The best walks and hikes around Romaldkirk

Yes, many trails in the Teesdale area are dog-friendly. However, you'll be walking through farmland with livestock and across moorland with ground-nesting birds, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially during lambing and nesting seasons (typically spring and early summer).

Certainly. The area offers several shorter, flatter routes perfect for families. For a gentle walk, consider the Fox and Hounds Pub loop from Cotherstone, which is a relatively short and easy trail nearby. The old railway line, now the Tees Valley Railway Walk, also provides a mostly flat and accessible path for all ages.

Yes, Romaldkirk is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. Many routes are designed to bring you back to the village. A great example is the Cotherstone Castle – Fox and Hounds Pub loop from Romaldkirk, which takes you along the River Tees to the next village and back.

Definitely. Combining a scenic walk with a pub stop is a popular activity here. Many trails pass through or near villages with traditional pubs. For instance, you can follow paths from Romaldkirk to Cotherstone, where you'll find the Fox and Hounds pub, a well-regarded stop for walkers.

The area is famous for its waterfalls. A short drive from Romaldkirk leads you to the Bowlees Visitor Centre, the starting point for walks to Low Force and High Force. The River Tees Crossing – Bluebell Wood and Waterfall loop from Romaldkirk also incorporates some of the lovely water features along the river.

Romaldkirk is a small village, so parking is generally available on the street, particularly around the village greens. However, it can get busy on weekends. For popular spots like Low Force or High Force, there are dedicated pay-and-display car parks. It's always best to arrive early to secure a spot.

The trails vary widely to suit different preferences. You'll find short, easy loops of around 3 miles (5 km) that take about an hour or two, as well as more challenging all-day hikes. For example, the View of the North Pennines – Lune Railway Viaduct loop from Romaldkirk is a longer trek of over 11 miles (18 km).

The majority of hikes around Romaldkirk are rated as moderate. They often involve some gentle climbs over rolling hills, uneven riverside paths, and stiles. There are also plenty of easy, flatter options suitable for beginners, as well as a few difficult routes for experienced hikers looking for a challenge on the open moorland.

Yes, the nearby reservoirs offer fantastic walking opportunities with scenic views. The Around Balderhead Reservoir — North Pennines trail is a great example, taking you through open moorland surrounding the water. Grassholme, Hury, and Blackton reservoirs also have well-defined paths.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful and varied scenery, from peaceful riverside paths along the River Tees to the expansive views from the open fells. The well-preserved drystone walls and charming villages are also frequently mentioned highlights.

There are over 130 designated hiking routes to explore in and around Romaldkirk. This extensive network includes everything from short village strolls and riverside walks to long-distance treks across the North Pennines moorland, offering options for every fitness level.

Besides the specific trails, several key areas are popular with walkers:

• Low Force Waterfall: A highly-rated spot known for its picturesque series of falls and the nearby Winch Bridge. It's a focal point for many riverside walks.
• Tees Valley Railway Walk: A much-loved flat path following an old railway line, perfect for an easy stroll between villages like Mickleton and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
• Deepdale Nature Reserve: A peaceful reserve with well-marked paths, ideal for a quiet walk and wildlife spotting.
• Moor House - Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve: This vast reserve offers more rugged, remote hiking experiences, including the dramatic landscape around Cauldron Snout.