Upper Teesdale

A fantastic XC ride around the reservoirs taking in some superb scenery in Upper Teesdale, dubbed as "England's Best Kept Secret"
The ride heads along a track which was once the railway line between Middleton-in-Teesdale and Barnard Castle down to Cotherstone before heading onto the moors and across to Balderhead Reservoir. It then heads over to Grassholme and towards Middleton-in-Teesdale via a fantastic bridleway descent before returning to the start point via a track along the old railway line.
PLEASE NOTE: Part of this ride passes through a military training area, see below for ride options if military operations are taking place.
HOW TO GET THERE:
This ride starts at the old railway station at Mickleton situated just off Bail Hill Road. It is signposted from Mickleton at a junction near to the Blacksmith's Arms and there a number of parking spaces available.
Post ride, the Blacksmith's Arms in Mickleton is an ideal place for a pint while there are plenty of facilities in Barnard Castle and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
WET WEATHER OPTION:
This ride includes part of the Pennine Way on Cotherstone Moor and it becomes very boggy after wet weather, so it is advisable to do this section after a dry period of weather.
A wet weather version of this ride mainly on tarmac can be found via this link: www.strava.com/activities/8202501484
DRY WEATHER OPTION:
Part of this ride goes through a military training area on Cotherstone Moor and below are various options depending on any military activity taking place.
If there are no red warning flags flying, you are permitted to pass through this training area.
This is the Strava link to the ride: www.strava.com/activities/9687774750
If there are red warning flags flying, you are not permitted to pass through this training area.
This is the Strava link to an alternative section along the ride: www.strava.com/activities/5686377024

[@stephenbrown5844]

Fantastic scenery and brilliant tracks,, another one for the list😁👌❤️🇬🇧thanks for the footage my friend. Stay safe and sound mate

[@manyadescent822]

Thanks Stephen, it's a great ride and the scenery is amazing - guaranteed you'll like it 😄

[@neilyevomanayre6181]

Absolutely beauty ride, mate. Really enjoyed that video 👍

[@manyadescent822]

Cheers fella 😁 Did it again a couple of weeks ago but had to abort the ride near Grassholme due to bad weather ☹

[@neilyevomanayre6181]

Yeah I can imagine it being far too muddy up there with all the rain we've had lately. You definitely picked the right day when you made the video though 👍