This route (walk, cycle, horse ride) takes you along the old railway line that serviced the stone quarrying industry in Teesdale. The route start is close to Barnard Castle, although you can pick it up at a number of points along the way, splitting it into shorter sections. The majority of the path is along the old railway line. The section of the railway line from Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale was built by the Tees Valley Railway company during 1868 and had stops at Cotherstone, Mickleton and Romaldkirk. Two major engineering features on the line are the Lunedale and Baldersdale viaducts; you will pass over both these on this route. The decline of this section of railway started in the late 1950s and the line was earmarked for closure as part of the Beeching cuts with the last train running in April 1965.

Terrain – The route follows the railway path, bridleways and tracks. The railway path is well maintained and is managed by Durham County Council countryside section (tel: 0191 372 9100) www.durham.gov.uk/countryside. The route is mainly flat with a few sharp climbs and descents. Please be sure to leave gates as you find them, keep dogs under close control and follow the Countryside Code.

Please note this leaflet was published in 2013 and therefore some information may be out of date.