Middleton One Row to Yarm
| 25th May 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 11 of the Teesdale Way (Middleton One Row to Yarm) 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.
Conclusion
While there are no significant differences to the route published in the guide book the most problematic aspect of this section of the trail is the VEGETATION OVERGROWTH. There are a few miles after Newsham where the riverside trail could reasonably be described as intermittent ‘jungle’.
Giant Hogweed – always a problem on this section – appeared to have been cut back significantly (though with more already coming through to take its place). Nettles and other plant-life – waist high in places – were in abundance while fallen trees of all sizes further impeded progress (a familiar feature on most trails in the region). Also, there were a couple of short stretches of very boggy ground that have persisted even during what’s been an extended period of dry weather. While it’s more challenging than you might want it to be, it’s passable but I continue to advise leg-cover and maybe something to displace vegetation, such as walking poles – or a machete!
Teesdale Way way-marking is plentiful however, and well maintained. Nevertheless, such is the challenge from overgrowth, when trying to follow the trail accurately, that a GPS file from The Durham Cow might provide peace of mind. Much of the infrastructure (stiles, gates and steps) on this section of the Teesdale Way isn’t so much dilapidated as disused and disregarded. More often than not paths go around gates and stiles rather than through, or over, them with the section of the route between Newsham and Yarm being the worst in all respects. Take a look at the photographs in our gallery linked below to see for yourself.
That’s it for Section 11. 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 11 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.
Yes, it’s a shame; it lets down the rest of the trail somewhat. I’ve used the word “jungle” to describe it myself. I’ve walked it in winter when it’s much easier with vegetation at its minimum and muddy/boggy parts being frozen. During this year’s review it appeared to be more overgrown than ever. Full body cover makes for a better experience as you suggest.
Wish I had read this before walking the route! In addition to giant hogweed and nettles and general jungle like conditions you also have to navigate into the edge of wheat fields to get around fallen trees. Long trousers tucked into socks are absolutely essential to avoid all kinds of leg rashes or worse.