Teesdale Way Whorlton

The walk along Teesdale Way near Whorlton is one of those stretches that reminds you why the Pennines deserve more credit. You're following the River Tees as it winds through proper moorland country, with the valley sides rising up all around you - nothing dramatic, but genuinely lovely. The river itself is the real draw here: clear water, little rapids, the occasional pool that makes you think about a paddle if the weather's kind.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - there's proper elevation to it, and the terrain can be boggy depending on rainfall - but nothing that requires scrambling gear. Give yourself a good three to four hours if you're doing a decent loop, and wear proper boots. Families with older kids will manage fine, though younger ones might find the muddy bits frustrating. History types might appreciate Whorlton's connection to the wider Teesdale story, but there's not much in the way of ruins or interpretive boards to slow you down.

You're only about four miles from Barnard Castle, which makes this manageable as a day trip if you're based at one of the caravan parks in the area - Teesdale Barnard Castle or Hewn Yorkshire are closest. The nature reserve itself is free to access, which helps. Go in spring or early summer when the light's best and the ground's drying out. Autumn's decent too, though the crowds from the castle can drift this way on weekends. Winter's for serious walkers only.