The Jolly Boys do Teesdale

Date: 11th July 2013
Route: Middleton-in-Teesdale - Huddeshope Mine - Newbiggin - Newbiggin Bridge - Holwick - Low Force - Newbiggin Bridge - Middleton-in-Teesdale
Distance: - ~12 miles
Weather: - Very hot & sunny!

So a jaunt up North for the FAC (Ferensway Adventure Club) boys and Bob had picked one of our favourite routes over Teesdale. Meeting the FAC guys in Morrisons car park in Barnard Castle we drove the short distance to Middleton-in-Teesdale to park up and get kited out. The sun was shining and it was looking to be a glorious day.

Woodland walk

Glimpse of the Dales

We walked through the village and into the forest heading along the river towards the old lime kilns. The peace and tranquility of the walk was disturbed by the sound of gun shots and we shortly came across a bunch of guys out for a days rabbit shooting. After waving a white flag and stopping for a parlez we headed along the river before stopping for a brew up - the Jolly boys had been up early travelling from Hull so where ready for a brew.

The FAC surrender to the gunman!

Track to the river

Farm houses

Riverbed walk

Mining heritage

Asking about our route Bob pointed up the hill to Huddeshope mines which prompted a question as to what was mined around these Dales. The quick response was Oyster Catchers - based on the large numbers we had seen thus far!

Brew up time

Dales walls

Looking back from whence we came

"Rambo" refuels

View up to the mines

The mines

Fully refreshed we began the climb up towards the mines and then even higher up the hill to cross over and down into Newbiggin. The views and scenery were superb as we crossed the hill and headed down into Newbiggin itself.

Bridge over the river

Heading towards the mines

Local Flora

Mining outbuildings

Gadgetman - "What to do with my hands?"!!

Stunning views

"Rambo" on look-out!

Outbuildings

Left behind taking photos!

So was Ray!

Over the top

A scene from "The Sound of Music"?

Meadow fields

At last its downhill

From here we crossed the freshly cut fields to Newbiggin Bridge and then rather than follow the river Tees we carried on across a couple of other fields towards Holwick and the welcoming sight of the Strathmore Arms pub. Bang on 1pm we were seated in the shade having a well deserved pint.

Impressive rock formations

Water feature

Mown fields

Bridge

Newbiggin Bridge

River Tees

Senior or Junior?

Farmer Garton

Strathmore Arms

Kit check!

Concern was expressed for Gadget Man (aka Paul) as he didnt have a relevant map downloaded onto his SatNav phone. Thus he had no need to hold it in his hand as it was redundant, instead he took solice in holding a strap from his ruck sack as a substitute comforter - aww bless!
We left the pub at 1.45pm along the road heading back towards the river Tees. Some of the rock formations were impressive.

Rock Formations

More rock formations

From the Tees we headed up river to Low Force for a group photo before returning back down the river to Newbiggin Bridge were we stopped for a lunch break.

House with a face!

Low Force

Yours Truly

Here Bob senior realised he had left his flask back at the pub. After searching his rucksack for the umpteenth time Bob juniour said he would return to the pub later that week to retrieve it. We sat munching and watching the wagtails and dippers before preparing for the final leg back to Middleton. As Bob senior arose from his rock throne he found the missing flask - it had been hidden among the crevasses of his nether regions!

Sherlock pollutes the Tees with his feet!

Garton's Snr & Jnr ponder the lost flask!

The final leg back home

Crossing back across the bridge we followed the Tees all the way back to Middleton, arriving in the car park at 4.20pm. Throughout the walk something had been puzzling me - why did I feel that Keith looked familiar? Who did he remind me of? As I shed my walking boots it finally dawned on me - he was the spitting image of Tommy Lee doing an impersonation of Rambo! Cool, I can sleep tonight now.