Durham

Bishop’s Trail

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Overview

From Bishop Auckland head to visit Shildon before arriving at Raby Castle. Enjoy the impressive views from Barnard Castle before visiting Bowes Castle. Pass Eggleton Abbey before the High Force and Low Force waterfalls. Enjoy the scenery from Harthope Moss before arriving at Brancepeth Castle.

Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland – the gateway to the Weardale, in the Vale of Durham stands above the River Wear affording views of the countryside. Enjoy the independent shops, take a visit to Auckland Castle, explore the grounds and deer park. Just a mile outside the town are the remains of Binchester Roman Fort.

Shildon

Shildon’s industrial heritage is intrinsically linked to coal production and the development of steam engines. Visit Locomotion – the National Railway Museum and enjoy a host of exhibits including the Collection Building, the Conservation Workshop, take a door or enjoy a steam ride – all aboard!

Staindrop

On your way through Staindrop, stop to visit the stunning Raby Castle. Built in the 14th century, Raby Castle and grounds occupy 200 acres of the Durham Vales – enjoy the walled garden, deer park and visit the historic transport collection.

Barnard Castle

Adjacent to the market town of the same name and standing on a rock above the River Tees the remains of Barnard Castle built in the 12th century rewards visitors with impressive views across the Tees Gorge.

Bowes

The Pennine village of Bowes is built around the 12th century Bowes Castle, the impressive remains overlooking the strategically important Stainmore Pass. Visit Bowes Museum, in the grounds of Barnard Castle to see the collections of fine and decorative art.

Middleton-in-Teesdale

Middleton-in-Teesdale on the Pennie Way is a market town that provides an attractive base for exploring the nearby Eggleston Abbey ruins, Low Force waterfall and the impressive High Force waterfall at Forest-in-Teesdale.

Harthope Moss

The mountain pass of Harthope Moss – or Chapel Fell, is a remote location in the Pennines dividing Weardale and Teesdale. Take in the fresh air, enjoy the big skies and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Brancepeth

Brancepeth Castle is a medieval castle in the village of Brancepeth – time your visit to enjoy one the craft fairs held at the venue. Close by you will find the impressive Whitworth Hall hotel with its deer park and ornamental lake.

Overview

1

Bishop Auckland

2
3.1 miles

Shildon

3
9.9 miles

Staindrop

4
6.1 miles

Barnard Castle

5
4.6 miles

Bowes

6
10.9 miles

Middleton-in-Teesdale

7
10.0 miles

Harthope Moss

8
25.6 miles

Brancepeth

What to see and do…

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Sykes Holiday Cottages | North East

Sykes Holiday Cottages, Durham

Crowdy Hall | Pods | Durham

Hopper House Farm, Racecourse Road, Sedgefield, Durham, TS21 HL

Hazelfield Lodges | Durham

Hazelfield Cottage, Little Stainton, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, TS21 1HP

The Gables Pod Camping | Durham

Three Lane Ends, Escomb, Durham, DL14 7SR.

Barnard Castle

Scar Top, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8PR

Diggerland Durham

Diggerland Durham, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT

Travelodge Hotel | Durham

Travelodge Durham, Station Lane, Gilesgate, County Durham, DH1 1LJ

About the Bishop’s Trail Trail

Distance: 70 miles
Cities / Towns: 8
Number Of Businesses: 7

Leave Bishop Auckland heading south to the railway heritage of Shildon at Locomotion museum. Enjoy Raby Castle and grounds before arriving at the village of Barnard Castle, with the castle that shares its name. Perched on a rock above the River Tees, overlooking the Tees Gorge, the views are stunning. From Castle Bowes you can look down on Stainmore Pass. En route to Middleton-in-Teesdale visit the ruins of Eggleston Abbey and further on the Forest-in-Teesdale is home to the impressive High Force Waterfalls – upstream you will encounter Low Force Waterfalls. Take in the magnificent scenery of Harthope Moss before arriving at Brancepeth Castle.

Castle Delights

If you like castles, then this is for you – setting out from Bishop’s Auckland you can explore the fortifications and defences of Raby Castle, Barnard Castle and Bowes Castle.

Stunning Views

The road climbs to Harthope Moss – or Chapel Pass in the Pennines where you can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Locomotion

Steam enthusiasts will love a trip to Locomotion where you can discover the history of the railway – take a tour and may be a ride on one of the heritage engines.

Also Nearby

Sykes Holiday Cottages | North East

Sykes Holiday Cottages, Durham

Crowdy Hall | Pods | Durham

Hopper House Farm, Racecourse Road, Sedgefield, Durham, TS21 HL

Hazelfield Lodges | Durham

Hazelfield Cottage, Little Stainton, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, TS21 1HP

The Gables Pod Camping | Durham

Three Lane Ends, Escomb, Durham, DL14 7SR.

Barnard Castle

Scar Top, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8PR

Diggerland Durham

Diggerland Durham, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT

Travelodge Hotel | Durham

Travelodge Durham, Station Lane, Gilesgate, County Durham, DH1 1LJ

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