The Monk’s Head Stone Face – Deepdale Woods

Walk far enough into Deepdale Woods near Barnard Castle and you'll stumble across something properly odd - a stone face carved into the rock, supposedly depicting a monk. It's the sort of discovery that makes you wonder who bothered to chisel it and why nobody's ever quite sure when it was done.

The face itself is modest, carved directly into the stone, and the whole thing has that air of mystery that makes it either fascinating or underwhelming depending on your mood and the light. Local legends swirl around it - tales of monks, hidden histories, the usual moorland folklore - but the honest answer is nobody knows for certain. That's partly what makes it worth the trek though.

You're looking at a proper woodland walk to get there, so wear decent boots and don't expect it to be signposted. Bring a map or a clear head for directions. It's free to visit, obviously, being out on the moors. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining it with exploring the woods properly rather than just a quick scramble.

For families, it works best with older kids who'll appreciate the mystery and the walk itself. Younger ones might get bored before reaching it. It's ideal if you're camping at one of the sites near Barnard Castle - Barnard Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Pecknell Farm are closest - and looking for something off the beaten track rather than the usual attractions. Pairs it well with walks along the Tees Valley.