmer has put a clear sign with blue flag to show where to go before you pop out on Croft Road. I made the mistake of then following the sign back into the farm! Continue along road and turn left up to after the railway bridge and sign is on right.
Duly noted Sue. Thanks a lot. All the best.
Just walked section 14 Teesdale way 11th May starting just before 7am. The entrance was blocked by a fence but security guard said ok to go through. There was a very wet section around 2 miles in, even though we’ve had no rain for ages. Deep enough to go over my boots. I used the road back for that section. I couldn’t find the memorial plaque unfortunately.
The 1st entrance to the Marsh has been covered by high fencing, and I missed the footbridge. Diverted over road bridge but used it on return. Lots of birds, butterflies and even deer though and sea is a jewel at the end.
Thanks for the comment Sue – it really is useful and helps me a lot. I’ve just finished my own review of the entire Weardale Way and, given your comment, will be starting with this section of the Teesdale Way this weekend. I’m fairly sure I’m aware specifically of the references you’ve made and will be interested to see how it works out for me. Our cities are changing rapidly, with particular regard to the former industrial parts of Teesside (and Sunderland) and I don’t doubt that it’s going to continue for some years to come. I’ll make sure I check all the aspects you’ve mentioned. Despite the travails I’m really pleased to see the positivity in your comments. It’s the approach I like to think I take in my peregrinations – walking, running or cycling. After all, what is life if there’s no adventure? Scott
Absolutely! Am planning to see Tom’s film at the Witham, by which time I’m hoping to have done another section I have never been on.
What’s the film?
A heartfelt story filled with stunning previously unseen footage of Teesdale follows two local residents on their attempt to be the first to run the entire length of the River Tees in under 24 hours. Filmmaker and former local Ron Yeadon couples unparalleled countryside views with an inside look at the appeal of ultrarunning.
Cast: Owain Davies, Tom Watson, Toby Baker
This is a premiere and exclusive footage.
Running time: 48 minutes
Sounds great. I might come along myself. Thanks for the tip. Keep in touch
Hi, we are using your guide to walking the Teesdale Way in sections. Next weekend we are staying at The George in Pierebridge and are intending going west to Winston and beyond. Unfortunately on Google Maps the path is closed, do you know if that is correct?. Would appreciate your advice!. Pete.
Hi Pete, I can’t say at the moment (I have to rely on people leaving feedback) but if you can wait a couple of days I might be able to confirm it personally, or at least let you know otherwise. Where are you looking, specifically, that shows the path as being closed? Is the closure west or east of Gainford? Also, I’d be interested to get your feedback on The George when you stay there. It’s been closed for a long time and I noticed, only recently, when cycling past, that it seemed to have reopened – although I had to look twice! All the best, Scott
I completed the whole thing last week. What an adventure. As well as OS maps I regularly checked this guide on my phone – making particular use of the mileage stats of each of the sections – to help me make strategic decisions about how far to push on each day. This was really useful. Thank you for this.
I’d recommend the route to any walker. Pretty much all of it is very well signposted but a map will make your journey foolproof. Every section of the route has something to capture the imagination. I also was lucky to have glorious walking weather throughout (not too hot, barely any rain) so I will count my blessings there.
I didn’t plan on doing a video blog of my journey but I took so many photos and videos that one more or less made itself so here it is for anyone interested:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pI_JyX2K9T4
Ps. WEAR FULL LENGTH TROUSERS FOR THE WOODED SECTION BETWEEN NEWSHAM AND LOW TOWN. NO END OF GIANT HOGWEED AND NETTLES.
We walked the Teesdale Way between Thornaby Station and Eaglescliffe Station – having left the car at Eaglescliffe – in glorious sunshine. The Way is not marked at the west end of Bowesfield Nature reserve and the intended steps to cross the A66 is fenced off, so inaccessible – needed a long detour to get across the main road. The up to date OS map is not accurate/helpful , unlike a local resident who gave us the information we needed to get to Preston Park.
Hi Millie, sorry it’s taken me so long to reply but I’ll have a look at this shortly and post and update. Many thanks – much appreciated. Scott
is there a baggage transfer service on the Teesdale Way?
Hi Anna,
Not yet I’m afraid (not to my knowledge anyway). It would definitely be handy though. Scott
Hi, thanks a lot for the information on this route, running it next Tuesday (23rd). It really helped to decide the best locations for my support crew to meet me.
kind regards
Tom
Hi Tom,
My pleasure. It’s great to know it’s helped. Let me know how you get on – and don’t forget to take some photos.
It doesn’t matter how well you’ve prepared, sometimes you just need a bit of luck, so all the best.
Scott
Hi Tom,
How did you get on with your Teesdale Way run? Such a beautiful first section. I love running up there!
Kind regards,
Owain
brilliant information , i hope to try this later on in 2021, hopefully camping.
Thanks very much James. Go for it and let me know how you get on.
All the best
Scott
I’m walking this route in sections, live locally to the route in Stockton. I’ve already covered Dufton to Barnard Castle and now just done Barnard Castle to Low Conscliffe. Also once I’m done with the main route itself I’m going back to cover the other route variations. I’m making a video list on YouTube for this walk, my channel is Paddy’s Adventures.
Just had a quick look Paddy – looks great so I’m going to save it for leisure viewing this evening. I’ll give it a link. Keep in touch.
All the best
Scott
Giant Hog-weed, I have notice a lot of Giant hog-weed encroaching on the path on the YARM to Stockton on Tees section immediately after the Blue bell pub, I have informed Stockton council but they say the are not responsible for the land, please take care
Hi Dave,
Sorry about the delay in replying but I got a similar response from the Council. Giant Hog-weed proliferates on the lower reaches of the Tees; I didn’t notice it so much on the Yarm to Stockton side, but it’s rampant on the Middleton-One-Row to Yarm section. Thanks very much for the info; I’ll make sure to mention it in the book. Thanks for taking the time to comment. All the best. Scott
We’ve had a brilliant day today – walking Section 1 (Dufton to Cauldron Snout and Cow Green).
Hope we can access the details for Section 2 via the link soon!
Glad you enjoyed it – fantastic weather. I think I’ve fixed the problem: you should be able to access the other sections now. Thanks for bearing with me. Happy walkings.
All the best. Scott
Hi, your Teesdale Way links (above) are not working
Thanks for that Mike,
I’m aware of the problem and will deal with it imminently as I’m returning from holiday today.
Best Regards
Scott