Teesdale Attractions and Pastimes
Rambling
The Mill is set in the finest walking country in the North
of England and is an ideal base for a walking holiday. You
could spend a week here, walk each day and not have to set
off on the same route twice. Without getting into your car you can walk in four different
directions from the door on public footpaths.
There is a foot bridge over the Greta at the Mill which
takes you onto the south bank and from here you can walk
on footpaths either upstream to Rutherford Bridge and on
to Bowes or downstream on the Scargill side towards Barningham.
Walking on the northern bank you can go downstream to
the old Church at Brignall and on to Greta Bridge or upstream
where the path runs above the gorge and there are wonderful
views over to the Yorkshire Dales. You can go due south from the Mill and in ten minutes be
climbing up on to the moor ( or mooer as it is pronounced
here).
Those up to long distances can walk to Arkengarthdale
in the Yorkshire Dales or Barnard Castle via the Tees which
has beautiful river views. Long distance paths the Pennine
Way and the Teesdale Way are within a short drive.
Those interested in seeing what’s on offer can Google
Brignall walks and view a couple of walk diaries
with photos that ramblers have published on the Web. This website is also good: www.walkingindurham.co.uk
Riding
There are trekking centres in Arkengarthdale,
riding in the Yorkshire Dales (http://www.arklemoor.co.uk/) this
is a 20 minute drive away - I don't know them but they may be fine
http://www.raygillriding.co.uk/ is at Lartington (riding on safe native
ponies in Teesdale) which is about ten minutes drive from
the Mill.
Fishing
The Greta is home to trout and salmon. Fishing at the Mill by arrangement.
Shooting
There are various commercial shoots in the area including
on the Rokeby Estate.
Cycling
Mountain Biking is quite possible from the Mill if you
are up for off road going. The Gorge is probably too rough
but there are tracks up to the moor road at Scargill from
where you can access the Forestry tracks in the Stang (local
forest) and the local lanes are quiet by modern standards
for more leisurely cycling.
Nature and Bird Watching
We regularly see stoats around the house, there are deer on the Banks and hares in the fields.
The Mill is surrounded by a Site of Special Scientific
Interest which mainly emphasises the ancient woodland and
plant life but also mentions bird life.
The woodland bird community includes great
spotted woodpecker, pied flycatcher, redstart and woodcock,
whilst along the River Greta, common sandpiper, dipper and
goosander occur. The oak woods
are home to resident birds such as great
tits, blue tits, nuthatch, tree creeper, jay, tawny owl and sparrowhawk,
with migrants such as wood warblers, pied flycatchers and redstarts during the
spring and summer months. Red Kites have become established in the
area which can be a real visitor attraction. The
nearby moorland supports red grouse, black grouse, short-eared owl and
buzzard year-round, with curlew, lapwing, golden plover, ring ouzel, merlin and
wheatear during the summer. Yellow wagtails have been seen behind our house.
See our section
on Natural
Environment.
Local Shows
In the late summer there are many local agricultural shows
which you will find advertised in the Teesdale Mercury and
they are the perfect way to experience traditional life
in the Dales – Reeth is very good for sheep enthusiasts
(did you know a top class Swaledale tup with a good pedigree
is worth thousands?) and Bowes show not to be missed for
carriage driving and horse showing. Here you will find local
farmers hanging over the pens prodding the animal inmates
gently and chewing over their merits and demerits and be
able to see all kinds of local produce in hot competition
for the judges attention. There are also craft displays
and draws such as terrier racing and duck herding which
vary from year to year.
Barnard Castle Shopping
Barney is a bit of a Northern Mecca for antique shops and
a few posher craft shops and art galleries are getting established.
And a tour of other Watermills
Why not visit Acorn Bank Watermill a national Trust Property near
Appleby and then a working mill producing organic products of all kinds
and with an organic teashop - Little Salkeld Mill near Penrith. A great
day out and both between 30 - 45 minutes drive away.
Local Visitor Attractions
