| 28th April 2025 | In response to reader enquiries I’ve decided that it’s time to personally review both the Weardale Way and Teesdale Way long-distance hiking trails. Information regarding their status normally has to be derived from feedback in the comments sections. However, I think it’s about time I went and had a proper look for myself, to see how much things might have changed since the Weardale Way and Teesdale Way Pocket Guides were republished in 2021.
I’ve already published updates on the site, for Sections 1-4 of the Weardale Way (Killhope to Stanhope) in Trail Updates and I’m happy to say that, with regard to infrastructure relating to way-marking and navigation, there’s been a general improvement since I last revised the book. Apart from some minor re-routing and the continued absence of the Rookhope Inn (Sections 3 & 4) there’s only the footbridge over the Bollihope Burn at White Kirkley (Section 5) that’s of particular concern.
While I’m currently focusing on the Weardale Way, I plan to get around to the Teesdale Way as soon as possible – possibly overlapping the two. I’ll be starting from Middleton-in-Teesdale because that’s where the Teesdale Way itself starts (strictly speaking, the route between Dufton and Middleton is the Pennine Way, which is longer established and better funded and which I’ll get around to in the fullness of time).
So, if you’re planning to walk either of County Durham’s long distance trails, keep an eye on our Trail Updates and don’t forget to leave feedback with regard to your own experience. Happy Walking!
May 13, 2025 @ 12:50 pm
Now I’ve found your feedback page, not easy! I thought I’d drop you a line to thank you for the excellent book which accompanied us on The Teesdale Way. We were a small group of seven and walked it in eight days carrying our load for six of them. Beautiful weather throughout, not a drop of rain. We found the upper reaches of the river full of wildlife on the moors, lots of lapwing, red grouse and curlew. We even saw deer. The river is full of character and changes from the infant babbling shallow water glinting in the sunshine to the wide navigable river it became. We stayed in Appleby, Middleton in Teesdale (2 nights) Barnard Castle (2 nights) Middleton One Row, Yarm, Middlesbrough and Redcar. But I wanted to express my delight in your book. It is well written with the route and the instructions together so no need to keep turning pages. The separate overview is a very good feature and lots of photos so it’s a souvenir book too. Just the right amount of information made it a superb companion. Oh and I like the spiral bind. Thank you so much from Roma and her small band of Cardiff Ramblers.
May 14, 2025 @ 9:50 am
Hi Roma, thanks so much for your comment and your kind words about the book. You picked upon the exact criteria I used when I designed the second edition after I realised the shortcomings of the first. With regard to walking the trail itself it’s great to know how other people get on especially when it’s communicated so articulately. I’m going to put some effort into how I make it easier to contribute and how to promote the contributions. Until I do, if you fancied expanding your comment and have a couple of photos, I’d love to use it as a blog post. You can contact me directly at admin@durhamcow.com. Irrespective of that, well done to you and the Cardiff Ramblers! Scott
April 30, 2025 @ 10:41 am
thanks for the update, I`ll be on the way from May 18th. hoping for good weather and views.
Martin aka smoggiewalks
April 30, 2025 @ 11:18 am
My pleasure Martin. Feel free to let us know how you get on – good and bad. The views are assured if the weather holds so fingers crossed. Have a great time and Happy Walking. Scott