Upper Teesdale is dramatic, majestic and much admired by all who visit.  The source of the river Tees is high on the iconic Cross Fell , highest point of the Pennines and the highest point in England outside of the Lake District.

Walkers enjoy but beware the helm wind which blows down from the heights. Be prepared for the sudden mists and the flat top of Cross Fell, benign on a fine day can catch unprepared walkers out.

High Cup Nick lies at the start of the Teesdale Way although strictly not in Teesdale, it does lead across the Tees watershed and I am including it here because everyone should walk it at least once in a lifetime.  Walkers are afforded some of the best views in England. The U shaped glaciated valley is the stuff of geographers dreams and catching sight of the Whin Sill adds to the drama.

Cauldron Snout, Cronkley Scar and Langdon Beck, dramatic, seemingly untamed landscapes with the infant river cascading and tumbling through a most magical Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

The magnificent, ancient Whin Sill, Teesdale’s rock of ages can clearly be seen at various locations throughout Upper Teesdale.

Botanists, ornithologists, geologists and those who simply want to breathe fresh air, take in the spectacular panorama, you will all find what you seek in Teesdale. 

Langdon Beck to Middleton in Teesdale, encapsulates some of Teesdale’s best loved visitor attractions.

High Force is world renowned, an iconic waterfall which forcefully tumbles 21 metres into the gorge below.

Low Force, an animated force of nature, a tumbling sequence of cascading waterfalls.  Perhaps not as dramatic as High Force but is free to visit and has the added attraction of Wynch Bridge.

Between Langdon Beck and Middleton several small roads rise immediately from the river giving access, directly up, across the Pennines into Teessdale’s northern neighbour, Weardale.  Choose from Langdon Beck to St John’s Chapel, across Ireshope Moor and Chapelfell Top.  The gated, Newbiggin to Westgate, across Westernhope Moor.  Or the old roman road, the B6278 from Middleton-in -Teesdale, or Eggleston to Stanhope.  Across stunning Bollihope common, the upland paradise.

These are the roads for drivers. Some of my favourite roads and surely some of the most scenic in Britain.  Do take care, there are sudden drops, twists and do not attempt to use these passes across the Pennines in poor weather, in snow or when they are clearly closed. 

Some of the most accessible walking in Teesdale is along the upper-middle  and middle stretches of the Tees, from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Piercebridge. You will discover beautiful views, peaceful walks, history in abundance …and great pubs, restaurant and tea shops!

The sleepy market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale is a far cry from the bustling town it once was as the headquarters of the London Lead Mining company, the worldwide leading producer of lead.

Barnard Castle, bustling market town with all amenities is the biggest town in Teesdale.  Well worth a visit, the ruins of the castle, was once owned by Richard III .

His emblem, a boar can be spotted at several locations around the town including St Mary’s Church and  there is one in the collection at the magnificient Bowes Museum .

Staindrop, a village 9 miles north-east of Barnard Castle boasts a wonderfully typical Durham village green but is home to Raby Castle, ancestral estate of Lord Barnard and a growing visitor attraction.  A visit to the walled gardens, the deer park and castle is highly recommended. If you are travelling past on the A688, pull over into a layby opposite and enjoy the view of the castle, dating back to medieval times and once home to the Rose of Raby, the only woman who has given birth to two Kings of England, Edward IV and Richard III.

The village of Whorlton with it’s historic suspension bridge enjoys another great village green and boasts beautiful  walks alongside the river on both banks.  Walk from Whorlton to the meeting of the waters, the rivers Greta and Tees for ever changing views.

Winston, perched above the river with superb views and walks in all directions from it’s much photographed bridge.

Take a trip to Ovington, Hutton Magna, Aldbrough St John and Forcett and discover peaceful villages nestled between the Tees and the hills.  Pretty pubs, cafe’s and seemingly endless miles of paths to walk on and lanes enjoyed by cyclists. Indeed between Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle and Richmond the miles of country lanes are a cyclists heaven.

To the north of the river, historic Gainford with it’s 12th century church, spa, cafe’s, pub and shop is worthy of inclusion on any visitors agenda.

Some of the most accessible walking in Teesdale is along the middle stretches of the Tees, from Barnard Castle to Piercebridge. You will discover beautiful views, peaceful walks, history in abundance …and great pubs, restaurant and tea shops!

The village of Whorlton with it’s very special suspension bridge and picture postcard perfection.

Winston, perched above the river with superb views and walks in all directions from it’s much photographed bridge.

Take a trip to Ovington, Hutton Magna, Aldbrough St John and Forcett and discover peaceful villages nestled between the Tees and the hills.  Pretty pubs, cafe’s and seemingly endless miles of paths to walk on and lanes enjoyed by cyclists. Indeed between Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle and Richmond the miles of country lanes are a cyclists heaven.

To the north of the river, historic Gainford with it’s 12th century church, spa, cafe’s, pub and shop is worthy of inclusion on any visitors agenda.

Staindrop boasts the magnificent Raby Castle. Fast becoming a major visitor centre with it’s medieval origins, history, deer park and increasingly major events and attractions, Raby Castle is a wonderful day out. 

Both websites, Visit Teesdale and Made in Teesdale focus on Teesdale rather than the Tees Valley. The Tees Valley is generally considered to be the lower stretches of the River Tees, from Darlington to Teesmouth. This area has many attractions for visitors and no bird or wildlife watcher should miss a visit to the SSSI of South Gare or the RSPB reserve at Saltholme.