A Walk in the Gutter

A 9 mile walk with 400 metres of ascent and descent. The route covers a wide variety of terrain, including riverside paths, field paths, tracks, rough ground and woodland paths. There are a number of interesting geological features along the route, as well as good views over the Tees and Hudeshope Valleys. Leaving the war memorial in Middleton-in-Teesdale, we follow the Teesdale Way through the meadows above the River Tees, before crossing the river and entering the village of Newbiggin. We pass an interesting water-filled quarry, before reaching the bottom of Coldberry Gutter. We follow the Gutter uphill along rough ground, past old mine workings and then skirt the flanks of Hardberry Hill, before a rough descent to the ruin of an old mine. We then descend via fields and woods to meet a minor road at the Skears Lime Kilns. We return to our start point by using the minor road and paths beside Hudshope Beck. There are several stiles along the Teesdale Way section, but most are in good condition. There are also a few field stiles dropping down to Hudshope Beck.