Lartington High Moor

The walk up to Lartington High Moor rewards you with something genuinely special - wide, uncluttered views across the rolling Pennines that make the effort feel entirely worth it. This isn't a manicured summit with a cafe and a gift shop. It's a proper high moorland plateau that you earn your way to, and that's exactly what makes it work.

The approach from Barnard Castle isn't brutal, but it's steady enough that you'll feel the climb in your legs. Once you're up there, the landscape opens out completely - rough grassland dotted with heather, and on a clear day you can see for miles across County Durham. The air feels thinner up here, the wind a bit sharper. Bring a wind-proof jacket, not just because you'll need one, but because the weather can turn properly moody without warning.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this. It's the kind of place where you can spend two hours pottering about without needing much else - families might find an hour enough unless the kids are keen on moor exploration. There's no facilities on the moor itself, so come prepared with water and snacks.

If you're based at The Old Armoury Campsite nearby, this makes a cracking half-day excursion. It slots well into a broader walking itinerary around Teesdale and Weardale. The bare simplicity of Lartington High Moor is its strength - you won't find crowds here, just genuine moorland solitude.