Kirsty Brien is part of the outdoor team at the TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, and is encouraging people to get out more to boost their mental and physical wellbeing. This week’s walk, Egglestone Abbey and Rapids, is a classic Teesdale introduction, and is great for little legs too
1. Our walk starts at the Demesnes, at the bottom of the Bank in Barnard Castle.
Head under the red/white barrier and across, following the Teesdale Way signs (Abbey Bridge).
2. Follow the cobbled track between the houses and onto a walled path before going through a gate onto the open river bank (down to the right is a good spot for stone skimming and exploring the sandy beach).
3. Shortly before a ruined barn, cross a stile, keep up on the river bank, passing the sometimes stinky sewage farm on your left (0.8km).
4. Go through a further gate and into an open field with a fabulous rock escarpment up on the left, particularly pretty in late spring when covered in the yellow gorse flowers.
5. Shortly, the ruins of Egglestone Abbey will appear over the river on your right and you will hear Abbey Rapids roaring downstream.
6. Go through a gate ignore the grassy track rising to the left) go straight ahead to go through a kissing gate into trees. (1.6km) The path winds through the woods on an often muddy, slippery path – take extra care.
7. On reaching the road turn right to cross Abbey Bridge high over the Tees flowing fast below you. Turn right again onto a small lane and you will see the magnificent ruins of Egglestone Abbey ahead. (2.2km). Be extra vigilant on the road -“there is no path.
8. After visiting the abbey, turn left on the lane to re-join the route. Look out on your left as you shortly pass by Bow Bridge, an ancient packhorse bridge over Thorgill Beck. (2.5km).
Just as the road starts to climb, keep an eye out for Teesdale Way sign to Barnard Castle, on your right and squeeze through the standing stones and into the field. (2.7km)
9. The path leads through several open fields and there are lovely views over to The Bowes Museum and on a clear day, the hills of upper Teesdale – although our favourite part of this section is the Elf Satellite TV Dish (keep an eye out for it).
10. The path joins the drive to the caravan park. Follow this through the park (if in doubt keep left and downhill) – ignore the first path exiting onto a residential street, but continue down to the bottom of the site and pick up the path that follows along the river again. (3.7km).
11. Cross the metal footbridge and it will bring you back into Barnard Castle at the bottom of the Bank. (4.4km).
What the kids thought….
Seth, 6, said: “I like the ruins at the Abbey, they are great for playing hide and seek in, or jumping out of a shadow to scare my sister.”
Esme, 11, said: “I liked the view over to The Bowes Museum with all the windows reflecting the sunshine like a palace.
We would love to see photos of your walks on social media so if you would like to share, you can tag us on Facebook at TCR Hub or Instagram at TCR The Hub.
Remember
Stay local – if this walk is not local to you, please save it for when restrictions are lifted.
Give other walkers plenty of room at gates, narrow path sections, bridges etc.
Take a map as well as the walk notes and appropriate kit and food/ drink for the weather.
Walk length – 4.4km/ 2.7 miles Approximate walk time one hour.
TCR Hub is offering you the chance to enjoy some free, fully funded activities to support people who have been impacted by Covid. From singing and cooking to yoga and one-to-one guided walks, please contact us for more information by emailing [email protected] or calling 01833 690150.
To discover more about TCR Hub, go to www.tcrhub.co.uk
