Whorlton Bridge being refurbished during closure

Teesdale Way Update (Section 6)

Barnard Castle to Whorlton

| 12th July 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 6 of the Teesdale Way (Barnard Castle to Whorlton) with particular regard to where it differs from what might be published elsewhere on this site or in our Teesdale Way Pocket Guide.

Local conditions and heavy use quickly degrade infrastructure – particularly timber – causing impromptu and possibly persisting access and/or navigation issues. The chances of the trail changing in some way – short and long-term – is even more likely in urban areas. If your experience is different to what we’ve published here, you can help by leaving your insights in the comments.

Whorlton Bridge

The most significant issue on this section of the Teesdale Way has been the closure of the suspension bridge over the River Tees at Whorlton. The bridge has been undergoing wholesale refurbishment works since December 2020. At the time of our review, the entire deck was missing and at least one stone pylon partially deconstructed. As you should be able to see from the picture above, there’s no possibility of crossing so don’t even think about it. Fully way-marked access is still available on the north side of the river however. You can follow updates on the bridge’s progress HERE.

Conclusion

Other than the missing bridge everything else about this section is as published in the guide book. Specific Teesdale Way way-marking is plentiful, reasonably well maintained and easy to spot. You’ll find the route a bit easier to follow with a GPS file from The Durham Cow as there are a couple of large fields where it’s not obvious in which direction the trail goes; it’ll also help guide you through the caravan park where way-marking is sparse.

Infrastructure in the form of stiles, gates and footbridges is in decent repair though a couple of gates were resistant to opening. The trail itself is well used and in good condition particularly as it gets closer to Barnard Castle.

That’s it for Section 6. We hope this helps. If you have anything to add please feel free to do it in the comments. Happy Walking!

Gallery

View a comprehensive selection of images for Section 6 taken on the day of the update in our Google Gallery.

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