Walk 1005 - printer friendly version

Harter Fell & Grassholme Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km

Ascent - 1200 feet / 364 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NY947254
Lat 54.623713 + Long -2.0836007
Postcode DL12 0SH (approx. location only)

Starting from the bustling centre of Middleton-in-Teesdale this route includes a variety of scenery. The first section takes you along a section of the Pennine Way crossing the flank of Harter Fell from where wide ranging views can be enjoyed. Descending into the Lune Valley the walk continues alongside Grassholme Reservoir before using a section of old railway back to the start.

There are car parks and limited street parking in Middleton-in-Teesdale (Grid ref. NY947254) where a wide range of facilities, including pubs, shops and cafes are available. When parking, please be considerate to others. After parking leave the village by Bridge Street (signposted to Brough) heading south to drop down to cross the River Tees. Climbing up from the river you soon reach a road junction where the B6277 bends left. Almost opposite is a bridleway, which is also the Pennine Way. The bridleway goes to the left of the Kirkcarrion, a hilltop conifer plantation, but we need to bear right and follow the rather feint Pennine Way as it climbs steadily onto the flanks of Harter Fell.

Pass through the wall on the ridge and aim for a ruined barn which you keep on your right. Ahead lies another barn and you should keep to the right. Continue across a number of small fields to reach Wythes Hill Farm (Grid ref. NY921228). From here take the farm access road down to the B6276. Cross over and continue to follow the Pennine Way across field to Grassholme. Turn left and follow the lane across Grassholme Bridge. Reaching the other side of the reservoir, turn left through a gate (Grid ref. NY930215). Follow the path along the shore of the reservoir with a view to Harter Fell across the resrvoir. After about 30 minutes walking, you reach the reservoir dam. Follow the access road uphill from the dam and turn left onto a minor road (Grid ref NY948224).

Stay on this road as far as the first junction (Grid ref. NY953227). Take the footpath on the left and follow this across fields to reach Eller Beck. Go over the beck and continue uphill to Westfield House. Follow their access road to a lane (Grid ref. NY957238) and turn right. Reaching a railway viaduct, climb up and cross the River Lune following the old trackbed for some way towards Middleton. A sign for Middleton directs you to the right at a farm. Continue across the road and follow the path, which follows the River Tees upstream as far as County Bridge where you turn right into Middleton.

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