Wild Camping UK | North Pennines

A recent wild-camping trip to my beloved Upper Teesdale in the North Pennines.

[@thegeordiewildcamper]

Nice one Chris. not a bad morning at all..really need to do more in the North Pennines they are right on my doorstep. TFS Steven

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Steven. I'm a bit of a Pennine fan full stop but the North Pennines are great for the seeker of quieter places 🙂. Best wishes, Chris

[@anthonypayne1]

My kind of landscape Chris, stunning! Interesting flora and fauna too. I hope your headache cleared up. Atb Anthony👍👍

[@ChrisJB]

It's just brill up there Anthony. I'm probably talking nonsense but me it has a bit of an otherworldly feel 😎. ATB, Chris

[@ronpowell6372]

Nice to have you back Chris ….another lovely video posting and what a surprise too, the northern Pennines, a stunning part of the country. Cheers Chris.

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Ron. Aye, it's great up there. Just wish it was a bit nearer. 🙂

[@ronpowell6372]

@@ChrisJB I know it's a fare trek propa North England....got a mate whose just moved to Coldstream and he likes walking....fingers crossed...lol. Take care R

[@gainesy_walks]

Great trip that Chris, beautiful area. Just watching while all my gear dries out 😂 thanks for sharing your trip, Dave

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Dave. Yep, you right like it up there. The conservatory is like a sauna whilst my tent is drying! Bye for now, Chris

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

Upper Teesdale in late May, early June👌 There's no where better... anywhere! Absolutely stunning, great video Chris. Cheers Alistair 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks mate. You are spot on.....no better time to experience that area. ATB, Chris

[@helenreeves6978]

One of my favourite walks, I’m with you and Wainwright on this one 😃

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Helen. Yep, one of my favourites too. Has a feel all of it's own. 👍

[@MrJud62]

as always mate a top video with stunning scenery and knowledgeable insight.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Ken. ATB pal. 👍

[@stevewilson8844]

Great video Chris👍now watched it about 6 times ,just done the same walk and wild camp and the midges are very much the biting kind could have done with a slight breeze up there but was nowt at all!!👍

[@davesgreatescapes]

I know exactly where you pitched, camped nearby in blizzarding snow and minus 9 back in February, got it on my channel. Love that walk...been doing it 40 years. Saw a golden eagle further up about a month back ( yes its been verified, released from Scotland apparently) and theres Ravens and Falcons up Widdybank Fell, hence the name Falcon Clints...those crags you walked past. Wainwright was truly right about that stretch of the Tees...its simply gorgeous. Glad you enjoyed it mate 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Aye, it's one of my favourite walks anywhere Dave, along with the similar one on the other side of the river via Cauldron Snout. Well done on the GE. It was probably one of the birds released in either Galloway or the Southern Uplands where they are trying to increase the population. Thanks for watching and commenting mate.

[@CountrysideWalking]

Sorry I'm late in catching up with your wild camping. I think its so impressive the knowledge and interest you have for birds and wild life. Good idea taking time out for a paddle. I always like doing something different on route of a walk. The River tees and landscape views lovely. I lLike the trendy pump shoes too (good promo chat). Glad you sorted out your pitch base eventually.

[@ChrisJB]

That's fine Shanita....there is no expectation to watch and comment on them all 🙂. This is a particularly good area for wildlife which always draws me back. Somewhere quieter and a little different from he honeypot areas too. Best wishes to you and Michael and bye for now. Chris

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! I just found your channel and subscribed. Cheers!

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks Dan. I hope you like the other stuff 🙏. Best wishes, Chris

[@NNICKKK]

Absolutely fantastic again Chris! Realy great, and i echo the others with the knowledge all through this one. Not a part of the North i know, but when you pointed out the Scottishness, it so reminded me of upper Deeside, which is my old neck of the woods in NE Scotland. I'll have to get see if i can get on up to the Pennines! You had some cracking weather! Atb! Nick

[@ChrisJB]

How do Nick. and thanks pal. Yep, apart from Pennine Wayers, I don't think many folk head up this way.....which I'm glad about as it is nice and quiet! Also, just a few miles west of here you have the mighty High Cup too which is deffo worth a visit. Bye for now, Chris

[@acedecs]

Great video Chris. It’s a stunning part of the world so lucky only an hour ish from home. Not often you get the chance to go barefoot let’s hope it’s not the last of the good weather it’s turned crap now ☔️ I noticed that Sayer hill campsite has closed they moved to france! Thanks for sharing. Hope you’re well.

[@ChrisJB]

How do Decs and thanks. Yep, you are lucky having it close.....it's a bit of a trek for me, though worth it. I was aware Sayer Hill had closed and they'd moved to France. A bit gutting really as I liked it there. I'm fine thanks mate and hope you are too. Bye for now, Chris

[@BurtReynoldstash]

A beautiful walk next to the river. Also makes a handy beer chiller. Man after my own heart lol Great video Chris

[@ChrisJB]

How do Nathan and thanks. yep, the little brook was very handy. 🙂

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Thank you Chris for reminding me how wonderful that area is your a top bloke and a top video. Unbelievably that very section of the PW was on my mind this morning as I missed it out on my PW due to windy weather. I may motorbikes up to Middleton stay on the camp site and leave my bike there and walk to Alston. I did ford the wide river back in the 80s with my brother and remember the large boulders being the main stumbling block. The weather looked lovely unlike your fiery with David in the Peaks and certainly the type of weather we saw nothing of in Wales. How are you getting on with the DCF?, having just spent 9 consecutive nights in my Notch I continue to grow fonder of the whole set up. Anyway I wish I could remember everything I wanted to say. ATB 🍻👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Dave for your very kind comment. If you did get the opportunity to get back up there I really recommend it. As well as this bit you have High Cup and Cross Fell too, though in rough weather I'd give it a miss too as it can be wild up there. The weather has been terrible recently and I imagine it's been hard going in Wales. I'll be very interested to see how you got on if you filmed it (I know filming can be hard work if the weather is bad). I'm loving the new Notch in DCF. I like the extra light weight and also how it doesn't absorb water. I wouldn't say I have totally managed the perfect pitch yet (apart from on my auntie's lawn!) due to the lack of stretch in the material but I am getting better each time 🙂. Bye for now, Chris 🍻

[@danallen3947]

great stuff loved it

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Dan. Glad you liked it. Best wishes, Chris

[@carolfitton2007]

Great video, keep up the good work 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thank you! 👍 ATB, Chris

[@cosykitz]

On catch up as ever Chris! What a beautiful day for a wander and wild camp & lots of wildlife to entertain too. Keep having fun, we love watching Fiona & Neil x

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks both. A special trip this, one of the best areas, at my favourite time of the year. Hope you are both well. 🙂

[@olr1home]

Champion! That was a real pleasure to watch; calm, considered and very interesting. Hope you are well!

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks Oliver. All okay here....the summer hols are almost upon us! Hope you are okay too. 😎🙂☀️

[@darrendazzertodd]

I really enjoyed that one. Thanks for posting. Calm and solitude, perfect

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Daz. It's a good area for peace and quiet. ATB, Chris

[@stevewilson8844]

By the way Sayers Hill camp site is closed now but Langdon Beck Hotel has a field at the rear we used for a night so that is always good to know!👍

[@ChrisJB]

Six times? That must be a record 🙂. Great news about the pub too, I'll deffo bear that in mind. Thanks Steve. Bye for now, Chris

[@JenniferLupine]

Great trip Chris! I’m enjoying seeing more of the North Pennines! The river area is quite lovely! I’d sure enjoy seeing the local wildflowers and insects in person, as well as the peaceful views. Great to hear a bit of geology as well! Nice nest find and other critters too- one seemed to have expired- lol! 👌👍👍😊

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Jennifer. Upper Teesdale is possibly the most famous botany area in England with lots of special flowers and things. Yes, a shame about the little shrew. Hope you are well. Best wishes, Chris

[@chriswhite2714]

Cracking video Chris, it's fantastic the knowledge of everything you know what's around you. Cheers mate for sharing 👊👍🥃

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Chris 👍. Glad you liked it. 🙂

[@belowaveragewildcamper]

Great video Chris. Looked like a day to remember 🙏

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Steve 👍. I've had some great times up there. Cheers, Chris

[@andrewschofield7452]

Great video Chris. Some wonderful scenery and wildlife. Looks like you wholly enjoyed it. Thanks for taking us along with you. 👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thank you Andrew. It's a tremendous area up there. Best wishes, Chris

[@ClareCelticHiker]

Great video Chris! I clocked your footwear as the video began, I was wondering if they were Hoka, but as you said further in they are Altra. They look very comfy, I might invest in a pair!

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Clare. Yes, so far so good with the Altras......very comfortable. These are the Olympus 4 but I think there is a newer Olympus 5 model. ATB, Chris

[@Hengists_Wild_Camps]

Great video Chris with some lovely scenery. As always, I appreciated your explanations of things along the way, interesting stuff mate.👍

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks Hengist. It's a fair old drive to get there but it does keep drawing me back. Bye for now, Chris

[@seanmurphy6139]

Excellent as always, thanks for sharing your trip.

[@ChrisJB]

Glad you enjoyed it Sean and thanks. Cheers, Chris

[@nickarter]

Another great trip Chris, I love the Tees at Langdon Beck, feels such big country, like a Canadian River, had some happy times there, often used to walk over to Garrigill where I used to chat to a very famous poet called Colin. He was an expert on the Teasdale Rarities, and showed me some places where they grow, I’d say in the late nineties. Been looking for a weather window myself the last few weeks! Thanks for posting. Best Regards Nick

[@ChrisJB]

Many thanks Nick. You're spot on. I find the Tees up there unique, almost like glacial melt-water so totally get the Canada comparison. The Teesdale flowers are legendary and part of the attraction I guess. I'm planning on going out tomorrow night, though the weather looks grim but it's my last chance for a few weeks. Best wishes, Chris

[@alanbateson9275]

Fabulous video Chris, I so much look forward to watching your walks and camps and thouroghly enjoy listening to you talk about about the geology, Fauna and Flora on your videos. I'm guessing this must have been late June as summer seems to have completely vanished in July. I have to say The North Pennines and Teesdale look absolutely stuning. Already looking forward to your next trip👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks so much Alan. It was mid-June so yes, decent weather! For the nature and geology enthusiast, Upper Teesdale takes some beating. Best wishes, Chris

[@phillridley3536]

Lovely that Chris. Must get out that way soon. Thanks for taking the time to share. ATB Phill

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Phill. It's a cool area.....pretty quiet too.

[@tonyhare8961]

Thanks Chris, enjoyed that, excellent mix of botany and beer.

[@ChrisJB]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony and thanks. Botany and beer are two of my favourite things!😉

[@LisaTheWanderingGeordie]

Great Video, ive never been around tees, im Newcastle so not far and ill definitely pop this on the list. Ive the Platypus Quick draw and gravity and they are great. Its the quick draw i use and i cant see me changing it... Cool tent

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Lisa. Yep, I think I need to get hold of a Platypus quick draw.....they seem to tick all the right boxes for me. I deffo recommend Upper Teesdale. It has a real special feel to me, a bit otherworldly. ATB, Chris

[@cameron5795]

really love your content. its a real niche that few channels fill with your knowledge of the landscape, flora, and fauna. am always learning something from these videos. also, am a birder myself, very very jealous about that common sand nest! what a priviledge. fingers crossed sheep, dog, and general disturbance wont massively impact its success

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Cameron. Yep the common sand' nest was a real thrill. It's a great area for breeding waders and other stuff. I didn't manage to film them but I also saw a ring ouzel and heard black grouse. 🙂

[@jaywhite2759]

Another great video, good to see you getting the hang of the notch li. Had mine out a few times now, latest bring the cleavland way. Flat ground definitely helps the pitch with that non stretch dcf.

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks pal. Yes, a nice flat surface to pitch on. One thing about dcf tents, if my pitch looks iffy I can always blame lumpy ground and no stretch in the material rather than my rubbish tent pitching skills 😉. Bye for now, Chris

[@WyeExplorer]

Well, Chris I knew I wasn't going to say much when the video opened. I just really enjoyed coming along with you amid the North Pennines. My type of place for sure. I love the river there - had a proper mountain feel to it. I hope your head was better on the way out. Enjoyed that. Mark

[@ChrisJB]

Glad you liked it Mark. I thought if you on this trip, what with the heavy river theme. It is a feel all of its own the Tees up here. Certainly a long way from the industrial scenes well downstream and near the coast. ATB and have a good weekend, Chris

[@DesGreene]

Hi Chris. Beautiful countryside that! Can't beat a walk beside a river on a hot day👍 That common sandpiper nest was a great find! We we were watching a pair on Bolsley Reservoir the other week. Lovely little birds. Great camp👍 All the best and catch you soon!

[@ChrisJB]

I've just noticed that there isn't my reply here Des. I could've sworn I replied. 🤔

[@DesGreene]

@@ChrisJB Pretty sure you did too. Funny thing about the sandpipers... I was trying out that Merlin bird song app and it said they were kildeer at first! 😅 It did correct itself though.

[@ChrisJB]

@@DesGreene Crikey! Kildeer would be good 👍.

[@BorderRambler]

Excellent Chris , it looked great up there with all that nature going on . Must have been a month or so back for the nesting birds. You found a cracking spot and got away in the nick of time. Only ever been to Cauldron Snout from cow green Kant years back . Northern Pennines at its best mate atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Mate. Yes it was Dave, mid June I think. Cauldron Snout is a tremendous spot. There is a nice flat spot near the bottom that Pennine Wayers use to camp. I quite fancy that sometime though it could be noisy.....and busy perhaps? 🤔 Bye for now, Chris

[@kevinball4410]

Great video, Chris Totally agree with you about the area around there. beautifully unspoilt I don't go often enough 😂

[@ChrisJB]

Oh it's fab Kevin, especially in May and June. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@TrevsOutdoorsandWellbeing]

Not even started watching this Chris but I know it will be a cracker liked already

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks Trev'. Hope it met your expectations. 🤞

[@michaeldenham9681]

Great area the North Pennines, but a very long time since I was up that way. Your film has put me in mind to go up there for a few days some time. Fine weather for you.

[@ChrisJB]

Upper Teesdale is wonderful Michael. Some nice holiday cottages too up there which we have used in the past. Bye for now, Chris

[@1982Noddin]

Sound that mate. 😊

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Dan 👍

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Much enjoyed as always Chris. Love the N Pennines and this is a great inspiration to get up there again soon. Cheers.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Dan mate. I'm a big NP fan too.....probably the remotest, quietest place in England. 😎

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

@@ChrisJB Agreed. Similar to The Cambrian Mountains of mid wales in many ways. You must visit that spot at some point. Just done a video crossing The Monk's Trod if you need any inspiration. Cheers.

[@ChrisJB]

I have done a bit there Dan, Pumlumon, etc and a couple of obscure 2000 footers. Will check out your vid though. 🙂

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

@@ChrisJB Thanks. Might have a hunt through oyur vids to find those ones. Always enjoy your delivery and learn something new.

[@ChrisJB]

@@danexitsstreetview3273 It was not only pre YT when I did them Dan, it was pre-internet. I was about 20! 😄

[@Gooner-1971]

Great video as always mate. Upper Teesdale is very beautiful - not quite the same can be said of lower Teesdale (Teesside) 😊

[@ChrisJB]

Thanks pal. Yes, two different worlds. Have you ever visited a place called South Gare at the mouth of the Tees? It's like a post apocalyptic landscape but very interesting. 👍

[@Gooner-1971]

@@ChrisJB haha yes very good point…I have indeed visited when I did the Teasdale Way and that was the end point at South Gare … South Bizarre more like…

[@titothetroddler]

Looks a really nice part of the world there Chris, the pitch looked fab, was gonna chance my arm this weekend but forecast looking dodgy, might go for following weekend, keep em coming pal all the best Tito 😊

[@ChrisJB]

It's a brilliant area Tito. Tomorrow night is my last chance for a camp for few weeks so I'm going to give it a go I think. 🤞. Bye for now, Chris

[@titothetroddler]

@@ChrisJB have a good one pal 👍

[@overthehillwildcamper]

Great video Chris, you have it just right, interesting stuff and not too much waffle. Watched your Cross Fell video from 2years back, where did you park the car, fancy doing it soon.

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers pal. It's definitely a fine line between getting it right and too much waffle! For Cross Fell I parked in Kirkland mate. There is a tiny car park through the village, right at the start of the walk. Alternatively, I think you can park near the church. 👍

[@craigmorris6306]

Great vid as usual mate looked a really good place for a wild camp trust you had a better night with the beer rather than the red 😂

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Craig. Yes I did mate. Should give the wine a miss really! 🙄😉

[@craig3401]

Cracking trip Chris and yes the tent looked way better than last time lol.ive just been looking at some Olympus 5 then you pop up with some 4s lol but your right the lone peak are very comfy but the sole is just 2 thin for me when I have my camping pack on so I just wear them knocking about and day hikes.the thicker sole of the Olympus looks ideal did you get the gore Tex 1s or standard

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Craig. I really recommend the Altra Olympus. For me anyway, they are very comfortable. Mine are the standard. My feet just sweat too much with a Gore-tex liner in summer. ATB, Chris

[@seasicksteve8089]

Brilliant video again Chris. Never been up there before. Must try it one day. More and more people seem to rate those shoes. Any good?

[@ChrisJB]

Cheers Steve pal. So far so good with the Altras.....but they do have a wide fit so may no be everyone's cup o' tea. 👍

[@Karen-dq8nw]

How do you stay in good physical condition when you can't get out as often as you want? Nice footage! Looks so peaceful.

[@ChrisJB]

Hello Karen and thanks. When I was younger I was very lucky, having good natural fitness so I didn't have to do much. As I've got older I've lost some of that and have put on weight too! I suppose I am pretty active though, ie try to walk places rather than drive, etc which should help. 🙂

[@harrisonpeters6945]

Hi Chris, great video. I am looking to do a similar route sometime soon. Can you walk down harwood beck from langdon beck hotel or do you have to go around via the roads?

[@ChrisJB]

How do Harrison and thanks pal. Yes, there is a footpath that leads from Landgon alongside the river. From the pub, just walk a bit towards Cow Green (not far) and you will see a ford/river crossing on the left, basically that's where the path starts and will take you down to the River Tees. It's the route I took on this walk. 👍

[@fraserconnell21]

God's own country 🙏. 😊

[@ChrisJB]

Certainly is Fraser. Hope you're well pal. 👍

[@peterholmes3011]

Always enjoy your videos. Keep having no music on your videos - not needed.

[@ChrisJB]

Ta Peter. Interesting your comments re the music. It does cause me a few headaches. When I have included it it is usually completely unsuitable for the mood! ATB, Chris

[@MKChase-uj9vx]

Aaaaggghhhh.... what's up with you man! Don't put the soddin milk in with the tea bag!

[@ChrisJB]

You are probably right. I'm not au fait with tea bags. At home I have tea-leaves and have all my life. Not very practical for camps though. ☹️

[@paulryan2081]

Hurrah. I'll nab the remote off the wife when I get home Chris. Aren't I hard? Cheers, Paul

[@ChrisJB]

Ha ha! Good luck with the remote mate! 🤞

[@paulryan2081]

​@@ChrisJB Result Chris. I grappled her to the floor and threatened to tickle her till she weed. Another fine video mate in an area I've never visited. I'm intrigued with the footwear too. Do you prefer them to boots? Thanks again, Paul

[@ChrisJB]

@@paulryan2081 Deffo prefer the trainers Paul though I think you have to make sure you get a brand that works for your feet. Some brands are too narrow for me but Altras are spot on. Always boots in the colder months though. 🙂

[@davethorpe2947]

Widdybank farm used to be farmed and tenanted and the famers wife used to sell drinks etc to those on the PW , we stopped there 29 yrs ago, last time we were up there it was a field study centre. thelangsettwanderer

[@ChrisJB]

Now you mention I vaguely remember it selling cans of pop and crisps etc when I did the PW in 1990. The PW side of the Tees is a good walk too. I was over your way last night, near Margery Hill. I got drenched!