Teesdale is a well kept secret with a wonderful variety of scenery from dramatic sweeping moorlands and upland dales, to waterfalls and cascades, including High Force, Low Force and Cauldron Snout, to hay meadows, rich in wildlife and best of all no crowds!

There are well defined walks starting from the doorstep; from a 1.5 mile stroll around Middleton or 4.5 – 12 miles including Mickleton and Romaldkirk or make this your base for part of the Teesdale Way at 90 miles or the Pennine Way at 268 miles, or stop off while walking Wainwright’s Pennine Journey, a challenging circular walk 247 miles long. Or try one of our local challenge walks – Bronze, Silver or Gold standard. For more details visit Teesdale Challenge Walks.

Curlews, lapwings and sky larks are frequently to be seen, also the rare Black Grouse, with a Black Grouse lek site only 7 miles away. If you haven’t seen the lek it is a piece of bird watching theatre, where males display in order to attract a mate and Spring is the time to see it! The wild flowers are outstanding, in Spring particularly the Spring Gentians then later in Summer the Hay Meadows come into their own.

Alternatively you could enjoy angling with the upper stretches of the river Tees being famous for brown trout. There is also cycling, kayaking, golf, or visiting the museums – Bowes Museum, historic houses and castles – Raby Castle, and beautiful gardens such as Eggleston Gardens , all within easy reach.